Key achievements in the year behind us

The UNCT team in Montenegro published the UNCT Results Report 2020 which provides an overview of results achieved in the country in 2020 - the year when the unprecedented COVID-19 crises hit the world. While it started as a health crisis, it soon became clear that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is much more far-reaching, as it affected families, communities, societies, and economies.

Montenegro was not an exception to this, as the country has been hit hard by the crisis. The health and socioeconomic impact of COVID 19 pandemics not only put into the spotlight but also exacerbated existing structural weaknesses. The already vulnerable have been affected hardest, and the new groups of people emerged who are at risk of being left behind. The work of the United Nations in 2020 was strongly focused on supporting the Government of Montenegro with immediate response and coping with the crisis through evidence collection and analysis, procurement of medical equipment, advocacy, and ongoing programmatic work, showcasing the strength of partnership and flexibility to respond effectively and efficiently to the new reality.

“Now is the time and a unique chance for Montenegro to board onto sustainable trajectory which will prioritize inclusive and green economic development, decent work, health and education for all, poverty reduction, and improving resilience to future shocks. In order to achieve that, we need to build a cohesive and gender-equal society based on mutual respect, valuing diversity and trust in institutions which have to be transparent, effective and people-centered,”

Joint statement of Đorđe Radulović, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro and Peter Lundberg, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro

The UN and the Government are about to embark on joint development of the new five-year strategic plan of cooperation called the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which will set the strategic direction to tackle major development priorities and help the country on its path to the European Union.