MFA: UN is reliable partner in socio-economic development of Montenegro

“The United Nations has proven to be a committed partner and significant support in many areas on Montenegro’s path to EU and in achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda“, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Djordje Radulović during the 13th session of the Joint Country Steering Committee, a body which oversees the implementation of the Integrated UN Programme for Montenegro 2017-2022.

Heads of UN agencies and representatives of the eight line ministries discussed key achievements from the previous year with particular focus on response to the COVID 19 pandemic, major plans for the upcoming period, as well as the key findings of the Analysis of the situation in the country in the context of the preparation of the next five-year strategic plan of cooperation for the period 2023-2027.

As a responsible member of the international community, Montenegro is strongly committed to the principles of multilateralism and 2030 Agenda.

Djordje Radulović, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister Radulović praised cooperation with the UN System in Montenegro especially during the previous year of the global health crisis with increased poverty and inequalities around the world. He said that economy of Montenegro was seriously affected pointing out that the government measures are especially focused on the most vulnerable in this context.

UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Peter Lundberg stated that the UN system in Montenegro remains a strong ally of Montenegro in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, reminding that the UN has supported the country in dealing with the crisis with $ 7.64 million, data collection and analysis, procurement of medical and protective equipment, and adaptation of the current program to the new situation. Lundberg particularly highlighted the importance of the development of the upcoming five-year strategic Cooperation Framework.

We have achieved a lot together, and I hope that the path of excellent cooperation will continue in the future to increase the chances of Montenegro to become part of the European Union, but also to ensure the overall impact of the 2030 Agenda. We have only nine years to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Peter Lundberg, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro

At the meeting co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and UN Resident Coordinator, representatives of the UN system and the Government discussed dynamics of the development of the new Framework of Cooperation for Sustainable Development 2023-2027 as well as the future priority areas of cooperation.