Stakeholders get together in Podgorica to envision a resilient and inclusive urban future

A diverse group of local and national stakeholders came together this week in Podgorica for a workshop to take stock of current urban challenges and begin shaping a more resilient and inclusive future for the city, marking an initial step towards the development of Podgorica’s first-ever master plan.

Organized jointly by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Capital City of Podgorica and hosted by the University of Montenegro’s Faculty of Architecture, the workshop entitled “Podgorica 2040: Co-creating a resilient and inclusive city” brought together representatives of local government bodies, local public companies and agencies, civil society, the business community, academia and citizens. Participants shared their perspectives on current challenges and opportunities and contributed to a collective vision for Podgorica 15 years from now.

“Cities today face many interconnected challenges – urban growth, climate risks, infrastructure needs, housing affordability and social inclusion, while also being places of opportunity, innovation and resilience. As Podgorica plays a key role in the country’s economic and social development, the city is growing and evolving, creating both opportunities and important planning challenges,” said Javier Torner, Regional Adviser for Housing and Land Management at UNECE, opening the event.

The workshop is part of the broader UN-funded project entitled “Urban Economic Resilience for Inclusive Responses and Recovery from Crises”. This initiative supports the development of actionable strategies and bankable projects to drive inclusive recovery and long-term transformation at the local level in five cities across the globe, including Montenegro's capital.

“Podgorica is one of a small number of cities globally participating in this initiative and we greatly appreciate the city’s openness and engagement. The Podgorica 2040 Master Plan is an important step and a long-term vision that will help guide development and ensure that today’s decisions contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future,” added Mr Torner.

Participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the current state of urban development in Podgorica, presented by project consultant Miloš Gačević. The analysis covered spatial, demographic and economic dynamics of the city, with a focus on land use, population growth, green and blue infrastructure and urban mobility.

The second part of the workshop was highly interactive. Through group work, stakeholders discussed Podgorica's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats using a SWOT analysis tool. This was followed by a visioning exercise, during which stakeholders explored potential projects that could contribute to making Podgorica more resilient, greener and more inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“The Podgorica 2040 Master Plan provides a strategic framework for sustainable urban development, guided by a vision of a resilient and inclusive city. As the first document of its kind in Montenegro, it aims to promote promote integrated planning, stakeholder engagement and active citizen participation,” said Gavrilo Vuković, Secretary for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development of the Capital City of Podgorica. “This workshop marks the beginning of a comprehensive process of consultations to prioritize key projects and shape the city’s future.”

In closing, Mr Vuković presented ongoing and planned initiatives by the Capital City, including projects focused on cultural heritage protection, urban green spaces, cultural and convention facilities and social housing. These efforts reflect a broader vision of Podgorica as a compact, green and resilient European city offering a high quality of life. 

UNECE will continue to support the Capital City of Podgorica through this initiative, with the aim of developing a pipeline of finance-ready projects that strengthen urban resilience and enhance the city’s capacity to engage with development partners and financial institutions.