Montenegro-UN cooperation focused on Sustainable Development and EU agenda

Sustainable development and EU agenda are at the heart of future cooperation between Montenegro and the UN System in the country. This was concluded at the twelfth meeting of the Joint Country Steering Committee (JCSC), the body which oversees and steers the implementation of the Integrated UN Programme for Montenegro 2017-2021. The document defines cooperation between the Government and UN in Montenegro in four strategic result areas: Democratic Governance, Environmental Sustainability, Social Inclusion and Economic Governance.  

At the meeting, co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović and the UN Resident coordinator in Montenegro Fiona McCluney, representatives of UN agencies and eight line ministries reviewed results of cooperation in 2018 and the planned activities for 2019. In 2018, Government and UN jointly implemented programs and projects totalling $ 13 million, while the value of joint interventions planned for 2019 amounts to US $ 16.9 million.

Minister Darmanović praised results of the joint work of the Government and the UN System under the "Delivering as One " modality and specifically pointed out high complementarity of the goals defined in the 2030 Agenda and the European Agenda.

“Commitment to building a society based on democratic values, the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms is a top priority of the Government of Montenegro. On that path, we look forward to further support of the UN system, especially the strengthened Office of the Resident Coordinator"

Srđan Darmanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs

The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Fiona McCluney stressed out the commitment of the UN system in the country to support the Government of Montenegro on the road to the European Union and in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"As of this year, the UN team is working in a new, reformed structure. It is part of a reformed work of the United Nations at the national level initiated by the UN Secretary-General in order to strengthen the UN’s support to the Member States in achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals" 

Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro

McCluney added that the UN System continues to strongly support Montenegro in meeting key challenges in the areas of sustainable development and human rights.