United Nations in Montenegro

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Montenegro:

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01 June 2026

Latest: UN Montenegro Snapshots

Interested in the work of UN team on the ground?You're at the right place. Take a tour below through the review of monthly newsletters - UN Snapshots - where you can find major actions and results the UN team achieved together with partners in Montenegro. Latest... Highlights from UN's work in Montenegro in 2025 Highlights from UN's work in Montenegro in 2024 Highlights from UN's work in Montenegro in 2023 Highlights from UN's work in Montenegro in 2022 Highlights from UN's work in Montenegro in 2021

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05 February 2026

Dialogue and Innovation Build the Path Toward a More Inclusive Community

The Municipality of Bar has adopted the Charter on Social Cohesion, a strategic framework that confirms the local administration’s commitment to building a community based on trust, solidarity and equal opportunities for all citizens. The Charter is the result of a participatory process jointly implemented by the Municipality of Bar and UNDP, through activities ranging from the Local Forum “Community Drives Change” to the “Innovation Lab in the Field of Social Cohesion”.The Deputy Mayor, Tanja Spičanović, stated: “This document is not procedural in nature, but is based on values that traditionally belong to our city – multiculturalism, togetherness and solidarity. Its strength lies in the fact that it reaffirms our fundamental values and provides guidance for the further development of the local community.”The Charter is already being implemented through four initiatives developed within the Innovation Lab, through which non-governmental organizations from Bar have responded to key challenges identified by fellow citizens. UNDP and the Municipality of Bar supported these initiatives with grants as the most promising for strengthening trust and inclusion:I Am Not a Tourist - a programme for the active inclusion of citizens from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus;Bridges of Togetherness - a language “speed-dating” initiative connecting Turkish newcomers and the local population;I Can Do It - an educational and development programme for young Roma women;e-Tolerance - a digital platform that supports victims of cyber violence and promotes online dialogue.According to the NGO Lea, which implements the e-Tolerance project, the motivation for applying was to contribute to building a more tolerant and connected society through the exchange of experiences. “Over the past few months, e-Tolerance has helped create a safer and more supportive online space, where dialogue and understanding are promoted instead of hate speech,” the organization stated, confirming that the goal has been achieved.The Bar initiatives were also presented at the National Dialogue on Social Cohesion, from where activists of NGO Lea sent a clear message: “Citizens must be drivers of positive change in their community and must never remain silent in the face of violence in any form, but oppose it with the power of knowledge, empathy and solidarity.”Over the past months, volunteers of NGO Kompas have collected more than 250 bags of waste from sites such as Ratac, a protected area and a symbol of the Bar coastline. They emphasized that the key to the solution lies in joint engagement: “Stopping the spread of illegal dumpsites and changing attitudes toward nature can only be achieved if we all take responsibility and act in the interest of the common good.”Parallel to field activities, within the NextGen programme, six women from Bar completed a multi-month training programme for new leaders in the field of social cohesion, including activist Sanja Smolović, who stated: “For the common good, it is enough to offer support where you can. Small things change the community, and good spreads when it comes from the heart.”By adopting the Charter, Bar establishes a sustainable model of cooperation between citizens and institutions - a tool for long-term strengthening of trust and practical guidance for local initiatives and projects.The programme “Together for the Common Good - Enhancing Citizens’ Trust in Institutions and Building Resilient Communities” is implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and UNESCO, in partnership with the Government of Montenegro, with the support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

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19 December 2025

In Montenegro, women sustain agriculture but hold little land

Women in Montenegro perform much of the country’s agricultural work yet remain largely excluded from land ownership and decision-making. They make up more than half of the workforce on family farms but just 12.9 percent of those who hold ownership or secure rights to agricultural land.This is according to the new National Gender Profile of Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in close partnership with the Government of Montenegro.“Without addressing persistent gender disparities, it will not be possible to achieve better food security, improve nutrition, reduce poverty, or build resilience to climate change,” said Nabil Gangi, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia and FAO Representative in Montenegro. "This assessment sheds light on the vital but often invisible contributions of women to rural development and outlines key directions for ensuring that rural women both benefit from and contribute to agrifood systems transformation,” Ganghi said.Unequal rural realitiesDrawing on data from the country’s first agricultural census in 14 years, the report shows that women’s work in agriculture in Montenegro is often unpaid and undervalued, even though it is central to food production and household well-being.Gender inequalities are most pronounced in the northern region, where around 60 percent of residents live in rural areas. Agriculture remains the backbone of local livelihoods, but poverty levels there are almost three times higher than in other parts of the country. Women face limited access to education, health care and employment and spend long hours balancing farm work with domestic and care responsibilities, leaving little time for training or entrepreneurship.At the national level, Montenegro has made progress on gender equality, with its Gender Equality Index improving from 55.0 in 2019 to 59.3 in 2023 (out of a possible 100). However, the country remains behind the European Union average. The widest gaps persist in access to financial resources and participation in decision-making, two factors that strongly influence women’s ability to invest in and shape agrifood systems.Signs of progressDespite these challenges, gradual change is under way. Women now head around 16 percent of registered family farms, and under the 2025 Agrobudget they are entitled to 10 percent additional funding in selected investment areas such as crop and dairy production.Women’s entrepreneurship is also expanding. About one in four micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Montenegro is owned by women, although many rural businesses remain informal. Women who took part in the Country Gender Assessment’s focus group discussions expressed strong interest in developing business, digital and marketing skills, alongside improved access to start-up capital and professional networks.Land ownership and decision-making remain unequalDespite these signs of progress, however, deep-rooted inequalities persist in land ownership and leadership. While the country’s legal framework guarantees equal property rights for women and men, cultural norms continue to favour male inheritance. Many women still renounce property in favour of male relatives, limiting their access to collateral and finance.Much of the rural economy in Montenegro depends on women’s unpaid work on family farms, yet this effort seldom appears in statistics or policymaking. The assessment urges improved sex-disaggregated data to capture women’s full contribution to rural life and the economy.Empowered women, transforming agrifood systemsMontenegro has made important progress in aligning its policies with European Union standards and with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Still, many sectoral strategies remain gender blind, lacking the practical measures, targets and resources needed to translate legal commitments into action.“Together with United Nations agencies, development partners and other stakeholders, FAO will continue to provide technical expertise and support to the Government of Montenegro in order to address systemic barriers for empowering rural women, in alignment with national priorities and international commitments,” Gangi said.The Country Gender Assessment offers a framework for integrating gender perspectives across agriculture, rural development and climate adaptation while expanding women’s access to resources, finance and leadership roles.
As the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer approaches, the findings highlight the need for policies and investments to ensure that rural women have equal access to land, finance and decision-making in agrifood systems.

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15 September 2025

Sailing Together for Sustainable Future: Ocean Race Finale in Montenegro

Tivat, 15 September 2025The UN team in Montenegro joined forces with the prestigious regatta Ocean Race to highlight that sustainability begins with each of us. More than a competition, the Ocean Race is a global stage for science, education, and environmental action — with sustainable development at its heart.From the Baltic to the Mediterranean, the race culminated in Tivat, Montenegro, shining a spotlight on the power of partnerships, the importance of coastal preservation, and the richness of Montenegro’s maritime heritage. At the opening of the Grand Finale, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Caroline Tissot, reminded that the Montenegrin coast is more than a beautiful landscape – it is a lifeline."Although small in size, Montenegro is rich in natural resources. Every coastal nation – large or small – has a role to play in preserving our seas and oceans. Unfortunately rising temperatures, pollution, and plastic waste are pushing marine ecosystems to the brink,” said Tissot, emphasizing that only together can we succeed. “The oceans belong to all humanity and must be protected collectively. Just as sailors work together to navigate the waves, so too must nations and communities unite to safeguard our shared lifeline – the ocean,” Tissot said. The UN team inaugurated the UN Pavilion Journey Through Sustainable Development at the Ocean Live Park, where visitors can explore an immersive installation created by Montenegrin conceptual artist Ivan Šuković.„The multimedia installation is designed not just to inform, but to also provoke reflection on our personal contribution to sustainability,“ Šuković said. Sustainable development, strong partnerships, coastal preservation, and Montenegro’s maritime heritage are at the heart of this prestigious sailing finale, which positions Tivat and the Bay of Kotor on the global nautical map.As stated by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Filip Radulović, “the Ocean Race Europe 2025 is more than a sports regatta, it is a symbol of connecting culture, people and tradition.” The Ocean Race director Richard Brisius stressed out that for 50 years the race has been exploring new ways to connect the world. "At Ocean Race, we are firmly committed to restoring the health of the oceans. We cannot have a healthy planet without a healthy ocean. Together, we have brought to Boka not only a race, but also a mission to protect the ocean," stressed Richard Brisius, director of Ocean Race. With safeguarding the ocean at its core, the Ocean Race finale underscores Montenegro’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14, showcasing how local action, partnerships, and maritime tradition can contribute to global solutions.

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Opening of the Ocean Live Park in Tivat to mark the finale of the Ocean Race Europe 2025 - 3

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18 June 2026

Words Matter: Choosing Dialogue Over Hate

Podgorica, 18 June 2026 Countering hate speech requires more than condemning harmful words. It demands a collective commitment to dialogue, inclusion and respect for human rights. On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro and the United Nations Country Team in Montenegro call on all sectors of society to join this effort.At a time when digital platforms enable information to spread faster than ever, hate speech poses a serious challenge to social cohesion. Its impact extends far beyond the online sphere, undermining trust, weakening interpersonal relationships and eroding people's sense of belonging. Combined with disinformation, hate speech deepens social divisions, fuels discrimination and makes it more difficult to build inclusive and resilient societies."Countering hate speech is not about restricting freedom of expression. It is about protecting everyone's right to live free from discrimination, intimidation and violence. That is why institutions, media, the education system, civil society and every individual share the responsibility to promote a culture of dialogue, critical thinking and mutual respect. Only through collective action can we build a society where diversity is recognised as a strength rather than a source of division," said Tamara Vujović, Minister of Culture and Media of Montenegro.A key step in this effort is the establishment of the National Network Against Hate Speech and Disinformation, led by the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Culture and Media with the support of UNESCO. The Network is being developed under the social cohesion programme jointly implemented by UNESCO, UNICEF and UNDP, with financial support from the UN Peacebuilding Fund.Bringing together public institutions, media, academia, civil society organizations and international partners, the Network provides a platform for coordinated action to prevent and counter harmful narratives, promote responsible communication, and strengthen media and information literacy."We cannot respond to hate speech only after the harm has already been done. What is needed is a long-term, whole-of-society approach that connects education, media, culture, institutions and local communities. It is encouraging to see Montenegro building exactly this kind of collaborative model through the National Network Against Hate Speech and Disinformation, because inclusive and resilient societies are created when each of us takes responsibility for the public space we share," said Caroline Tissot, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Montenegro.The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is also an opportunity to recall that, as UNESCO consistently emphasizes, hate speech cannot be addressed solely through content moderation, removal of harmful content or regulatory measures. Long-term resilience depends on education, critical thinking and media and information literacy, enabling people to recognize manipulation, engage responsibly in public discourse and contribute to safeguarding the integrity of information in the digital space.The Ministry of Culture and Media and the United Nations Country Team in Montenegro call on institutions, media, civil society, academia and all citizens to help create a public space where diverse opinions can be expressed with mutual respect, and where human dignity remains a value that is consistently protected.

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18 June 2026

Beyond the Noise: Building Trust in an Age of Hate Speech

When Andrija was younger, he learned that standing out could make him a target.His love for rock music often earned him labels he never chose. People assumed he was troublesome, aggressive or involved in things he had nothing to do with. His peer Leo faced prejudice based on his ethnicity. Both teenagers grew up in Podgorica believing that exclusion and hate speech were simply part of everyday life.Today, they see things differently.After participating in a youth workshop on social cohesion and countering discrimination and hate speech, organized by UNICEF and Juventas in Podgorica last year, they gained something they had never had before – the confidence to challenge prejudice. Today, Andrija says he is more confident to recognize prejudice, respond to it and speak with his peers about why words matter."I've experienced hate speech myself many times, but before this workshop I never really thought about where prejudice and stereotypes come from," says Andrija. "Now I understand them much better, and I feel more confident challenging them." Their experience reflects a wider challenge facing societies around the world. Hate speech has become increasingly common, particularly online, where anonymity and algorithms can amplify division, discrimination and hostility. While words may seem harmless to some, their impact can erode trust, deepen polarization and, in extreme cases, fuel violence.In Montenegro, this challenge continues to influence public spaces and people lives. A nationally representative survey commissioned by UNICEF found that 93 per cent of respondents perceived hate speech around them, while 81 per cent said they could recognize it. Recent UNDP’s monitoring of online media portals and social media platforms in Montenegro also identified hundreds of thousands of comments containing hateful elements, highlighting the scale of the problem in digital spaces.Hate speech negates and threatens diversity and inclusion, undermines social cohesion and can lay the foundation for violence.Yet across the country, communities, schools and institutions are showing that hate speech is not inevitable.Through the joint United Nations programme Together for the Common Good – Enhancing Citizens' Trust in Institutions and Building Resilient Communities, financed by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and jointly implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and UNESCO, citizens are working together to strengthen social cohesion, promote dialogue and build resilience against divisive narratives.For Laura, medical student who participated in UNICEF-supported peer educator training, the programme was transformative. "Before this workshop, I wasn't always sure where free expression ended and hate speech began," says Laura. "Now I understand that difference much better.”Andrija and Laura are among many young people in Montenegro learning how to recognize stereotypes, understand the difference between free expression and hate speech and speak about discrimination with greater confidence. She is one of more than 120 young peer educators trained to recognize and counter hate speech while promoting dialogue among 400 of their peers.With local authorities in Bar, Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja, Podgorica and Ulcinj, UNDP brought together children, young people, citizens, local authorities and civil society organizations to discuss how to address hate speech and strengthen trust in institutions. An innovative model for enhancing participatory process on the local level created safe, inclusive spaces for citizens to discuss shared challenges. For some participants, these conversations have been deeply personal."For the first time, I felt a genuine connection with a group of people united not by background, but by shared human values – empathy, understanding and mutual respect," recalled one participant of the Local Dialogue. Citizens consistently pointed to challenges related to polarization, hate speech, discrimination, and peer violence. More than 450 participants have formulated over 200 recommendations for strengthening social cohesion and addressing divisions in their communities. Their recommendations were formalized into Local Social Cohesion Pledges adopted by local parliaments, institutionalizing regular dialogue, establishing social cohesion councils, introducing a Day of the Common Good and committing to measures that respond directly to citizens’ recommendations voiced through the dialogues. A national dialogue and National Social Cohesion Pledge further elevated citizen voices to national institutions and policies. On the field, UNDP, through The Innovation Lab, supported 21 citizen-led initiatives tackling challenges such as cyberbullying, hate speech and social exclusion, reaching more than 2,000 beneficiaries. One example is a youth-led initiative from Bar focused on addressing online hate speech and digital violence. Developed following the UNDP Dialogues and Innovation Lab, the initiative combines workshops, peer discussions, and “Human Library” sessions to help young people better understand the consequences of harmful online behaviour. An innovative eDiary tool also provides a safe and anonymous space for sharing experiences and seeking support, contributing to a more respectful and inclusive digital environment in Montenegro.The programme has also helped schools become places where children and adolescents learn to address differences through dialogue rather than conflict. UNICEF-supported socio-emotional skills such as empathy, tolerance, teamwork are integrated into educational curricula and taught to 46.000 children and adolescents across Montenegro, laying the foundation of lasting values that safeguard human rights, dignity and cohesion and mediation programmes now operate in six schools, promoting peaceful conflict resolution and respectful communication among students. With support from UNESCO, the Ministries of Education and Culture and the National Museum of Montenegro implemented the country’s first Arts Education Programme in nine municipalities, engaging children and young people with Montenegrin cultural heritage to strengthen intercultural understanding and dialogue. The programme involved more than 220 students and 30 mentors, with the support of schools, cultural institutions and local communities across the country. Through its partnership with RTCG, the initiative also reached broader audiences, helping raise awareness of the role of culture, dialogue and youth engagement in strengthening social cohesion. Participatory workshops with youth through NGO Prazan prostor created safe spaces to explore identity, belonging and exclusion – fostering empathy and critical thinking, encouraging young people to reflect on stereotypes and discrimination while fostering empathy, dialogue and critical thinking. Academia-based dialogue platforms brought together students, academics and decision-makers to address social cohesion, discrimination and trust in institutions, strengthening a culture of democratic participation. The dialogues also provided space for open conversations on polarization, prejudice and the impact of harmful narratives on social cohesion, encouraging collaborative approaches to addressing these challenges.UNESCO also strengthened media and information literacy (MIL) through accredited training for teachers and librarians from elementary and high schools across five project municipalities, equipping educators to help students critically assess information, recognize misinformation and engage responsibly in digital spaces – building resilience against disinformation, harmful narratives and online polarization.UNESCO also supported solutions journalism training for young journalists and journalism students, encouraging reporting that moves beyond divisions toward evidence-based responses and examples of positive change – promoting responsible narratives that strengthen trust and social cohesion."Journalistic pieces tend to center around issues, crime news, and the darker aspects of society. However, constructive journalism and solutions journalism bring a sense of hope for a better tomorrow and the improvement of society." – Nataša Stanković, journalism student and participant in the UNESCO-supported workshop on solutions journalism.To further strengthen institutional responses, UNESCO is supporting the government to establish a Network against Disinformation and Hate Speech – a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together institutions, media, academia and civil society to coordinate responses, share knowledge and build societal resilience against disinformation and hate speech. UNDP, meanwhile, has supported Ombudsman’s Office to use of artificial intelligence to monitor online hate speech and generate evidence-based recommendations for prevention and response. More than 2 million comments in digital space have been analyzed in the period from July to December 2025, with more than 750,000 of them containing elements of hate speech of various intensity.“Hate speech continues to be present in Montenegro to a worrying extent and has a negative impact on social cohesion. Any failure by institutions to respond serves to normalize unacceptable narratives and further undermines public trust in institutions. The digital environment further amplifies the spread of intolerance, while the absence of an institutional response sends a message that such patterns of behaviour are socially acceptable. Young people are particularly affected, as they are growing up in an environment where hate speech and social divisions are increasingly normalized,” said Siniša Bjeković, the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro.On this International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the message of the three agencies, UNDP, UNICEF and UNESCO is clear: words can divide, but they can also connect. Hate speech is discriminatory and an attack on the dignity of its victims. It undermines social cohesion, weakens trust and erodes the foundations of inclusive and democratic societies. Countering it requires not only individual responsibility and community engagement but also sustained institutional commitment. Public institutions, media, educational systems and community leaders all have a critical role to play in preventing hate speech, responding to it effectively, and promoting a culture of respect, inclusion and accountability.Through education, dialogue and collective action, communities across Montenegro are demonstrating that empathy is stronger than hatred and that social cohesion begins with the simple act of recognizing each person's dignity and value. At the same time, lasting progress depends on institutions that are willing and able to act decisively against discrimination and harmful narratives, protect human rights, and create spaces where diversity is respected and every voice can be heard.

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29 May 2026

The "Digital Transformation of Local Self-Governments" project has been completed - Montenegro connects all municipalities into a single digital system

"Through the GSB system, we are connecting all local governments in a single digital network for the first time. This is a historic step towards modern administration in Montenegro," said the Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, at the official closing of the "Digital Transformation of Local Self-Government" project.Speaking at the event, the Minister Marash emphasized that the results of this project represent the foundation for a new phase of public administration development. He also pointed out that the project represents one of the most important steps towards the modernization of public administration and the improvement of digital services for citizens and the economy in Montenegro. The project was implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration, and was funded by the Montenegro SDG Acceleration Fund (MAF) which is supported by the EU and the governments of Luxembourg, Switzerland, Montenegro, Austria and Ireland.“By bringing together the expertise of different UN entities, in close partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration and municipalities, we have helped advance digital transformation in ways that can make public services more responsive to people’s needs,”," said Carolin Tissot, resident coordinator of the UN in Montenegro. The director of the UNOPS South East Europe Multi-Country Office, Michela Telatin, assessed that this project represents an example of how meaningful digital transformation happens when institutions work together around a shared vision."By strengthening capacities for citizen-centred digital services and expanding the scope of support from the initially planned six to 20 municipalities, we have helped lay the foundations for a more connected, efficient, and accessible public administration in Montenegro," said Telatin. Jaroslav Ponder, Head of the ITU Office for Europe, also pointed out that the project shows the true value of partnership in advancing digital transformation at the local level.“Through the roll-out of the GovStack approach municipalities and national institutions strengthened a whole-of-government approach to digital transformation, advanced interoperability, and developed practical foundations through three citizen-centred digital service prototypes aligned with national priorities and local needs” said Ponder. Through the project, local self-governments were provided with technical equipment for access to the GSB electronic data exchange system, which for the first time connected all municipalities in Montenegro into a single digital communication system. It was assessed that this is a historic step towards a completely modernized and more efficient public administration.Additionally, through the acquisition of firewall devices and antivirus licenses for 14 municipalities, the protection of local information systems and the resistance of institutions to modern security challenges have been significantly improved.The project included technical support to municipalities, improvement of the normative framework, strengthening of information security standards, formation of local working groups and creation of digital road maps for the further development of local administrations.It was especially emphasized that the digital transformation is carried out in parallel with the process of decentralization and strengthening of local self-government. In this context, it was pointed out that the Government of Montenegro recently established the Draft Law on Local Self-Government, which will represent a key normative framework not only for other procedures, but also for further digitization and decentralization of the state. "The most important reform of public administration is not the one that the institutions see, but the one that the citizen feels when he receives the service immediately instead of waiting," said Minister Dukaj, emphasizing that, in accordance with the Public Administration Reform Strategy, we will continue to work hard on the modernization of public services and their greater availability to citizens.During the event, gratitude was extended to all municipalities, partners, experts and institutions that contributed to the implementation of the project, as well as to the organizations UNOPS and ITU for their continued support of reform processes and modernization of the state.The continued support of the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro was especially welcomed, with the assessment that this is a confirmation that the reform results have been recognized and that we are on the right track when it comes to the modernization of public administration.

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28 May 2026

Montenegro Advances Climate Finance Readiness Through New Learning Initiative

28 May 2026Montenegro is strengthening its institutional readiness to access international climate finance through a new learning initiative launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development.The first workshop of the “Month of Learning on Climate Finance” campaign brought together representatives of national institutions and partners to deepen knowledge of global climate financing mechanisms and explore opportunities available to Montenegro through international climate funds.The campaign is being implemented under the FAO–GCF Readiness Project, which supports the strengthening of strategic frameworks for AFOLU sectors - agriculture, forestry and other land use, while also supporting the launch of Montenegro’s Second National Forest Inventory.Opening the event, Dr. Zoran Dabetić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development and representative of Montenegro’s National Designated Authority for the Green Climate Fund, highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation across institutions and improved understanding of climate finance mechanisms in addressing the country’s climate priorities.“Climate change remains one of the key challenges for Montenegro, particularly in agriculture, forestry and land management. Strengthening institutional capacities and preparing quality project proposals are essential steps towards achieving national climate goals,” Dr. Dabetić noted.Jovana Šuković, FAO National Programme Coordinator for Montenegro, emphasized that the initiative aims to make climate finance opportunities and Green Climate Fund procedures more accessible to national institutions and partners.“Through the GCF Readiness Project, FAO is supporting Montenegro in strengthening strategic frameworks and institutional capacities in AFOLU sectors, while helping institutions better understand and access international climate finance opportunities,” Šuković said.The workshop was led by international climate finance experts Igor Slavkoski and Martina Duncan, who introduced participants to the global climate finance architecture and key financing instruments, including the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility and the Adaptation Fund. Discussions also focused on opportunities to combine public and private financing sources to support climate action in Montenegro.The session marked the first in a series of six online workshops that will take place over the coming weeks, contributing to Montenegro’s efforts to strengthen institutional preparedness for accessing and effectively utilizing climate finance.The next workshop, scheduled for 2 June 2026, will focus on the structure, priorities and partnership mechanisms of the Green Climate Fund. More information is available on the Government of Montenegro website.

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Press Release

05 February 2026

Digitalization and Green Economy at the Heart of UN-Central Bank Dialogue

5 February 2026The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Caroline Tissot, and the Governor of the Central Bank, Irena Radović, discussed the continuation of the digital transformation of the financial system and the development of a green economy.The discussion focused on strengthening financial stability, modernizing payment systems, and continuing alignment with EU standards. Participants also exchanged views on the implementation of ESG standards, financial and gender inclusion, financial literacy, and sustainable development.The meeting concluded that digitalization and sustainability are the foundations of a modern and resilient Montenegrin economy.

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Press Release

15 December 2025

Press release on the occasion of Human Rights Day 2025

Podgorica, 15 December 2025The role of civil society in advancing human rights, and the need for its stronger protection and empowerment, was at the heart of an event organized by the United Nations team in Montenegro to mark Human Rights Day 2025. The event, titled “Protecting Civil Society: Safe Participation to Advance Human Rights,” brought together representatives of the Government, state institutions, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and members of the international community.Opening the event, Minister of Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Gjeka emphasized that protecting civil society and ensuring its safe participation in public life are not only Montenegro’s international obligations, but a fundamental prerequisite for building a society in which human rights are upheld in practice, not only on paper.“Montenegro must build a system in which critical voices are valued rather than suppressed, where partnerships with civil society are developed rather than simulated, and where institutions strengthen public trust through transparency and accountability,” Minister Gjeka said.UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Caroline Tissot, highlighted the direct impact of civil society on people’s lives and on the country’s democratic development.“There is no true democracy without an inclusive and safe civil society. The role of civil society and human rights defenders is essential to making human rights a reality for every person,” said Tissot, reaffirming that the United Nations remains a strong partner in promoting and protecting civic activism.A provocative performance by the Prazan prostor Drama Studio powerfully illustrated the contrast between official interpretations of human rights and lived realities, highlighting various forms of human rights violations, including gender inequality, LGBTI rights violations, and violence against women and children.Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms, Siniša Bjeković, stressed the importance of close cooperation between institutions and civil society.“Civil society is, and must be, a strategic partner of the institution of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms. The success of our institution is to a great extent the result of the contribution of civil society organizations,” Bjeković noted.Speaking on behalf of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro, Friederike Wünschmann, Human Rights and Rule of Law Policy Officer, underlined that, while Montenegro benefits from a dynamic civil society, the environment in which civil society organizations operate remains sensitive.“Safeguarding civic space means ensuring genuine participation in policymaking, transparent public funding, and protection from intimidation and undue pressure,” Wünschmann emphasized.The programme featured two panel discussions. The first panel named “Civil society participation in public life” examined existing mechanisms and challenges related to the involvement of civil society organizations in policymaking and public decision-making processes. Discussion offered specific perspectives, experiences and recommendations of panellists including Minister for Regional Investment Development & Cooperation Ernad Suljević, Petar Knežević from NGO Centre for the Development of Non-Governmental Organizations, Jelena Gluščević, Director of the Centre for Children’s Rights, Dragana Božović from NGO Nova žena, Velida Hodžić from NGO IKRE, and Vladimir Perazić, National Youth Network.The second panel, “Safe space for civil society,” focused on security, freedom of action, and the protection of human rights defenders, as well as the responsibility of institutions to ensure an enabling environment for civil society to operate. This panel featured exchange of views and recommendations by Siniša Bjeković, Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms, Tea Gorjanc Prelević from NGO Human Rights Action, environmental activist Vuk Vujisić, Radomir Kracković from Montenegro Media Union and Anjet Lanting, UN Human Rights Adviser.Through dialogue, exchange of experiences, and the presentation of good practices, participants explored opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between institutions and civil society, while also gaining deeper insight into the current state of civil society in Montenegro. Particular attention was given to recommendations issued by UN human rights mechanisms. In March 2025, the UN Human Rights Committee recommended that Montenegro investigate attacks against civil society organizations and strengthen public participation mechanisms. These recommendations build on the conclusions of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) from 2024, as well as recommendations made by UN Member States during Montenegro’s Universal Periodic Review in 2023.Human Rights Day is observed annually on 10 December, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly in 1948, a landmark document that laid the foundation for the modern international human rights system worldwide.

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Press Release

25 November 2025

UN press release on the launch of campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

25 November 2025Violence against women and girls, online and offline, is one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time. It affects communities everywhere. In Europe, nearly 2,300 women and girls were murdered by an intimate partner or family member in 2023. A stark 37 million women were raped or sexually assaulted during childhood[1]. In Montenegro, one in three women has experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15[2].The impact of violence extends far beyond the individual. It weakens families, divides societies, and hinders progress. The scale of the problem demands urgent, united action. “Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. It can and must be prevented,” says Caroline Tissot, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro. “Ending violence against women and girls requires courage, commitment, and collaboration from everyone in society – from government institutions and justice systems to schools, tech companies, and communities. Together, we can make Montenegro a place where women and girls are safe, respected, and empowered – everywhere, every day.”This year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign calls for stronger laws, better data, and a whole-of-society response to end violence in all its forms – online and offline.Jointly, we need to ensure that stronger laws will mean stronger accountability, that justice systems are survivor-centred. We need better data to understand the scope and causes of gender-based violence. Through education and culture, we must challenge harmful norms, prejudices, victim-blaming, while engage men and boys as allies. We have a duty to make sure that all women and girls – especially those most at risk, including women with disabilities, Roma and Egyptian women, LGBTQ+ women, and migrants – are fully protected and supported.Ending violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility. The UN calls on:Government – to allocate sufficient funding, strictly enforce laws, invest in comprehensive prevention strategies and develop prevention and protection services, including crisis centres and child-friendly models such as Barnahus.Institutions – to invest in social services, legal and law enforcement professionals, health and education workers, and specialized cybercrime units to prevent and respond swiftly to violence against women and girls. Strengthening these services ensures better justice, protection, and safe reporting channels for survivors.Tech companies – to ensure safety and accountability on their digital platforms.Men and boys – to stand up as allies, learning from an early age about healthy relationships and challenging harmful social norms.Zero tolerance means zero excuses. Only by working together can we create a future where every woman and girl lives free from violence.
[1] Adolescence in Europe Policy Brief.pdf [2] Well-being and safety of women - OSCE

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Press Release

23 November 2025

UNICEF calls for more investments in sports for every child

Podgorica, 23 November 2025 – On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UNICEF reminds that children in Montenegro still have limited opportunities for safe and quality play, while as many as 75% of them do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. At the same time, 40% of schools lack an indoor sports hall, and children with disabilities face the greatest barriers in accessing sports and recreational activities.These findings were presented at an inclusive sports event held at the University Sports and Cultural Centre in Podgorica, which brought together more than 250 children and young people. The event was organized by UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Capital City, with the participation of athletes, Paralympians, representatives of Special Olympics, and numerous institutions.Fourteen-year-old Samuela Bajra and sixteen-year-old Dženan Rastoder opened the programme by reminding everyone that the right to play is just as important as the right to education and health, emphasizing that many children do not have safe and accessible spaces where they can move, train, and socialize. The young people directly asked decision-makers what institutions are doing to improve school sports and to renovate playgrounds. They asked the Minister of Sports and Youth, Dragoslav Šćekić, how he plans to strengthen sports in schools.“Our main goal is to ensure that sports facilities and activities are accessible to everyone, especially children. This is why, in the Sports Strategy, we placed a special focus on school sports, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation,” Šćekić emphasized.They asked the Acting Secretary of the Secretariat for Social Welfare of the Capital City, Stefan Vešović, what the Capital City is doing to improve the renovation and accessibility of playgrounds.“The Capital City is intensively improving sports and recreational areas by upgrading equipment, building new playgrounds, installing video surveillance, and ensuring equal investment across all city neighbourhoods. At the same time, significant attention is being paid to strengthening school sports and cooperation with the community through new sports activities for students.”The young participants also asked the UNICEF Representative to Montenegro, Michele Servadei, which programmes UNICEF is implementing to ensure that every child can enjoy their right to play and sports.“First, together with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, we helped ensure that school sports become a priority in the new Sports Development Strategy. Second, with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, we are working to improve school infrastructure. And third, since 2017, UNICEF has supported Special Olympics programmes such as Young Athletes and Unified Teams, so that children with disabilities can participate in sports alongside their peers in schools. These programmes have already reached many schools across Montenegro,” Servadei explained.He added that UNICEF will continue to support Montenegro in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy their right to play and sport by strengthening school sports, improving infrastructure, and expanding programmes that include children with disabilities.According to WHO data and the 2022-2023 Report on Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents, children’s physical activity declines with age, with the steepest drop occurring between the ages of 12 and 15 – particularly among girls. Children with disabilities also remain significantly underrepresented in sports, with participation estimates ranging from 4% to 25%.More than 400 participants and visitors at the event confirmed how important safe spaces for movement, exercise, and play are for children.Regular physical activity remains one of the key protective factors for adolescent mental health. Research shows that 30-60 minutes of physical activity three to four times a week reduces anxiety by 20-30% and the risk of depression by 25%. Given that one in six adolescents shows symptoms of stress or anxiety, UNICEF emphasizes the need for increased investment in sports and play.UNICEF calls on institutions, schools, and local communities to ensure that every girl and every boy has opportunities from early childhood to exercise their right to play and sport – a right that is essential for their development and for their physical and mental wellbeing.

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Press Release

27 October 2025

Press release on the occasion of UN Day 2025

“The UN Charter is a promise to humanity,” said UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Caroline Tissot on the occasion of marking the 80th anniversary of United Nations hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović. “For eighty years the United Nations has been a beacon of hope, support and dignity for millions of people around the world. Today, in a time of increasing uncertainty, the Charter remains our compass – guiding us toward cooperation, respect and solidarity,” Tiso said. She stressed the UN’s strong commitment to modernization so that it is ready to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. Tiso thanked Montenegro for its commitment to multilateralism and the long-standing partnership, emphasizing that “the UN remains a reliable ally to the citizens of Montenegro in building a sustainable future.”The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ervin Ibrahimović said that programmes and funds of the United Nations are an indispensable partner in fulfilling Montenegro’s ambitious foreign-policy agenda, adding that a strong multilateral system is not a matter of choice, but of necessity.“For small states, a strong and effective multilateral system, underpinned by respect for the UN Charter and international law, is not a matter of choice but a necessity in order to preserve equality and sovereignty,” Ibrahimović stated.Ibrahimović reminded that Montenegro and the UN system have built a firm partnership. “We have fully aligned our programme cooperation with our developmental and reform priorities,” Ibrahimović said.He said that Montenegro will remain committed to the UN’s vision as a global forum of peace, solidarity and justice. Speaking about contemporary global challenges, Ibrahimović emphasized that today the world is marked by dynamic geopolitical changes, complex challenges and growing interdependence, and in these circumstances the role and relevance of the UN stand out. He said that the UN, relying on its founding mission of preserving peace, security and cooperation, has confirmed that the common good is achievable when there is collective will and responsibility.

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