A new journey towards better Montenegro

On 1 January 2023, Montenegro embarked on the implementation of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2023-2027, marking an important milestone in the country's journey towards achieving SDGs. New strategic development plan will be jointly implemented by 18 UN agencies in Montenegro and the Government of Montenegro, together with national and international partners.

The UNSDCF 2023-2027 for Montenegro is focused on supporting the country in three strategic areas of cooperation jointly identified by the UN and the Government based on the specific needs of the country:

• inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability
• human capital development, reducing vulnerability and social inclusion
• social cohesion, people-centred governance, rule of law and human rights

The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Peter Lundberg, pointed out vast potentials which different UN organisations bring to support the country, stating that "the SDCF presents an opportunity for the UN to support Montenegro in its efforts to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs and to achieve the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

The UNSDCF 2023-2027 is highly complementary to the EU accession process of the country, as both agendas aim to enhance country’s sustainable development and support its economic growth.

"The UNSDCF is closely aligned with the EU accession process and supports the Government of Montenegro in its efforts to implement the EU acquis," said Mr. Lundberg praising Montenegro for proactively endorsing Agenda 2030 from its early days, and for the results achieved so far.

Strong link between two major development processes was also emphasized by the Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović who emphasized the importance of the joint UN-Montenegro development plan for the period 2023-2027, stating that "Agenda 2030 for Montenegro is of particular importance, considering that it accelerates fulfillment of obligations from the EU agenda bearing in mind that the two processes are to the greatest extent complementary.”

Joining forces will be critical for UNSDCF implementation. As Mr. Lundberg noted, "the SDCF provides a roadmap for the UN and the Government of Montenegro to work together to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs, but it is only through the commitment and support of all stakeholders that we can hope to achieve the ambitious goals of the 2030 Agenda. We will need to work together to mobilize the necessary resources, both financial and human, to support the implementation of the UNSDCF and the achievement of the SDGs."

The UNSDCF 2023-2027 for Montenegro is an ambitious plan and the strong foundation for SDGs acceleration in the country as well as for reaching its national priorities, primarily EU accession. By working together on its implementation in the next 5 years, the UN team and the Government, together with partners, will be joining forces to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all the citizens of Montenegro.