Strengthening Montenegro-UN Partnership for Sustainable Development

Podgorica, May 29, 2025

The cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the United Nations Country Team is fully aligned with the national priorities of the country, primarily achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda and accession to the European Union. This was jointly assessed at the meeting of the Joint Country Steering Committee for monitoring the implementation of the five-year UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-27, co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović and the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Diego Zorrilla.

Highlighting the strong alignment between Agenda 2030 and country’s EU accession, meeting participants reviewed the progress made in recent period, , as well as the plans for 2025 that the Government and the UN system in the country are jointly implementing, as part of the strategic five-year Cooperation Framework 2023-2027.

Minister Ibrahimović emphasized the importance of strong partnership with the United Nations system in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening the foundations of a democratic society in Montenegro. He expressed gratitude to the UN Resident Coordinator Office and representatives of all UN agencies for their professional and dedicated approach, as well as for the efforts made and progress achieved. 

"The results achieved during 2024 provide a solid foundation for further enhancement of joint action," said Ibrahimović. He particularly highlighted Montenegro's commitment to effective and responsible multilateral action, based on the principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms, stressing that "Montenegro, in light of current geopolitical developments, advocates for a more efficient, effective, and transparent UN, ready to meet all the challenges of the 21st century."

UN Resident Coordinator stated that Montenegro is recognized for its active UN membership and dedication to multilateralism. 

"In today's geopolitical environment marked by conflicts and uncertainty, strengthening cooperation among nations is of vital importance," said Zorrilla, emphasizing that the UN is facing a serious liquidity crisis, which requires transformative thinking about how and where resources are allocated. 

"The UN International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Seville in July, will focus on reforming the financial architecture and addressing financial challenges to enable urgently needed investments for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," Zorrilla remarked, recalling the strategic UN document 'Pact for the Future,' adopted by member states at the 2024 Summit for the Future, which aims to modernize international cooperation in response to current realities and challenges.

Zorrilla emphasized the strong partnership between Montenegro and the United Nations, highlighting that the UN system in the country remains committed to supporting the Government of Montenegro on its path to the European Union and in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The five-year development plan – UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, jointly implemented by 19 UN agencies in the country and the Government of Montenegro in collaboration with national and international partners, outlines UN system support in Montenegro in three strategic areas:

• Inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability
• Human capital development, reducing vulnerability, and social inclusion
• Social cohesion, people-centered governance, rule of law, and human rights