Advancing Together: UN Results in Montenegro in 2025

In a year marked by steady reform and complex challenges, the United Nations in Montenegro worked alongside national partners to translate commitments into concrete improvements in people’s lives. 

As reflected in the UN Annual Results Report 2025, these efforts advanced inclusion, strengthened institutions, and accelerated the country’s progress toward a sustainable future.

From Commitments to Real Change

In 2025, Montenegro continued moving forward on its path toward European Union membership, while navigating a shifting landscape of economic, social and environmental pressures.

Throughout this period, the United Nations remained a trusted partner, supporting institutions to translate ambitious reforms into concrete improvements in people’s daily lives.

"Progress has been tangible, yet uneven, as reforms move forward amid persistent structural constraints,” said Caroline Tissot, UN Resident Coordinator, who emphasized that "the UN system remains a trusted partner, supporting national institutions to translate commitments into concrete improvements in people’s lives."

This dual reality, of progress and persistent gaps, defined the year, shaping both national efforts and UN support.

Building Stronger Institutions and Trust

Strengthening governance remained central to Montenegro’s development journey. In 2025, reforms supported by the UN contributed to more transparent, accountable and responsive institutions.

From advancing justice sector reforms to accelerating digitalization of public services, these efforts helped improve how institutions serve people. At the same time, greater emphasis was placed on citizen participation and social cohesion, recognizing that trust is essential for sustainable progress.

This work is closely linked to Montenegro’s EU accession process, with the vast majority of UN-supported interventions aligned with EU standards and reform priorities.

Putting People at the Centre

Across all areas of work, a clear focus remained on people, particularly those most at risk of being left behind.

Progress in social protection, disability rights, education and health reflects a shift toward more inclusive and equitable systems. Reforms such as the introduction of a unified disability assessment system, alongside continued deinstitutionalization efforts, are helping ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

Young people were in the focus. Investments in education reform, digital learning and skills development are helping equip young people for a rapidly changing economy.

Together, these efforts are laying the foundation for a more dynamic and inclusive society.

Advancing the Green Transition

Environmental sustainability and climate action were key priorities in 2025, as Montenegro deepened its commitment to a greener future.

With UN support, the country strengthened its climate policy framework, adopting key strategic documents that will guide mitigation and adaptation efforts in the years ahead. Investments in energy efficiency, biodiversity protection and disaster risk reduction are already contributing to more resilient communities.

These efforts are not only addressing climate risks, but also aligning Montenegro with European and global environmental standards.

Unlocking the Potential of Women

Empowering women remained a powerful driver of change, supported by strengthened legal frameworks, economic inclusion measures and institutional capacity.. Important legislative steps, such as the introduction of a 40 per cent quota for women in company management, signal a shift toward more inclusive decision-making. 

Women’s economic empowerment was further reinforced through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy and labour market reforms aimed at improving equal pay, workplace protections and access to quality employment. At the same time, investments in data and institutional capacity, through the Montenegro Gender Profile, expanded use of sex-disaggregated data and training of over 140 civil servants, helped embed gender-responsive policymaking across government.

The Power of Partnership

The results achieved in 2025 reflect strong collaboration across all sectors of society.

The UN worked hand in hand with the Government, local authorities, civil society, international financial institutions and development partners, including the European Union, to deliver integrated solutions to complex challenges.

Innovative mechanisms, such as joint programmes and pooled funding instruments, demonstrated how coordinated approaches can amplify impact and deliver results at scale.

Looking Ahead: Staying the Course

While progress is evident, challenges remain. Inequalities persist, institutional capacity gaps continue to slow reform implementation, and climate risks are intensifying.

“These realities underscore the importance of sustained, coherent efforts to ensure the realization of human rights and no one being left behind,” said UN Resident Coordinator.

As Montenegro moves closer to EU accession, the United Nations remains committed to supporting a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future, together with its partners and for all people in Montenegro.

Explore the Full Report: Discover more about how the United Nations is supporting Montenegro’s development journey in the Annual Results Report 2025.