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 Podgorica, 24. jun 2026.Twenty years ago, Montenegro's flag was raised for the first time outside United Nations Headquarters in New York, marking the country's return to the global stage as an independent and equal member of the international community. Two decades later, that partnership is measured by far more than membership in an international organization. It is reflected in stronger institutions, reforms that have improved people's lives, and joint efforts to advance sustainable development.This shared journey was at the heart of a ceremony jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro and the United Nations in Montenegro to mark the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's membership in the United Nations. "Twenty years ago, when Montenegro's flag was raised on the East River, a partnership began that continues to this day. But these two decades are not only about policies, reforms or institutions. They are about people – their ambitions, opportunities, expanded rights, improved quality of life and hope for the future," said Caroline Tissot, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro.Since Montenegro joined the United Nations in 2006, the country and the UN have worked together across nearly every major area of development. Their partnership has supported reforms in education, health and social protection, public administration and digital transformation, environmental protection, gender equality, democratic governance and the rule of law, while providing continuous support to Montenegro's European Union accession process. Today, the impact of that cooperation can be seen in the everyday lives of citizens – from a modernized social protection system that processes hundreds of thousands of monthly payments, to a dramatic increase in preschool enrolment, stronger climate policies, improved media and information literacy, expanded digital public services, and reforms bringing Montenegro closer to European standards.Reflecting on Montenegro's journey over the past two decades, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović described the country's admission to the United Nations as its "return to the global stage." "It was the moment that formally affirmed Montenegro's international recognition as an independent, sovereign State and an equal member of the international community. Today, Montenegro is not only a beneficiary of international support, but also a strong advocate of multilateralism and a reliable partner in addressing global challenges," Minister Ibrahimović said.In a video message, Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted Montenegro's commitment to multilateralism at a time of growing global divisions."Montenegro's commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and the principles of the United Nations Charter is more important than ever," she said DiCarlo.United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk echoed this message, emphasizing that human rights, the rule of law and inclusive institutions are the foundation of every democratic and sustainable society, while encouraging Montenegro to continue advancing reforms and its European integration agenda. Looking ahead, Caroline Tissot noted that the world is undergoing profound change, making a strong and effective multilateral system more important than ever. At the same time, Montenegro is entering the final phase of its European integration journey, opening a new chapter in its partnership with the United Nations."We are jointly preparing a new Cooperation Framework for 2028–2030, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and Montenegro's national priorities. This is an opportunity to focus our support where it can make the greatest difference in people's lives and help Montenegro successfully complete its European integration process," Tissot said. The anniversary was not only an opportunity to celebrate an important milestone, but also to reaffirm a shared conviction: today's most pressing challenges – from climate change and inequality to peace and human rights – can only be addressed through cooperation.Twenty years after joining the United Nations, Montenegro continues to build a partnership founded on shared values and shared responsibility. A partnership that has shaped the country's development over the past two decades – and one that will remain just as important in the years ahead.