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The Sustainable Development Goals 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:
Publication
01 July 2022
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Montenegro 2023-2027
Responding to national priorities, the UNSDCF 2023-2027 was developed as a joint commitment by the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) to accelerate progress towards the 2030 agenda and EU accession.
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Story
17 June 2022
Building immunity against the virus of hate
Hate speech on the rise
Today is the first time we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The UN General Assembly designated 18 June as such, after Secretary-general António Guterres raised alarm about the “tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating, stigmatization and the use of derogatory, misogynistic, racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic or antisemitic language”, that has engulfed the world.
We all witness how powerful the ‘tool’ of hate speech can be to incite discrimination, violence, deepen division and undermine social cohesion within or between societies.
Hate speech usually is an expression of denial. Denial of respect, of inclusion, of diversity. It goes against the very essence of human rights. If left unchecked, it can fuel tensions, social unrest, even start violent conflicts which can lead to grave human rights violations. It is particularly the case when hate speech is instrumentalized by influential people in our societies. Political and religious leaders play a key role in mitigating hate in society, especially among their own constituencies. Leaders who embrace inclusion giving space to all, who truly respect diversity and value differences of opinion will see their societies thrive. But we all have a responsibility to refrain from hate to express oneself. It starts with me and you. We must individually and collectively speak out against hate.
Online media - a megaphone for hate speech or free expression?
The spread of hatred is sadly nothing new, here in Montenegro or elsewhere. The scale and impact nowadays, especially with social media providing a global platform for spreading hate, is growing larger and faster than ever. Online hate speech is produced and distributed easily, at low cost, often anonymously, reaching global audiences in real time. This phenomenon is exposing the fragility of democracies worldwide. It has prompted calls for accountability of these platforms, for moderation and removal of offensive online content. This has raised debate about the boundaries between freedom of expression and censorship.
But countering hate speech does not mean arbitrarily limiting freedom of expression. It means preventing hatred from escalating into something dangerous, particularly incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence, which – as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights says - shall be prohibited in law. The United Nations calls for more speech - not less. Freedom of expression is the norm; limiting it is the exception. But speech must be respectful of the rights and dignity of all, women, men, children, persons with disabilities, elderly, ethnic, religious and sexual minorities, among others. I welcome that Montenegro has taken legal action in cases of incitement to discrimination and violence. Swift action is key in all cases to bring justice to victims and stem further harm in society.
Hate speech and real harm
The weaponization of the public discourse for political gain is also not new. History has shown that hate speech leads to atrocity crimes. The Holocaust did not start with the gas chambers, but with hate speech. These lessons place a heavy responsibility on us all to address hate speech and prevent future harm.
Resilience to hatred
The UN’s Global Strategy and Action Plan on Hate Speech, launched in 2019, calls for a comprehensive approach to tackle the phenomenon. It calls for monitoring and understanding the dynamics of hate speech, for early warning, for support to national legislation to address hate speech. Prevention is a must. There, education is key, for it has the power to transform society and is a tool to address root causes and drivers of hate speech. Through education, we can promote peaceful, inclusive, and just societies for all, in line with the vision of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Digital and media literacy education is essential for all, and especially young people, to engage with media and other sources of information, instill responsibility and critical thinking when using and analyzing it. Through critical thinking we will reject and build immunity against the virus of hate.
Countering hate speech, no doubt, requires a system-wide response. We need to mobilize societies, and work even across borders.
As our UN Secretary-General said – “Hatred is a danger to everyone – and so fighting it must be a job for everyone.”
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Story
20 August 2021
Fighting misinformation: Pausing before you share helps save lives
Everybody knows somebody who shares misleading, emotionally charged, or questionable posts. What if that person was you and you didn’t know it?
Verified is encouraging the world to pause before you post. Studies show that by pausing before you share, you allow time to think about the information – where it comes from, whether it’s true, when it was written and why you are sharing it. This means you are less likely to spread misinformation.
People worldwide are helping spread our #PledgetoPause message across social media. By flooding timelines with this simple message, you can help people stop and think, and slow the spread of harmful misinformation.
According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study, seeing our Pause message on social media makes people significantly less likely to share misleading headlines.
There is reliable information online about COVID-19, but many sources are deliberately misleading, and others bend the truth just to get our attention. When misinformation spreads it becomes hard to contain – and every false share can have damaging consequences.
Post one of our share graphics on your timeline, get people’s attention, encourage them to pause before they post.
UNICEF Montenegro Q&As: Fact-checking COVID-19 information
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Story
12 November 2021
Deafening Alarm Bells
There is no longer any doubt that we have for decades been disturbing the ecological equilibrium of our planet and the time has now come to face these grim realities. Without any doubt, climate change is the greatest challenge humankind has ever faced. The science warns us that the climate crisis is now, and it is a “code red” for humanity.
The just closed Climate Conference in Glasgow COP 26 coincided with an important milestone on Montenegro’s development path – its 30th anniversary of declaring itself as an ecologic state. Nothing speaks more about the strength of such commitment than Montenegro’s determination to embed it into the heart of its Constitution.
When Montenegro chose to continue its development on a green path, 30 years ago, not many people had expected that, this green path would become the only way forward for all.
Only 3 decades later, the alarm bells of climate urgency are deafening, with evidence impossible to ignore: temperatures are reaching new highs; biodiversity is reaching new lows; oceans are warming, acidifying, and choking with plastic waste. Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are strangling our planet and putting billions of people at immediate and long-term risk, with many of the changes becoming irreversible. Each year we see extreme weather and climate disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity. And this summer, here in Montenegro was no exception with record number of forest fires.
The way out?
Five years ago, the Paris Agreement paved for humankind a clear way out of this crisis, pointing that limiting the temperature rise under the 1.5°C in this century is key. Unfortunately, scientists also warn that we are already close to reaching that threshold, which would mean reaching point of no return.
In order to prevent this from happening, the world needs to join forces around three critical aspects:
First, Mitigation – keep the 1.5°C goal within reach, by securing greater ambition from national governments and more net-zero commitments.
Secondly, Adaptation – to increase investment into adaptation from current 21% to at least 50% of the overall international climate finance.
Thirdly, the Financing – to reach an agreement on a delivery plan for the $100 billion per year, to improve access to financing and to progress on carbon markets.
The responsibility for this ambitious agenda lays with all of us, but primely with the national governments. It is the national leaders who bear responsibility for taking urgent steps to reduce emissions, mobilize funding, and boost resilience, and for delivering on the Paris Agreement.
National governments can and should greatly rely on United Nations to be a solid partner, convener, and an honest broker, who facilitates multilateral dialogue for national leaders to deliver a successful climate response. This is exactly what the UN is already doing. We have convened world leaders, top experts and scientist, activists as well as corporate leaders to the Climate Conference in Glasgow, for all of them to join forces for climate action.
It’s about making choices
Montenegro’s commitment to climate action is unequivocal. It’s evident in its recent commitment to cut Green House Gas emissions by 35% by 2030, with evidence and data collection supported by UNDP. However, we believe, there is potential to significantly reduce emissions even further, in the sectors of energy, transportation, and industry in Montenegro.
Montenegro, like many low Green House Emitting countries, have low contribution to the rising global temperatures. Despite that, it is, unfortunately, bound to face the consequences of climate change through its undesirable domino effect on human well-being, health, environment and economy. That is why we must turn our attention equally to adaptation and build a resilient future.
UN’s extended arm to Montenegro
Most of the action in climate response is to take place in the economic sectors and the experience tells us that climate-smart investments outweigh the upfront costs. Montenegro’s National Climate Adaptation Plan, supported by UNDP, with Global Climate Fund financing, is an opportunity to set the baseline for making smart adaptation investments.
Another huge potential lies with young people. We know that young people in Montenegro have strong ambitions to do their part and such ambitions must be met by opportunities. Three out of four respondents are ready to change their living habits, including walk every day, reduce waste, recycle and rationalize further use of water and electricity. It is high time to build on these commitments and positive engagement by the youth.
The United Nations in Montenegro also supports small and medium size enterprises, through UNOPS in cooperation with local authorities, this work ensures that neither side stay ignorant of environmental protection, helping them to understand that greening is not just about solar panels.
But sustainable solutions in combatting climate change is also about investing in human health. As we have painfully learned from COVID crisis, we need to adapt to orient towards long-term, strategic investments in our futures. WHO tells us that strategic investments in integrated public health and primary health-care systems, as well as mature digital systems, are necessary to be able to deliver on the promise of safe, effective and equitable health services for a post-COVID-19 era.
Recent analysis of climate risk from a child’s perspective shows that nearly every child in the world is at risk from at least one of climate and environmental hazards like flooding, cyclones, vector-borne diseases, lead pollution, heat waves and water scarcity. Air pollution is the biggest threat as one billion children are estimated to be highly exposed to exceedingly dangerous levels of air pollution. In the coming period, UNICEF will support Montenegro’s children and adolescents’ involvement on air pollution and other climate change issues in the country.
But while we focus on the potential work that must be done within Montenegro, we must also be aware of what happens around ourselves. UNHCR warns us that the effects of climate change are increasing hardship on people who are already among the world’s most vulnerable, including refugees. Drought and extreme weather will certainly drive-up competition for dwindling resources on global scale and have tremendous impact on forced displacement, not only on global scale, but will certainly have strong implications for our region and for Montenegro as well.
There’s no small contribution
By now, all countries should have clearly realized that the old, carbon-burning model of development is a death sentence for their economies and our planet. We need decarbonization now, across every sector in every country. We need to shift subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and tax pollution much more. We need to put a real price on carbon, and channel that back towards resilient infrastructures and sustainable jobs.
The United Nations was founded 76 years ago to build consensus for action against the greatest threats facing humanity. But we have never faced a crisis like this one – a truly existential crisis which, if not addressed properly, threatens the future of mankind. Like never before, the world needs solidarity and truly joint action to counter deafening alarm bells of climate urgency. And it needs it now.
And why is contribution of a small country like Montenegro so important for the climate response? The answer is simple, because, more than ever, the world needs positive examples of true transformation which can make a real difference. As Montenegro is now planning for its rapid economic recovery and create new opportunities for its citizens, the country has exceptional potentials for building a greener future, with greener jobs and a greener economy, and I am convinced that Montenegro can and will become a role model to the rest of the world on its green path moving forward – it just need to grab this historical opportunity, now.
Author is the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro
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Story
29 July 2022
Future of Education
27 July 2022
Future of education was at the very heart of the final consultative meeting organized by the Ministry of Education with the support of the UN Team in the country, to summarize findings and recommendations of the national consultations on education in the future.
The meeting which gathered representatives of national institutions, civic sector and UN agencies was the opportunity to formulate guidelines and validate the results for the design of the Final Report on Consultations in Montenegro, as well as the Declaration of Commitment for the Transformation of Education in Montenegro, which will be presented at the Global Summit on the Transformation of Education in New York in September, which will be held under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General.
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Milijana Vukotić Jelušić, pointed out that multiple crises we are facing leave a deep mark, first of all on education, and on society as a whole, and our efforts should be directed towards strengthening peaceful, fair and sustainable environment to enable preparation of children for life and work in a complex and dynamic everyday life.
“The recent Pre-Summit in Paris and the national consultations we conducted in Montenegro in order to prepare for the September Summit were an ideal opportunity to enrich our knowledge and hear the voice of all key participants in the educational process, primarily children, youth and teachers,” said Vukotić Jelušić.
Ana Zec, head of the UN Resident Coordination Office, informed participants about the key highlights of the preparation process for the Transforming Education Summit, as well as the activities implemented in Montenegro within the framework of national consultations.
“The main goal of the Global Summit is to bring together the leaders the UN member countries to jointly commit to education as a universal public good and to initiate global efforts that will have a transformational effect on the quality and accessibility of education,” said Zec.
“Transforming Education Summit which will be held in September under the auspices of the United Nations system, is a timely and global appeal to the governments of all countries of the world to initiate comprehensive education reforms and enable children to realize their full potential through education and grow into competent young people whose contribution the future of humanity depends on economic and social development,” said Sabina Žunić, acting UNICEF Representative in Montenegro.
Head of the UNESCO Office in Sarajevo Siniša Šešum emphasized the inclusiveness of the consultations process in Montenegro.
"Through the process of consultations on the topic of education transformation in Montenegro an effort was made to emphasize the perspective on education transformation of those who are most directly involved in the education process: teachers, students, parents, and who were also the most knowledgeable - those who were on the frontline of defense of education from the generational crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Siniša Šešum.
The National Coordinator and Head of the Directorate for Programming and Implementation of EU Funds in the Ministry of Education, Marko Vukašinović, presented the process which preceded main consultative meeting, including national consultations, regional consultations, the pre-Summit in Paris.
“This process led to the Statement of commitment for the transformation of education in Montenegro, which will be presented at the Global Summit on the transformation of education in New York. Key expected outcomes of the Summit are: National and international commitment to the transformation of education, greater public engagement and support for the transformation of education and the summary of the UN Secretary-General, as well as a call to action, which will consolidate the knowledge gained at the Summit and during its preparations,” said Vukašinović.
Participants were presented with key findings and recommendations of the consultation. Representatives of the Association of Psychologists of Montenegro Tamara Milić and Zorica Minić presented views and findings in accordance with the global structure of the thematic areas of the consultative process, including: recovery from Covid-19, the transformation of education, goals, benchmarks, reforms, and financing of education.
Some of the key recommendations include: the necessity of making efforts to compensate for what has been lost during COVID-19 pandemic, re-establishing work habits and motivation, returning duration of the class to 45 minutes, increasing focus on practical knowledge, personal growth and development, improving competences, responsibility, initial and professional training of teachers, introducing extracurricular activities and activities during the holidays.
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20 July 2022
Paving the way forward together
Podgorica, 20 July 2022
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ranko Krivokapić and the UN Resident Coordinator Peter Lundberg signed today the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework UNSDCF 2023-2027, to pave the way for UN-Montenegro collaboration in the next five years.
Minister Krivokapić said that the next five years are crucial for Montenegro's cooperation with the UN and the EU, and that it would be useful to turn two parallel roads into a single path, which will end in 2027 with membership in the European Union.
Montenegrin Foreign Minister pointed out that the main benefit of all engagements of Montenegro with the United Nations, as well as with Euro-Atlantic partners, is full understanding.
“We feel like a country that has full understanding on its path to European integration, dignified membership in the UN, as well as belonging to the Euro-Atlantic community,” - said Krivokapić, emphasizing that this understanding is no less important than the multiple assistance we receive in areas that modernize our society, adding that the number of countries and agencies that support Montenegro is beyond any expectation.
Emphasizing that social inclusion is the way how small communities function and exist, Krivokapić said that they survive on solidarity and connection, which is not only economic and social, but also has an emotional note that gives the full feeling of living in one society.
Speaking about the parallel process of European integration, he said that there is no more time to delay, and that every wind is good for a ship that knows where it is going, while there is no good wind for a ship that does not know where it is going.
“Our path is the EU, but that path cannot be limitless, that path must have its own time frames set for Montenegro, through constant reforms that are achievable in the next five-year period, but also shorter than that,” said Krivokapić.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Peter Lundberg said that the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, jointly adopted today, represents the foundations of cooperation between Montenegro and the United Nations in the next five years.
“This common vision of development, based on jointly identified development priorities, will help accelerate our journey towards the Agenda 2030, but also the EU accession of Montenegro," said Lundberg, emphasizing that one of major drivers of the process will be the Montenegro Acceleration Fund, a new generation of pooled funds to help solve development challenges.
Before signing the UNSDCF, the Government and UN team held the Joint Country Steering Committee meeting, to review implementation of the Integrated UN Programme (UNDAF) 2017-2022, including joint results in 2021 and plans for 2022.
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15 July 2022
Montenegro, the UN and the diaspora: Together towards the Sustainable Development Goals
New York, USA - 13 July 2022
Acceleration of Montenegro's achievement of SDGs was central topic of the event jointly organized by the Governemnt and UN Montenegro on the occasion of the Statehood Day of Montenegro, on the sidelines of the high-level Political Forum organized within the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in New York.
Co-hosts of the event - head of the Montenegrin delegation, the Minister of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism Ana Novaković Đurović, the United Nations Undersecretary for Development Cooperation Oskar Fernandez Taranko and the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Peter Lundberg agreed that Montenegro is a reliable partner of United Nations which strongly contributes to the realization of global Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030.
The event, attended by number of diplomatic representatives as well as members of Montenegrin diaspora, was an opportunity to present the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 adopted by the Government of Montenegro in early July. This jointly developed five-year development plan in anchored in three priority areas of cooperation:
inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability,
development of human capital, reduction of vulnerability and social inclusion, and
social cohesion in the context of governance people-oriented, rule of law and human rights.
UN Resident Coordinator presented a tool for joint financing of the sustainable development initiatives - the Montenegro Acceleration Fund - which is being worked on by the Government and the United Nations system in the country.
It was pointed out that the cooperation between Montenegro and the UN is based on the lofty values of justice, rights, freedom and equality. In this sense, the Cooperation Framework between Montenegro and the United Nations has the potential to further improve cooperation and the overall socio-economic situation in Montenegro. As such, the Cooperation Framework builds up on the National Sustainable Development Strategy, which is the national policy response to Agenda 2030.
It was emphasized that the accession of Montenegro to the European Union remains the most important foreign policy goal and development path, and that strengthening the synergy between the EU accession process and the Sustainable Development Goals will initiate a series of transformative changes in the country, enabling Montenegro to have a smart and efficient approach to the implementation of both development agendas.
In this regard, the initiative to complement the financial structure of the Cooperation Framework by introducing the Montenegro Acceleration Fund as a strategic tool for improving the partnership between the country and the UN, as well as other development partners, will deepen commitment to results within national priorities and strengthen shared ownership of development results.
Special support for this approach was expressed by Switzerland and Luxembourg, emphasizing their commitment to the reform of the United Nations, and their support for Montenegrin path to the European Union and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda, simultaneously calling on other partner countries to support the strategic development of Montenegro.
The Fund for Accelerated Development of Montenegro can also be a tool that will channel the support that the Montenegrin diaspora traditionally provides to the development of the country.
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Story
01 July 2022
Human-centered social policies – the core of the UN's "Activate!" programme
Podgorica, 1 July 2022
Developed tools and new insights for the implementation of better social policy and new services tailored to the needs of beneficiaries are the main achievements of the UN project "Activate! Integrated social protection and employment in order to accelerate progress for young people in Montenegro ", which was concluded today at the final conference that took place in Podgorica.
The initiative, abbreviated as "Activate!", aims at activating young people who thrive on the margins of society – the unemployed, those outside the education system, as well as those who do not possess the skills necessary for employment in the 21st century. Its goal is to foster the creation of opportunities for this population by means of efficient social policies and improved social services.
Peter Lundberg, the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, pointed out that initiatives like this are especially important in times of instability and crisis, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
"A key to accelerating development is through innovation, at all levels – in policies and service design. We hope that these new models will respond to the need and help decentralize cost-planning at all levels, so social protection systems can serve all people in need everywhere," Lundberg said.
Edina Dešić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, assessed that the program opened a significant space for the transformation of social policies.
"The results obtained from this project will be a significant input for the creation of social and child protection policies based on empirical evidence, in such a way that the support of the system is directed to those who really need it." Dešić emphasized.
Nenad Rava, Head of Programmes of the Sustainable Development Goals Fund, pointed out that Montenegro has the opportunity to accelerate sustainable human development through programs like this one.
"We expect that 500 young people will be trained in digital skills thanks to the development of a new service for uptake in digital skills. Almost 1,000 refugees/asylum seekers received support for their 'first time' encounter with the social protection system" said Rava.
"We raised awareness of the dangers of trafficking through an awareness-raising campaign. We supported the reintegration assistance. All this gives me hope that what was achieved within the Activate project in Montenegro with the support of SDG Fund will move beyond its borders and reach other SDG Fund partners in 118 countries and territories," Rava pointed out.
Acting UNICEF Representative to Montenegro, Sabina Žunić, said that only through joint and cross-sectoral efforts and the establishment of a wide network of cooperation can we fight for every young person's right to live a dignified life.
"New approaches to empowering young people must include their greater participation in decision-making. Through this program, adolescents and young people are empowered, first of all, through socio-emotional skills workshops and support for their mental health. We will soon launch a web portal that will address these topics, because mental health is key to reaching all other goals in the lives of children and young people," Žunić said.
The project aimed at strengthening the social protection system has been implemented since November 2019 by UN agencies in Montenegro in cooperation with national partners – the Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Employment Agency of Montenegro, centers for social work and civil society organizations. The initiative is funded by the Joint SDG Fund, whose donors are member states of the United Nations, the European Union, international agencies, the private sector and individuals.
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29 June 2022
FAO works towards building resilience of Montenegro’s agriculture to disasters
30 June 2022 - Podgorica, Montenegro
At a hybrid meeting today, Miroslav Cimbaljevic, Director General for Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, and Nabil Gangi, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia joined key experts to discuss main findings and recommendations of the updated comprehensive analysis on the disaster risk reduction system for Montenegro’s agriculture.
The initial baseline study was conducted in 2016–2017 as part of a regional Technical Cooperation project titled “Enhancement of disaster risk reduction and management capacities and mainstreaming climate change adaptation practices into the agricultural sector in the Western Balkans”.
The Government of Montenegro recognizes the importance of improving disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. For this reason, integrating these areas into sector development planning should become a priority, eventually through the Agricultural Development Strategy, currently in preparation. As that this approach requires continuous work, improvement, and exchange of experiences and good practices with other countries of the region, FAO’s support is an important part of this process.
The updated study for Montenegro reviews the current status of disaster risk reduction, early warning systems and agro-meteorology services in agriculture, including legislation, policies, institutional capacities and services related to the disaster risk reduction system with particular focus on the agriculture sector, and assesses the gaps and needs to improve and strengthen these areas. How to enhance and modernize these areas was central in the discussions today. The critical role of data collection for evidence building and risk-informed policy decisions were also emphasized along with improved coordination at the various levels for disasters risk reduction, response and recovery within and across sectors.
“Agriculture is highly vulnerable to natural hazards and to the impacts of climate change, due to the climate sensitive nature of the sector; it also significantly contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions generated from its livestock, crop production and other land uses,” said Nabil Gangi.
“With climate change, it is expected that there will be an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, hence, it is crucial to promote the adoption of agricultural good practices that respect the environment, reduce the depletion of natural resources and biodiversity loss, mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and lead to sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. FAO is committed to support Montenegro in this direction,” said Nabil Gangi.
Montenegro is exposed to various types of natural hazards, including (flash) floods, landslides, droughts and forest fires that put people at risk and can cause considerable damage that may undermine the country’s economic development. Due to the country’s vulnerability to natural hazards as well as environmental issues, including land degradation, soil erosion and desertification caused by human activities, the country is highly sensitive to the adverse impacts of climate change.
It is expected that, due to climate change, the average annual rainfall is will decrease, especially during the summer months, while the average annual temperatures will increase. As a result, droughts and floods are expected to increase in frequency. Agriculture and in particularly smallholder farmers and rural communities are vulnerable as they rely on the sector for their food, income, and livelihoods.
Thus, meeting participants also stressed the importance to further improve the existing methodology for post-disaster need assessment, and to be aligned with the standards developed by the United Nations Development Group, World Bank, and the European Union, as well as the application of FAO’s agricultural damage and loss assessment methodology to help track progress of the Sendai C2 indicator on direct agricultural loss attributed to disasters, and the corresponding Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 15.2 ‘Direct economic loss attributed to disasters in relation to global gross domestic product’.
The analysis is part of a series of country baseline studies on disaster risk reduction system in the agriculture sector, conducted by FAO. Other countries included in the study series are Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The study was conducted under the FAO Regional Initiative on managing natural resources sustainably and preserving biodiversity in a changing climate.
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Press Release
20 May 2022
Further strengthening cooperation with the Parliament of Montenegro
Podgorica, 19 May 2022
The Parliament Speaker of Montenegro, Danijela Đurović, met with the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Peter Lundberg.
Thanking for the strong support of the UN to the reform agenda of our country, President Đurović emphasized that Montenegro highly appreciates the good cooperation and support of the UN system through active action in numerous areas, and expressed readiness to improve the partnership in the future by concretizing defined initiatives. and launching new joint projects.
Pointing to the continuity of the political dialogue that our country has with the highest officials from the UN system, the Parliament Speaker reaffirmed Montenegro's strong commitment to fundamental UN values and respect for the Charter and international obligations, as well as achieving the goals defined in the 2030 Agenda. dedicated to preserving peace, security, development and protection of human rights.
Referring to the issues of social inclusion, such as those that are in the center of UN policy, Djurovic emphasized that this issue, through her previous personal engagement in the Women's Club and the Gender Equality Committee, is one of the priorities of her further activities. She also said that through previous analyzes of the mentioned parliamentary bodies, it was clearly recognized that good practices of the UN system could significantly contribute to defining some future quality solutions in this area. In that context, she reminded of the importance of raising quotas, which would ensure the participation of women in parliamentary life, in the percentage of 40 percent.
The Parliament Speaker also warned that, in that context, she is significantly concerned about the increase of hate speech, primerely on social networks, but also in public discourse in general, which is recognized as a problem that must be solved by adequate legislation in a way that would guarantee media freedoms and the right to copyright.
Speaking about the importance and role of the Parliament as an important segment of political life, but also the challenges facing the new parliamentary majority, Djurovic reminded of the importance of encouraging and initiating political dialogue, the need to pass laws on the Parliament and the Government, focusing on electoral legislation political actors, and securing the necessary majority for key appointments in the judiciary. She expressed the expectation that, in overcoming all these challenges, "there will be enough political maturity to reach the main goal, which is the European perspective of Montenegro."
UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Peter Lundberg congratulated Ms. Đurović on her election for a Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro and stressed that he is always encouraged by the appointment of women to leading positions in the country.
He stressed out the importance of continuous and very constructive cooperation between Montenegro and the United Nations, emphasizing his expectation that this cooperation will be further strengthened through the upcoming five-year Strategic Framework for Cooperation for the period 2023-2027.
"Through cooperation in the strategic areas of the five-year framework, the UN system will continue to support Montenegro in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and meeting national priorities, primarily EU accession," said Lundberg.
He emphasizing that the achievement of these goals must be preceded by progress in the fields of environment through ecological transformation, social inclusion and social protection, but also strengthening the rule of law, independent institutions and guaranteeing social equality for all
Noting that hate speech is a global problem, Lundberg pointed out that "it is necessary to fight against hate in all segments of life."
The Resident Coordinator reiterated the UN's firm commitment to continuing and further strengthening cooperation with Parliament and the Government within the Organisation’s mandate, expressing readiness to offer necessary expertise and experience.
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Press Release
29 March 2022
Strong consensus on key priorities of future cooperation
The President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, met with the Resident Coordinator of the UN System in the country, Peter Lundberg, to discuss cooperation between Montenegro and the UN, as well as current internal and regional issues.
The President expressed satisfaction and gratitude to Mr. Lundberg for initiating the meeting, expressing hope that the cooperation with institutions in Montenegro is going well in times of emergency, both externally and internally. He reiterated Montenegro's absolute commitment to the UN values and the UN Charter, as well as the country’s strong commitment to multilateralism, as confirmed during recent meetings with the UN Secretary-General Guterres and Under-Secretary Di Carlo. The President emphasized that Montenegro is very keen on cooperation with the UN Office and agencies in the country, emphasizing that we are in a very important period of defining the 5-year framework for cooperation for the period 2023-2027, which requires competencies and functional institutions in Montenegro capable to responsibly and efficiently respond to the needs of further cooperation. In the spirit of that commitment, the President expressed hope for a soon election of a new government, so that system is in place for strengthening cooperation with the UN.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro was very pleased with the meeting, expressing high appreciation for Montenegro's active involvement in the human rights system and its role in the Human Rights Council. Lundberg stressed full readiness of the UN system to support Montenegro in the process of fulfilling its obligations in this area, which is also important for the European integration process which is largely compatible with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Expressing gratitude for continuous partnership, Mr Lundberg informed the President about the development of the next strategic plan for cooperation, which builds upon excellent cooperation between Montenegro and the UN system in the previous 5-year cycle which mobilized funds worth $ 70 million to support sustainable development. Lundberg stressed that the priorities of the 5-year framework of cooperation include strengthening social cohesion, overcoming divisions, and combating hate speech underlining that, with the UN's impartial role, an important partnership can be achieved, especially with the groups such as youth and women.
Reaffirming his commitment to human rights as a priority in cooperation with the UN and satisfaction with the renewed country's membership in the Human Rights Council, the President agreed with the envisaged priorities of the future framework of cooperation, emphasizing that social cohesion is a very important task of responsible state policy. While noting that certain progress has been achieved in that area, he emphasized that there is room for progress, but also expressed concern over the brutal offensive of nationalist political narratives for which do not aim toward emancipation and Europeanization. Regretting that we are going through such phases, he expressed optimism in continuing the strategic direction of movement through the adoption of the European value system.
UN Resident Coordinator thanked the President for the detailed and open analysis of the current situation in the region and Europe, and expressed full support for Montenegro's European path in line with the common goals of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.
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Press Release
10 December 2021
Free speech: cornerstone of democracy, but not excuse for spreading hate speech
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Although seemingly simple and straightforward, article 1 of the Universal Human Rights Declaration remains a far cry for many. Discrimination but also other violations of fundamental human rights remain a reality for too many people around the world today.
Respect for the human rights of all is fundamental for sustainable peace and inclusive development. This was so the case in 1948, when the Universal Declaration was adopted, and it remains so today. In his Call to Action for Human Rights last year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that human rights are essential to addressing the causes and impact of today's complex crises, and to building sustainable, safe, and peaceful societies.
In tackling the challenges we face, everyone’s opinion and criticism count. Everyone deserves space to express views freely and without fear, though – as international human rights law states – with respect for the special duties and responsibilities this freedom carries, one of which is respect for the rights of others. Here we have noted a challenge, one that is not unique to Montenegro: hate speech. We have observed hate speech based on ethnicity, national identity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political or religious affiliation. It denigrates, dehumanizes, discriminates and excludes. It has led to a few hate crimes. Hate speech can threaten peaceful societies as the Special Adviser on the Prevention Genocide, who leads the UN in tackling the phenomenon and who visited Montenegro in November, often warns about.
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the UN Country Team in Montenegro calls for more rather than less speech to counter the challenge that hate speech presents to our societies. We call for speech that shows full respect for the humanity and dignity of the other. And we ask leaders, may they be political, religious or otherwise, but also those who have influence, like traditional and the online media, to serve as examples. Let us all use this essential freedom for what it is meant – to create free, open, respectful societies in which everyone has an opportunity to take part, makes their voice heard and to ultimately contribute to a better life for all.
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Press Release
17 November 2021
OHCHR: Symbols glorifying convicted war criminals should have no place in the public space
Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Liz Throssell
Location: Geneva
Date: 12 November 2021 We are concerned at events this week in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, where police stepped in to protect a mural of the convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic painted on a building in the city centre. The mural in Belgrade is not an isolated incident. Posters, graffiti, other materials and statements praising war criminals are found in other parts of Serbia, as well as in various towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and elsewhere in the region. Symbols glorifying convicted war criminals should have no place in the public space. Such symbols are all the more concerning given the recent rise in hate speech and denial of genocide and other atrocity crimes in the Western Balkans – developments that highlight the failure to address the past. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is particularly worrying, where such trends are deepening divisions. We call on the authorities in the region to abide by their international human rights obligations to ensure the rights to truth, justice and reparation, as well as to adopt measures to prevent recurrence and to promote further reconciliation efforts. We call on them to condemn and refrain from all forms of hate speech and incitement to violence and to ensure the perpetrators of such acts are held accountable. The UN Human Rights Office stands ready to continue offering its guidance on human rights issues to help people in the Western Balkans move forward with the transitional justice processes that are so crucial for the region’s future. For more information and media requests, please contact:
Rupert Colville + 41 22 917 9767 / rupert.colville@un.org or
Ravina Shamdasani - + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org or
Liz Throssell + 41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org or
Marta Hurtado - + 41 22 917 9466 / marta.hurtadogomez@un.org Tag and share
Twitter @UNHumanRights
Facebook unitednationshumanrights
Instagram @unitednationshumanrights Originaly posted on OHCHR website
Location: Geneva
Date: 12 November 2021 We are concerned at events this week in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, where police stepped in to protect a mural of the convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic painted on a building in the city centre. The mural in Belgrade is not an isolated incident. Posters, graffiti, other materials and statements praising war criminals are found in other parts of Serbia, as well as in various towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and elsewhere in the region. Symbols glorifying convicted war criminals should have no place in the public space. Such symbols are all the more concerning given the recent rise in hate speech and denial of genocide and other atrocity crimes in the Western Balkans – developments that highlight the failure to address the past. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is particularly worrying, where such trends are deepening divisions. We call on the authorities in the region to abide by their international human rights obligations to ensure the rights to truth, justice and reparation, as well as to adopt measures to prevent recurrence and to promote further reconciliation efforts. We call on them to condemn and refrain from all forms of hate speech and incitement to violence and to ensure the perpetrators of such acts are held accountable. The UN Human Rights Office stands ready to continue offering its guidance on human rights issues to help people in the Western Balkans move forward with the transitional justice processes that are so crucial for the region’s future. For more information and media requests, please contact:
Rupert Colville + 41 22 917 9767 / rupert.colville@un.org or
Ravina Shamdasani - + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org or
Liz Throssell + 41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org or
Marta Hurtado - + 41 22 917 9466 / marta.hurtadogomez@un.org Tag and share
Twitter @UNHumanRights
Facebook unitednationshumanrights
Instagram @unitednationshumanrights Originaly posted on OHCHR website
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Press Release
07 September 2021
Montenegro: UN expert on sale and exploitation of children to visit 8-16 September
GENEVA (6 September 2021) - The UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, Mama Fatima Singhateh, will conduct an official visit to Montenegro from 8 to 16 September 2021.
The expert has been mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to conduct country visits and promote strategies to prevent and combat the sale and sexual exploitation of children and to make recommendations for the care, recovery and reintegration into society of child victims.
Mama Fatima Singhateh will address thematic issues such as protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse involving information and communication technologies, child marriage, sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism, trafficking of children for sexual exploitation, exploitation of children living in the streets, and the sale of children through illegal adoptions.
During her eight-day visit, the UN expert will travel to Podgorica, Bijela, Spuz and other municipalities. She will meet representatives of the executive, legislature and judiciary, local and municipal authorities, civil society organizations, members of the international community, and children.
At the end of her visit, on Thursday 16 September 2021, the UN expert will share her preliminary observations at a press conference at 12:00 noon local time at the UN Eco House, at Blue Room, Stanka Dragojevica bb, 81000, Podgorica. Access to the press conference will be strictly limited to journalists.
The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report at a forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council.
ENDS
Ms. Mama Fatima Singhateh (The Gambia) was appointed as the UN Special Rapporteur on sale and sexual exploitation of children by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2020. She is a trained lawyer with almost 20 years of experience. Ms Singhateh has held a number of high-level positions in public service in the Gambia. She holds a master’s degree in International Business Law from the University of Hull and has undergone numerous trainings in child rights programming, arbitration and mediation, and legislative drafting. She has drafted laws, organized and conducted numerous training sessions, delivered presentations at both national and international fora and written articles and reports on issues relating to the promotion and protection of the rights of the child.
The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, Country Page – Montenegro
For more information and media requests, please contact: In Montenegro (during the visit) : Ms. Marina Narvaez Guarnieri (+ 41 079 201 01 23/marina.narvaezguarnieri@un.org); or Ms. Anjet Lanting (+382 69 332 004 /anjet.lanting@un.org). In Geneva (before or during the visit): Ms. Shushan Khachyan (+41 76 615 04 03 / shushan.khachyan@un.org) or write to srsaleofchildren@ohchr.org.
For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts please contact: Mr. Jeremy Laurence, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+41 22 917 9383 / jlaurence@ohchr.org)
Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts.
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