Montenegro strongly supports comprehensive global implementation of 2030 development framework

New York, the USA (28 September 2015) – Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Lukšić delivered a speech at the Post-2015 Summit Interactive Dialogues titled "Building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions to achieve sustainable development."

"Montenegro strongly supports the adopted universal, ambitious and transformative sustainable development agenda by 2030," said Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić. Aware of the importance of implementing the agenda, a process of drafting a new sustainable development strategy have been initiated in Montenegro, which will include the objectives set out in the agenda, he pointed out, adding that the institutions responsible for active participation of all stakeholders in the decision-making process at all levels have found their place within the new development framework.

The Deputy Prime Minister also referred to the respect for human rights, peace and security, good governance and the rule of law as prerequisites for the sustainable development. In that regard, he stressed the respect for these principles at all levels is crucial for achieving the development goals, particularly in strengthening the sustainable economic development, eradication of hunger and poverty, as well as protection of human rights and freedoms. He also underscored the importance of all countries’ participation in ensuring inclusive political process that will enable active participation of all stakeholders.

"It is necessary to continuously work towards building trust in institutions and strengthening support for the development of public policies and values which are keys to achieving goal 16, referring to the building of peaceful and inclusive societies, securing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels," Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić concluded.

At the Summit sidelines, Mr Lukšić held brief meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia Miroslav Lajčak and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Daniel Mitov.

The three-day Summit, where one of the keynotes was US President Barack Obama, has been a historic turning point in setting development policies with the view to eradicating poverty and inequality, as well as ensuring human dignity for all. The countries have committed to undertake concrete activities aimed at a comprehensive implementation of the transformative and ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.