The UN, as a proven partner in socio-economic development, contributes to our European goals

The 13th meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the Integrated Cooperation Program of Montenegro and the United Nations for the period 2017-2022, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was an opportunity to discuss a set of important issues related to cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the UN system. The focus of the meeting was at the results of activities carried out under the current Cooperation Program, but also the modalities and dynamics of drafting a new strategic document for the period 2023-2027.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Djordje Radulovic praised the good cooperation that the Government of Montenegro is continuously achieving with the UN system in the country. The UN has proven to be a committed partner, which through its activities has been a significant support in many areas, along the lines of reform processes implemented by the Government, with the aim of complementary approach in the EU integration process and achieving sustainable development agenda 2030.

The permanent coordinator of the UN system in Montenegro, Peter Lundberg, said that the UN system in Montenegro is a strong ally of the Government in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, and that by December last year they supported our country in dealing with the crisis with 7.64 million dollars.

He pointed out that partnership between the UN system and the Government of Montenegro lies at the heart of the process of developing the new Cooperation Framework that has begun. "We have achieved a lot together, and I hope that the path of excellent cooperation will continue in the future to increase the chances of Montenegro becoming part of the European Union, but also the overall impact of the 2030 Agenda. We have only nine years to achieve 17 sustainable development goals.", Lundberg stated in his address.

During the meeting, it was stated that the Government will responsibly and comprehensively define its priorities in the context of cooperation with the UN system in the upcoming period. The key results of last year's cooperation and plans for this year, as well as the key findings of the Analysis of the situation in the country, were presented at the meeting. The strategic priorities of future cooperation were also discussed. The dynamics of the development of the new Framework of Cooperation for Sustainable Development 2023-2027 and the modalities of joint work were also harmonized.