Spajić-Paniklova: Government and UNDP committed to common goals

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić met with the UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, with whom he discussed the continuation of strengthening cooperation towards the common goal - the fulfillment of 2030 Agenda, the achievement of sustainable development goals and the acceleration of the completion of the European integration process.

Prime Minister Spajić pointed out that sustainable development is one of the priorities in the work of the 44^th Government and recognized as such within a special department. He introduced the interlocutor to the Government's activities in the context of 2030 Agenda and said that for the implementation of development policies, it is important to obtain quality data from the ongoing Census of Population, Households and Dwellings. As he pointed out, this will help the further development of the country and contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all citizens. "We are glad that after a month of negotiations, we have reached a solution in which everyone is satisfied. The process itself opens up room for us to make other important decisions for our country in an environment of cooperation and mutual respect," said the Prime Minister.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, reminded that since the establishment of the Office in Montenegro in 2006, UNDP has implemented projects worth over 110 million dollars. "Almost two decades long partnership between the Government of Montenegro and UNDP has resulted in concrete and tangible reform results", said Paniklova.

She pointed out that the continuation of the strong partnership is defined by the Cooperation Framework for 2023-2027 between UNDP and Montenegro, which is fully aligned with 2030 Agenda and priorities from the EU accession process, and which envisages the implementation of projects worth about 40 million dollars.

It was noted at the meeting that the joint focus is on strengthening the resilience of society and transparent institutions committed to citizens.