United Nations in Serbia

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 Serbia:

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18 June 2024

Matilde Mordt Assumes Role as New UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia

Belgrade, June 17, 2024 – Matilde Mordt has officially assumed her duties as the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia following a credentials presentation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Đurić which marks the beginning of her role in enhancing the collaboration between Serbia and the United Nations.With more than three decades of experience, Ms. Mordt brings extensive knowledge in the areas of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, environment and climate change, governance, social policy, and disaster risk reduction. Her previous positions include serving as the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Ecuador, and various leadership roles within the UNDP in Nicaragua, Paraguay, Argentina, and at the regional hub for Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama. She has also been involved in research and teaching on sustainable development and climate change.Ms. Mordt holds a PhD in Human and Economic Geography with a specialization in livelihoods and sustainability, a master’s degree in international economics and business administration, and a Bachelor’s in social studies from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Her appointment is expected to further strengthen the ongoing cooperation and development efforts between Serbia and the United Nations.

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05 November 2024

Dialogue on Climate Change 2024

Belgrade, November 4, 2024 – Today, the Ministry of Environmental Protection hosted a " Dialogue on Climate Change", to discuss with key stakeholders on strategies for Serbia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and leverage the green transition for economic and social development. This event, organised in partnership with the United Nations (UN) Team in Serbia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), precedes this year's global UN Climate Conference – COP29, in Azerbaijan.The dialogue included representatives from relevant Serbian ministries, international development partners, domestic and international financial institutions, the business sector, and UN agencies in Serbia.At the opening of the event, Sandra Dokić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated that Serbia is extremely vulnerable to climate change and that the Climate Change Adaptation Program defines 25 priority measures necessary to reduce future losses and improve society's readiness for climate risks, especially in the agriculture sector, where damages have been particularly high in recent years. “Through the Low-Carbon Development Strategy, the Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP), the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, as well as future policies—primarily the Environmental Protection Strategy—we are laying the foundations for a sustainable, competitive, resource-efficient economy which is resilient to climate change. We are committed to accelerating the energy transition and and promoting innovation, because it is only through collaboration and sustainable models that we can achieve climate-neutral development”, emphasized Dokić. She also mentioned that the Ministry of Environmental Protection, inspired by the EU model, has established a system for issuing GHG emission permits to operators of energy and industrial facilities, which is now digitized and fully operational.The Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Plamena Halacheva, said that the EU continues to support the implementation of the Green Agenda, to help Serbia tackle climate change and decarboniSe ITS economy. "We are working to improve the legal and policy framework, to invest in people’s skills and innovative SMEs for a just transition, and to reduce emissions across energy, transport, and agriculture by transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable farming", Halacheva emphasised, adding that thanks to the Green Deal, the EU will deliver on its 2030 target to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.The dialogue highlighted how advancing public policies can enhance Serbia’s adaptation to climate change and increase the use of renewable energy resources, which have significant potential in the country, such as geothermal energy and biomethane.“Our aim is that by 2030, nearly half of all megawatt-hours will be generated from renewable sources. By then, a total of about 3.5 GW of new capacities from renewable energy sources (RES) will be added to the grid, from both public and private investments. With significant increases in energy efficiency in households and public buildings, there is an expectation of a 40.3% decrease in harmful gas emissions by the end of the decade, compared to levels in 1990”, said Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy for International Cooperation and European Integration.She stated that, thanks to the completed desulfurization plants at TPP Kostolac B and TPP Nikola Tesla A, and after the construction of the same plant for TPP Nikola Tesla B, more than 90 percent of Serbia's thermal power capacity will be completely environmentally acceptable and up to European standards, which also means better air quality.A key focus of the dialogue was ensuring stable financing sources for the green transition, which is crucial for the economy to continue growing, while preserving the environment and improving the quality of life for all citizens.This dialogue was held ahead of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will take place November 11-22 in Baku. This year's conference aims to strengthen global efforts to limit climate change and adapt to its impacts, as well as secure the necessary funding to achieve these goals. “Our world is at a critical crossroads, facing the urgent challenge of global climate change that demands immediate and robust action from all countries and actors. Serbia, with its commitment and efforts, is well-positioned to amplify its climate actions. It is imperative for Serbia to accelerate its efforts across all sectors through coordinated and integrated strategies to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future”, stated Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. As part of the dialogue, UN Women organized a discussion titled "Women at the Center of Climate Policies and Actions: Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change through Gender Equality". This discussion stressed that integrating a gender perspective into climate policies and financing is essential for achieving fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable solutions in tackling climate change.In addition, an exhibition was organized to showcase innovative products created through recycling and the reuse of waste, in line with the principles of the circular economy, including items such as face masks, biosoaps, and construction materials.The Climate Change Dialogue was supported by projects implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, thanks to funding from the European Union, and the governments of Switzerland, Sweden, and Serbia, as well as the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

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13 November 2024

Heroes of Our Present and Future

Pirot, October 2024 - “Climate change is causing the Nisava River to become highly torrential, leading to frequent floods. As classmates with a shared entrepreneurial mindset, we developed this device together and applied to UPSHIFT, hoping to raise awareness about our device and the potential dangers the river poses,” explains 19-year-old Mihajlo Tosic, representing the six-member "Hydro Heroes" team from Pirot.Mihajlo, Mateja, two Jovans, Nemanja, and Isidora participated in the UPSHIFT workshop in Nis, southern Serbia, at the beginning of July, where they presented their idea—a DIY alarm system designed to alert citizens and swimmers of rising river water levels. Out of ten teams, five received financial and mentoring support to bring their ideas to life, including Hydro Heroes.For Mihajlo, environmental activism is a clear part of his future. He now understands just how much climate change can affect people’s lives and health. He’s proud to be part of a team that has created something beneficial for the people of Pirot. “We designed a device equipped with an ultrasonic sensor to measure water levels. It operates on a solar panel and includes a built-in battery for use at night or when the solar panel is temporarily non-functional. The device features a visual alarm to alert people when the Nisava River is unsafe for swimming.”Mateja Simic, who joined the project partly due to his love for fishing on the Nisava, explains where Pirot residents can access the data captured by the device.“The device measures data in real-time, including water level, air temperature, and humidity, and sends it here. The website is accessible to everyone at any time from both phones and computers,” says Mateja The young heroes have installed their first device on the "Love Bridge," with two more planned for the Railway Bridge and the Big Bridge.The PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature Programme, jointly implemented by United Nations agencies in Serbia—UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNEP—aims to improve citizens' quality of life by enhancing local governance, social inclusion, and environmental protection. The programme also raises awareness and builds knowledge about climate change, promoting youth-led initiatives. This is achieved on the ground through UPSHIFT, a global program for adolescents and youth that fosters climate activism, connects social entrepreneurship with innovation and teamwork, and empowers young people to address challenges in their communities.Nemanja Djordjevic says they learned about UPSHIFT from their teacher at the Technical School. They didn’t hesitate to apply, he adds, because the idea is both good and practical.“We’re raising awareness of potential risks on the river. We had a feeling we had a shot at winning because the idea is unique. We joined this project to set an example for other young people, encouraging them to follow our lead and create new projects that help protect the environment. It’s vital for youth to take part in environmental protection and initiatives that preserve their surroundings, as it lets them contribute to their town, community, and country,” says Nemanja. Hydro Heroes, a team of six, had been working together on student business projects throughout high school, explains Isidora Zivkovic. The UPSHIFT project introduced them to a new challenge.“We worked together as a team, brainstorming and building on each other’s ideas. The workshop was fantastic, especially since some of us were speaking in front of an audience for the first time,” says Isidora.Their mentor, Dusan Stankovic, a communications specialist, guided them from idea to the alarm system now installed on the bridge. Dusan, passionate about mentoring young people and team development, shares his thoughts on Hydro Heroes.“What I can say about my Hydro Heroes team is that they are truly enthusiastic young people, defined by their persistence. My role in the project was to guide them through the process and help them understand the deeper social impact of their work, encouraging them to embrace social responsibility. I also supported them in applying methodology so they could focus not only on technical aspects but also on running an effective campaign,” Dusan explains.According to UNICEF surveys conducted via the U-Report online platform, 92% of young people are willing to change their habits and lifestyles to help protect the planet. Isidora agrees but adds that young people often lack the confidence and support needed to take practical action.
“I believe young people should apply for workshops like UPSHIFT or any project that can benefit their local community. It’s important. We’re young, we can enact change. Our future is important. We are an example of young people who succeeded in bringing their project to life, and I believe that any young team with a good idea can succeed too.” These young heroes—future programmers, engineers, and entrepreneurs—show that community care goes beyond words or social media likes. They prove that our future is already in good hands with those who are the future.

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31 October 2024

"Clicking Together with Citizens"- Technology Serving Community

Belgrade, October 31, 2024 - Today, at the United Nations (UN) House, in the presence of high-ranking officials from the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia, the UN Resident Coordinator's office in Serbia (RCO), and UN agencies, the launch of the Digital Service Design Hub within the Office for IT and eGovernment (ITE) was announced. The Hub is being established as part of the new initiative "Clicking Together with Citizens“ which aims to support their continuous involvement in the design process of digital public services. This initiative represents a continuation of the UN's partnership with the Government of Serbia in implementing digital transformation and improving the quality and accessibility of public services for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable groups. It is being implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). At the Digital Service Design Hub, new public digital services will be developed and current ones enhanced, by working closely with citizens, to boost efficiency in meeting public and business sector needs, and to grow the user base. This approach entails active citizen participation in all phases of creating digital public services — from the initial idea, through co-creation and prototype testing, to continuous service enhancement based on user feedback."This initiative marks a pivotal step for public services in Serbia", says Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. "By engaging citizens, especially the most vulnerable like the elderly, people with disabilities, and rural communities, we aim to reduce discrimination and enhance accessibility to the digital space. It reinforces Serbia's digital transformation and our commitment to leaving no one behind".“Digital Service Design Hub – Clicking Together with Citizens” is a three-year initiative funded with 3.25 million euros by the Joint SDG Fund (Sustainable Development Goals Fund), with support from the EU and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The project in Serbia is led by the RCO and is implemented by UNDP, FAO, and UNICEF."The service delivery to citizens and businesses, in particular e-services, is continuously improving. Serbia is the top performer in the region. However, the main impediment for further developments remains the fragmentation of responsibilities and mandates between institutions and the lack of a dedicated coordination system. Within the reform agenda, digital transformation is seen as one of the key priorities and therefore significant EU funds have been allocated to support further digitalisation in Serbia", stated Nikola Bertolini, Head of the Cooperation Department of the EU Delegation in Serbia. Through the project, the ITE team will develop their skills in product management as well as in user needs and experience research, by working with experts and mentors from the private sector. Workshops are scheduled for the ITE team, public sector partners and students, in addition to training for civil servants through the National Academy for Public Administration's (NAPA) online platform. Moreover, attendees will be able to share their best practices and insights with experts from various local and international backgrounds. The initiative includes international cooperation, through study visits and participation in significant events related to citizen-centered service design, aiming to integrate the principles of this approach into domestic legislation and e-government processes. For hands-on practical learning, the project includes plans to redesign and enhance digital services in the areas of agriculture and social protection.The main national partner in the implementation of the project is the Office for IT and eGovernment (ITE). Additionally, project partners include the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy, the Ministry of Family Welfare and Demography, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, and the Directorate for Agrarian Payments, as well as the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, the National Academy for Public Administration (NAPA), and the Public Policy Secretariat of the Republic of Serbia."By launching the 'Digital Service Design Hub – Clicking Together with Citizens' project, we are beginning a new chapter at the Office for IT and eGovernment. It is extremely important for us that the voices of our service users are heard in everything we do. Our intention is to work with citizens on the development and testing of new offerings, receiving feedback from them, to make sure they are accessible, easy to comprehend, available on all devices, and adjustable for individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to perfect this new working process over the next three years so that citizen-focused service development becomes the standard for creating e-services, and for our Office to become the primary state promoter of this new practice, which will also support other institutions", said Dr. Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment. He added that for the past eight years, the Office has been the driving force behind digital transformation in the Republic of Serbia, working on the development and improvement of the entire eGovernment system with significant support from the UNDP.

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25 October 2024

Serbia Marks UN Day 2024, Focusing on Youth, Cooperation, and Sustainability

Belgrade, October 24, 2024 – The Government of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations in Serbia observed the 79th anniversary of the United Nations with an event focused on "YoUNg Futures" at the Jugoslovenska kinoteka in Belgrade. The gathering reinforced Serbia's commitment to fostering international cooperation and peace, while underscoring the vital role of youth in sustainable development.In her address, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, Ms. Matilde Mordt, reflected on the escalating global challenges and highlighted the UN’s strategic priorities in Serbia—green transformation, human capital development, and the strengthening of the rule of law and human rights agenda. Ms. Mordt reiterated the importance of youth in this endeavor, stating, "Young people in Serbia play a central role in shaping our future. We are committed to ensuring their voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes, as outlined in the Pact for the Future."Ms. Mordt further showcased the impact of the United Nations initiatives with youth in Serbia, such as the creation of Serbia's first Declaration on Clean Air, support for mental health and youth employment. These initiatives, she noted, demonstrate the tangible contributions young Serbians make toward environmental and social progress.The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, emphasized the importance of young people's voices in decision-making processes in his address. "Today, as we celebrate United Nations Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where we not only hear but also listen to the voices of the youth. Our young people are not just our future; they are our present, and we deeply value their contributions. I thank the United Nations team for uniting all partners in the celebration of peace and cooperation. Together we are building a brighter future for the generations to come."The event was moderated by Serbian UN Youth Delegates. Attendees engaged with a premiere art installation crafted by young people from Belgrade, symbolizing global interconnectedness in peace and sustainability efforts. Additionally, a photo exhibition showcased the impact of UN initiatives in youth development across Serbia. A performance by the young ART Link jazz trio reinforced the themes of youth empowerment and future aspirations through music."YoUNg Futures" served as a platform to celebrate youth leadership and reaffirm commitments to supporting the rights and aspirations of the younger generations in Serbia. The United Nations and the Government of Serbia look forward to continuing their collaboration, fostering progress for the generations that will shape our world.

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23 September 2024

United Nations adopts ground-breaking Pact for the Future to transform global governance

New York, 22 September 2024 – World leaders today adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”

Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law. Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.

“The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,” said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”

The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:

In the area of peace and securityThe most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies.
On sustainable development, climate and financing for developmentThe entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including: Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy. Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
On digital cooperationThe Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to: Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030.
Youth and future generationsThe first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level.
Human rights and genderA strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others.
There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.

Summit Process
The Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.

The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.###
For more information: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future
Media contacts:
Francyne Harrigan, United Nations Department of Global Communications | harriganf@un.org
Stefania Piffanelli, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | piffanelli@un.org
Jackquelyn Kay Topacio, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | jackquelyn.topacio@un.org

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Press Release

01 July 2024

With less than one fifth of targets on track, world is failing to deliver on promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, warns new UN report

New York, 28 June – With just six years remaining, current progress falls far short of what is required to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without massive investment and scaled up action, the achievement of the SDGs — the blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises — will remain elusive, warns The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, launched today.A world in great upheavalThe report reveals that only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are currently on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third stalled or regressing. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and growing climate chaos have severely hindered progress.According to the report, an additional 23 million people were pushed into extreme poverty and over 100 million more were suffering from hunger in 2022 compared to 2019. The number of civilian deaths in armed conflict skyrocketed in 2023. That year was also the warmest on record, with global temperatures nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold.A moment of choice and consequence“This report highlights the urgent need for stronger and more effective international cooperation to maximize progress starting now,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “With more than six years left, we must not let up on our 2030 promise to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind.”Urgent priorities:Financing development: The SDG investment gap in developing countries now stands at $4 trillion per year. Developing countries require more financial resources and fiscal space. Reforming the global financial architecture is crucial to unlocking the volume of financing required to spur sustainable development.Peace and security: The number of forcibly displaced people has reached an unprecedented level, nearly 120 million by May 2024. Civilian casualties spiked by 72 per cent between 2022 and 2023 amid escalating violence, highlighting the urgent need for peace. Resolving ongoing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy is essential.Implementation surge: Massive investment and effective partnerships are needed to drive critical transitions in food, energy, social protection, digital connectivity and more.Success stories and opportunities for actionThe report spotlights examples of success and resilience that can be built upon through decisive action.The remarkable recent strides in deploying renewable energy, for example, highlight a clear pathway to a just energy transition. Girls in most regions have achieved parity and even pulled ahead of boys in completing schooling at all levels. Increasing internet access by about 70 per cent in just eight years also illustrates how rapid transformative change is possible. Similarly, decades of progress against HIV/AIDS provide a template for overcoming other pandemics through global solidarity and funding for scientific breakthroughs.“Time and again, humanity has demonstrated that when we work together and apply our collective mind, we can forge solutions to seemingly intractable problems,” said Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.Key moments for the SDGsThe Summit of the Future, taking place on 22 to 23 September at UN Headquarters in New York, will be pivotal to getting the world back on track to achieving the SDGs. Deliberations at the Summit will include addressing the debt crisis that is holding so many developing countries back and the urgent need for reform of the international financial architecture.According to the report, both the Financing for Development Conference and the World Summit for Social Development in 2025 will be key moments to drive SDG momentum. But as Mr. Li stressed: “The time for words has passed – the political declarations must urgently translate into actions. We must act now, and act boldly.”Key findings:For the first time this century, per-capita GDP growth in half of the world’s most vulnerable nations is slower than that of advanced economies.Nearly 60 per cent of countries faced moderately to abnormally high food prices in 2022.Based on data collected in 2022 in 120 countries, 55 per cent of the countries lacked non-discrimination laws that prohibit direct and indirect discrimination against women.Increased access to treatment has averted 20.8 million AIDS-related deaths in the past three decades.Progress on education remains of grave concern, with only 58 per cent of students worldwide achieving minimum proficiency in reading by the end of primary school.Global unemployment hit a historic low of 5 per cent in 2023, yet persistent roadblocks remain in achieving decent work.Global capacity to generate electricity from renewable energy has begun expanding at an unprecedented rate, growing at 8.1 per cent annually for the past five years.Mobile broadband (3G or higher) is accessible to 95 per cent of the world's population, up from 78 per cent in 2015.Record high ocean temperatures have triggered a fourth global coral bleaching event.External debt stock levels have remained unprecedentedly high in developing countries. About 60 per cent of low-income countries are at high risk of debt distress or already experiencing it.For more information, please visit: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2024/ Hashtags: #SDGreport #SDGs #GlobalGoalsMedia contacts (interviews available upon request):Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.orgHelen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, rosengrenh@un.org

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Press Release

26 April 2024

FAO Technical Assistance Programme for emergency response after the 2023 floods completed

Belgrade, April 26, 2024 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia announced today that the distribution of the financial support within the FAO Technical Assistance Programme for Emergency Response after floods in 2023 has been completed.Under the FAO emergency response programme and in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, financial support in the form of vouchers worth RSD 66 000 each, was distributed to the most vulnerable farming households that suffered damage after last year's floods. The vouchers will enable vulnerable farmers to purchase goods and inputs for agricultural production, including seeds, planting material, fertilizers, small agricultural tools and equipment, spare parts, and materials for the repair of agricultural machinery. Support was provided to farmers in Trstenik, Varvarin, Ćićevac, Kuršumlija, Brus, Ćuprija, Ražanj, Aleksinac, Doljevac and Rekovac. In these ten municipalities, 327 beneficiary households with more than 1 300 members received assistance to restore production after last year's natural disasters.Floods last year in Serbia hit hard 56 municipalities, predominantly located in central and south Serbia, causing extensive damage to both infrastructure and agricultural lands. Many smallholder farmers engaged in labour-intensive production who are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, were directly impacted by the floods. With the aim of providing the necessary support to farmers facing difficulties, FAO, under the Technical Assistance Programme for Emergency Response and in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, has stepped forward to help farmers recover from flood damage.

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Press Release

10 April 2024

New UN report calls for trillions more in development investment to rescue Sustainable Development Goals

UNITED NATIONS, 9 April 2024 – A new UN report today says financing challenges are at the heart of the world’s sustainable development crisis – as staggering debt burdens and sky-high borrowing costs prevent developing countries from responding to the confluence of crises they face. Only a massive surge of financing, and a reform of the international financial architecture can rescue the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report: Financing for Development at a Crossroads (FSDR 2024) says urgent steps are needed to mobilise financing at scale to close the development financing gap, now estimated at USD 4.2 trillion annually, up from USD 2.5 trillion before the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions, climate disasters and a global cost-of-living crisis have hit billions of people, battering progress on healthcare, education, and other development targets. “This report is yet another proof of how far we still need to go and how fast we need to act to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. “We are truly at a crossroads and time is running out. Leaders must go beyond mere rhetoric and deliver on their promises. Without adequate financing, the 2030 targets cannot be met.” With only six years remaining to achieve the SDGs, hard-won development gains are being reversed, particularly in the poorest countries. If current trends continue, the UN estimates that almost 600 million people will continue to live in extreme poverty in 2030 and beyond, more than half of them women.“We’re experiencing a sustainable development crisis, to which inequalities, inflation, debt, conflicts and climate disasters have all contributed,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua. “Resources are needed to address this, and the money is there. Billions of dollars are lost annually from tax avoidance and evasion, and fossil fuel subsidies are in the trillions. Globally, there is no shortage of money; rather, a shortage of will and commitment.” According to the report debt burdens and rising borrowing costs are large contributors to the crisis. Estimates are that in the least developed countries debt service will be USD 40 billion annually between 2023 and 2025, up more than 50 per cent from USD 26 billion in 2022. Stronger and more frequent climate related disasters account for more than half of the debt upsurge in vulnerable countries. The poorest countries now spend 12 per cent of their revenues on interest payments -- four times more than they spent a decade ago. Roughly 40 per cent of the global population live in countries where governments spend more on interest payments than on education or health. While investment in SDG sectors had grown steadily in the early 2000s, major sources of development funding are now slowing down. For example, domestic revenue growth has stalled since 2010, especially in LDCs and other low-income countries, in part due to tax evasion and avoidance. Corporate income tax rates are falling, with global average tax rates down from 28.2 per cent in 2000 to 21.1 per cent in 2023, due to globalization and tax competition.Meanwhile, Official Development Assistance from OECD countries and climate finance commitments are not being met. While ODA increased to an all-time high in 2022, reaching USD 211 billion, from USD 185.9 billion in 2021, much of the growth came from aid to refugees living in donor countries, and the total amount is inadequate for development. Only four countries met the UN aid target of 0.7 per cent of GNI in 2022. The report concludes that the international financial system, which was set up at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, is no longer fit for purpose. It proposes a new coherent system that is better equipped to respond to crises, scales up investment in the SDGs especially through stronger multilateral development banks, and improves the global safety net for all countries. The report points to the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024 as a crucial opportunity to change course. It highlights the June 2025 Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) as the critical moment for countries to commit to closing the development financing gap and invest in achieving the SDGs. FfD4 is an opportunity for countries to: Close credibility gaps and rebuild trust in multilateralism.Close financing and investment gaps, at scale and with urgency.Reform and modernize the outdated international financial architecture and adjust international rules for trade, investment and finance.Formulate and finance new development pathways to deliver on the SDGs and ensure no one is left behind. “Without global cooperation, targeted financing, and, crucially, the political will, the world will not achieve the SDGs,” said Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed. “The clock is ticking. Between now and next year’s FfD4 Conference, we have a once-in-80-year opportunity to comprehensively reform the financial architecture, and a last chance to correct course before 2030. History will not be kind to those with the power to act who fail to do so, while the clock winds down on the planet and its people.”Read the full 2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report: Financing for Development at a Crossroads (FSDR 2024) here.

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Press Release

12 December 2023

Architectural Expert Emphasizes the Need for Women's Safety in Urban Planning

Who were these workshops intended for and what was discussed? Workshops were differently tailored for spectrum of multidisciplinary professionals and experts - decision makers on national level, local authorities, urban companies, public communal companies and services that take care of the use and maintenance of space, police forces, faculties and NGOs. Architects, urban planners, spatial planners, landscape architects, traffic engineers and security experts made up the majority of the audience. The workshops included theoretical introduction to the topic of safety, looking at space from a "women's angle", practical exercises and creating a set of ideas that can make open public spaces in cities safer for women and girls, as well as public debate about the obstacles in our legal framework that are making harder the implementation of these measures in urban planning. What are the biggest challenges when it comes to urban planning and women's safety? The main challenge is certainly to introduce the topic of gender sensitive attitude and women’s safety into the list of mandatory conditions that an urban space must fulfill. Our goal was first to point out the problem and the different experiences and perspectives that women and men have of the living environment. Traditionally, the house was a space mainly used by women, while public spaces were more of a male domain. But things have changed a long time ago. In our culture we have conquered public spaces since women of all ages are active, they go to school and work, go out for fun, go shopping, they look after children in parks, use public transport, commute and hang out outdoors. If women feel safe and comfortable in all spaces at all times, others will too. That's why urban planning, focused on public safety and well-being of all citizens, must include the issue of women's safety. What are the characteristics public spaces that are unsafe for women and girls? Neglected, unmaintained, unsightly, isolated or dark public spaces are characterized as unsafe and their appearance provides an opportunity for violent acts to happen. Such spaces could be or are used for various criminal activities and security threats. If we know that something like that happened or there is a chance to happen, we will create a mental map that eliminates certain space or path from our direction of movement and that leads to limited mobility. Finally, because of the surroundings, we are forced to restrict our stay in the open space, to adapt to the circumstances and to depend on others. How can we make public spaces safer for women and girls? Vibrant spaces, pleasant and inspiring for staying outdoors are the key to success. They must be clean, tidy and undamaged. The use of surveillance cameras or increased patrolling is an example of a measure with a limited and not always positive effect. Instead, we suggest spontaneous "neighborly" monitoring of space, limited height of the structures, orientation of living spaces and others that are in frequent use towards open spaces, urban furniture that is resistant to vandalism, artistic design of exterior elements, appropriate greening, adequate night lighting, good and adaptable network of the public transportation and similar preventive measures. The spectrum of possible architectural and technical intervention is really wide and diverse. The final result of workshops and whole project, but also kick off for future actions is the “Roadmap for Implementing Urban Safety Measures in Urban Planning Process”. What does it contain and why is it important? It is a proposal for public policy making and is intended primarily for decision-makers. The roadmap contains recommendations, assesses and evaluates the possible effects, proposes amendments to the existing legal framework and gives suggestions for improving the methodology of drafting plans. The aim is to help formulate and implement an appropriate public policy for safer urban spaces, in line with other acts and laws relevant to this topic. We created it as a set of steps or alternative paths that allows us to get faster to the main goal. Some of the steps that we propose are broader education, formation of the knowledge base, making of the Manual for architects and urban planners, improvement of public policy including data collection and citizens’ participation. Could you list some of the most important proposals for the amendment of legal acts? We concentrated on the Law on Planning and Construction, which is the most important for our profession. First of all, new terms such as ‘’urban safety’’ and ‘’gender sensitive space” should be included in it. Moreover, it should be pointed out that the topic of unhindered movement and access should be applied not only to persons with disabilities, children and the elderly, but also to women. Other legal document, The Rulebook on the Content, Method and Procedure of Creating Spatial and Urban Planning Documents prescribes the content of the plans in more detailed way. We think that it is important to have data on number and structure (gender, age, etc.) of residents in the area of planning to make spaces that will be adequate for all citizens living there. In what way was UN Women support helpful? There must always be someone to make the first step, to pull and push others towards the goal, to have a vision of a different and better society. We are very grateful to UN Women for starting the initiative in which we gladly participated, gave our best and shared our knowledge. It must be constantly repeated that the question of women's safety does not exclude anyone, it actually benefits everyone. Every proposed measure is reviewed precisely in this sense. We sincerely believe in this project and are additionally filled with optimism since we saw the positive reactions of the participants at the workshops and their desire to act immediately towards changes.

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Press Release

12 December 2023

Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) nexus in the context of Serbia

This is due to the fact that human mobility is expected to scale up as intense weather-related events become more frequent and affect livelihoods. Also, migration is being increasingly acknowledged as an effective and viable adaptation strategy in the face of environmental and climate change. There is no legally agreed upon definition of environmental migrants and migration. The one put forward by IOM is as follows: Environmental migrants are persons or groups of persons who, for compelling reasons of sudden or progressive changes in the environment that adversely affect their lives or living conditions, are obliged to leave their homes or choose to do so, either temporarily or permanently, and who move either within their country or abroad. As outlined in the 2022 Report of the Sixth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) “increasing adaptive capacities minimises the negative impacts of climate-related displacement and involuntary migration for migrants and sending and receiving areas. This improves the degree of choice under which migration decisions are made, ensuring safe and orderly movements of people within and between countries.” Being a signatory of relevant international treaties, Serbia has confirmed its commitment to contributing to global efforts against climate change and made considerable efforts in fulfilling its responsibilities and achieving the set goals. However, the connection between climate change, environment, and human mobility in the context of Serbia remains yet to be explored. To investigate this connection in the context of Serbia and ensure that the national stakeholders have improved understanding of this issue, IOM Serbia has developed a pilot project supported by the IOM Development Fund (IDF). Within this initiative, IOM Serbia will bring together relevant sectoral representatives and academia in a capacity building training in Belgrade, laying the foundations of a fruitful discussion on human mobility types in the context of environmental and climate change relevant in Serbia, and exchange of relevant knowledge and expertise. Disaster displacement, evacuation, labour migration, migrants in vulnerable situations in transit are some of the mobility pathways to be discussed during the training, with particular concern for vulnerability of affected populations, communities, and the overall society. Further action in this regard will be made as such efforts contribute to scaling up climate change adaptation, further enabling empowered and informed decisions on human mobility by individuals, communities, and governments.

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