Latest
Story
11 March 2024
International Women's Day 2024: Girls can do anything
Learn more
Story
02 February 2024
WHO and UNICEF: Urgent Vaccination is Necessary to Protect the Lives of Children
Learn more
Story
24 January 2024
Preventing Cervical Cancer: The Lifesaving Benefits of Regular Examinations and the HPV Vaccine
Learn more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals 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:
Story
24 January 2024
Preventing Cervical Cancer: The Lifesaving Benefits of Regular Examinations and the HPV Vaccine
"Our oldest son just started first grade, so I don't even have to tell you that, you can imagine how much of a shock it was," recalls Violeta of the difficult moments, "For all cancer patients, it first takes some time, until they get their act together and realize what they're really up against."
Violeta was diagnosed with cervical cancer at an early stage of the disease, thanks to her discipline and commitment to regular medical examinations.
"All the symptoms that appear later are mostly in the later stages, when recovery becomes less certain. So regular checkups, I went to the gynecologist and dentist every six months, then I had small children, it was just normal. It was discovered on time, within that one year, with therapy, radical hysterectomy, then radiation, and now 30 years have passed since then," explains Violeta.
Cervical cancer was diagnosed in 1085 women in Serbia in 2021 alone. Almost every out of the 424 lives lost in just that one year could have been saved if the diagnosis had been established earlier. Based on the estimates of the European Information System for 2020, Serbia ranks fifth in Europe in terms of the number of cervical cancer cases, with a high mortality rate.
The experiences of Australia and European countries, such as Finland, have shown that with early detection of the disease through screening programs, regular gynecological examinations and vaccination against the HP virus, the incidence of cervical cancer is reduced to a very low percentage. The United Nations Population Fund in Serbia, in cooperation with its partners, the Institute for Public Health of Serbia, Dr. MIlan Jovanović Batut, the Ministry of Health, professional associations, experts, as well as civil society organizations, promotes constant dialogue between key actors and supports programs and mechanisms that contribute to the understanding of the importance of preventing this serious disease, which most often affects women between 35 and 45 years of age.
Violeta Ivković knows how important it is to set aside this time for self-care.
"We have to learn to love ourselves and our bodies, who else would we turn to if not doctors. They exist to treat us. Prevention, above all prevention is fantastic, if we are disciplined enough," says Violeta, "We need to find time. We don't think we have time, but half an hour at the dentist, half an hour at the gynecologist, means a lot for preserving life, healthy life."
There are more than 120 types of HPV, of which about 40 can cause genital infections in men and women. Most infections caused by HPV pass without symptoms, in a period of about two years. However, if persistent, HPV infection with some of the high-risk types of the virus can lead to serious health problems, including cervical cancer in women.
In Serbia, since 2022, vaccination against diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is available at the expense of the state, for children of both sexes (girls and boys) aged 9-19 years. More information about the vaccine is available at: https://www.batut.org.rs/index.php?content=2383
Violeta Ivković has no doubts that parents should take their children for vaccinations:
"If it existed 30 years ago, we would not be sitting and talking about this now. I have three children and five grandchildren. My children, thanks to what they went through with me when they were little, do not question whether they will vaccinate their children."
The parents of fifteen-year-old Natalija Barlov had no doubts either. Her older brother has already been vaccinated. After talking with parents and doctors, Natalija also understands that vaccination means responsibility towards oneself and one's health.
"They said that it is very important to do it (get vaccinated), because maybe something happens in the future and then it is necessary. In elementary school, we had a systematic check-up and there the doctors told us about it and how important it is to receive it. We didn't realize how serious it was and we were like, "okay, we'll do it," but later we realized that we really need to do it."
However, Natalia does not know many of her peers who have been vaccinated:
"I know maybe three, four people and they told me that it's not a big deal and that it will help them in the future, so I think that's good."
As part of the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in cooperation with the Institute for Public Health of Serbia, the Ministry of Health, the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) - Serbia, is organizing educational and health promotion activities throughout Serbia for the fifth year in a row. This year special focus is placed on high school students who will have the opportunity to improve their understanding of the importance and availability of the HPV vaccine in our country.
For UNFPA, as the leading agency of the United Nations for sexual and reproductive health, improving the prevention of cervical cancer is one of the most important priorities. In the coming period, UNFPA will continue to provide support to relevant institutions in order to improve their capacities for planning, developing, and implementing programs of organized screening and implementation of HPV immunization.
With regular preventive examinations and adequate vaccination, the lives of many women can be saved.
Story
11 March 2024
International Women's Day 2024: Girls can do anything
Belgrade, March 7, 2024 - On the occasion of International Women's Day, the United Nations in Serbia organized a panel discussion "What would you say to your younger self" and the play "Girls".“This year's global theme Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress faithfully reflects our mission tonight. We have gathered here today to encourage reflection and dialogue, and we are inspired to take collective action towards a world that values and invests in the potential of every woman and girl," said Mari Yamashita, Representative of the Secretary-General and Director of the United Nations Office in Belgrade, at the opening of the panel "What would you say to your younger self"."Don't pretend to be someone you're not, be honest with yourself and don't behave in a certain way just to be accepted in society. I would also tell myself not to worry too much about what other people think of me. Also, mistakes are normal and don't let them stop you from moving forward, because that's also part of growing up. And you can't always please everyone," said Kristin Melsom, Norwegian ambassador to Serbia.Alongside with her, on the panel were also participating Anke Konrad, Ambassador of Germany to Serbia, Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Serbia and Flor de Lis Vasquez, Deputy Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia, as well as moderator Minja Bogavac, author of the play Girls. The German ambassador, Anke, said that she would simply tell her younger self to be bold and accept challenges, as well as "to never think at the start that it is impossible to achieve what I want".The first piece of advice Halacheva would give to her younger self is to be honest with herself and not limit herself because of the expectations of others. "Those boxes we put ourselves in don't really exist, they exist only in the imagination of other people, and we spend a lot of time in our lives trying to fit into those small boxes," said stated.Flor de Lis Vasquez, Mexico's deputy ambassador, pointed out that she would tell her younger self not to be afraid of being labeled a feminist. "Because it's a word that still confuses a lot of people in Mexico." Being a feminist does not mean being radical. Being a feminist means you want gender equality for girls," she said. After the panel, the theater play "Girls" was performed, created through a creative process in which ten young women of different ages, interests and origins from all over Serbia participated. This socially engaged production, which was performed in more than 40 cities in Serbia, is the result of a months-long artistic and research process in which co-authors and performers tell their personal, authentic and true stories. They show us what it's like to be a girl and how girls struggle with challenges or not belonging.The play was produced by the Reflektor Theater, in partnership with the youth organization E8, and as part of a project implemented by the United Nations Agency for Gender Equality in Serbia (UN Women), funded by the European Union."Although the play has many elements of humor, I have to admit that during its creation we were often overwhelmed with feelings but also sad, because we realized that the moment we outgrow our pink rooms, and when we become young women, that the world around us is a narcissistic place and that the girl must be careful because everything can be taken as a provocation", said Milena Minja Bogavac, author of the play.International Women's Day was established to commemorate the 1909 demonstration of American working women in Chicago and the New York march. More than 15,000 women demanded shorter working hours, better wages and the right to vote. The initiative for that holiday was given by the German feminist Klara Zetkin, and the first Women's Day was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark. In 1977, the UN General Assembly declared March 8 the Day of Women's Rights and International Peace. The first celebration of Women's Day in Serbia was held in 1914.
1 of 5
Story
02 February 2024
WHO and UNICEF: Urgent Vaccination is Necessary to Protect the Lives of Children
Belgrade, 2 February 2024 - On 31 January 2024, the National Institute of Public Health reported 4 pertussis deaths in infants in Serbia, too young to have been fully vaccinated. Health authorities also reported a total of 1,595 confirmed cases of pertussis between 1 January 2023 and 28 January 2024.
Pertussis is an infectious disease typically manifesting with exhausting cough which can affect everyone, but it is most severe in unvaccinated children under one year. About 1 in 20 unvaccinated infants who get the infection, develop a severe complication that can cause death. Adolescents and adults can get the infection too, but the clinical manifestation among them may be less severe and thus go undiagnosed and untreated, which contributes to bacteria circulation in the population.
Severe pertussis is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine that is available worldwide since 1950s and has been part of routine national immunization programmes since 1974. It is critical for all infants to get this primary series of pertussis-combined vaccine (in Serbia given as part of the pentavalent vaccine) for a total of three shots by the first 6 months of life, so they get protected when they are most vulnerable. Booster pertussis vaccine doses in the second year of life and before school entry are important to consolidate immunity and prevent the spread of pertussis in the community.
WHO and UNICEF will support public health authorities to continue strengthen disease surveillance and reach every child in Serbia, with timely and life-saving vaccines.
Vaccines save lives. Do not delay. Every dose counts.
1 of 5
Story
22 February 2024
Interview: “Through the UN Women project, the level of safety and privacy of Safe House users has significantly increased”
Operating under the Center for the Development of Local Social Protection Services in Vranje, the Safe House has been a crucial resource since its establishment in 2016, offering assistance and shelter to 401 women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. Within the safe house, the beneficiaries receive essential life needs, a safe and nurturing environment, assistance in developing and preserving their potential, as well as legal, educational and employment support. Thanks to the UN Women implemented “Safeguarding Women and Girls in Serbia” project, financed by the British Embassy in Belgrade, the Safe House was able to enhance its services. Head of the Safe House in Vranje, Ivana Tasic, explains the importance of this support for improving the work of the Safe House.Under the "Safeguarding Women and Girls in Serbia" project, improvements were made to the operations of the Safe House in Vranje. In what ways did these enhancements contribute to its overall functionality?The level of privacy was increased by instalment of PVC fence with decorative artificial grass on the existing wire fence, while strip curtains were installed on the rooms of the users. Also, the safety of the users has been improved in the form of the reconstruction of the fence wall and the installation of external reflectors on the object.As part of the same project, community of practice meeting were held for the representatives of Safe House. Why were these meetings important?The main goal was to gather relevant practitioners to exchange information and improve coordination among Safe Houses, but also to increase resource mobilization and financial support in the form of grants. In addition, civil society partner organizations selected through an open competition were introduced. These organization, chosen to provide support to 11 operational safe houses, will offer supportin managing funds allocated through grants and implementing of project activities. We also discussed the difficulties we encounter in our work, including issues related to obtaining and renewing licenses for the provision of social protection services.Trainings were also organized as part of the project. What did the trainings cover and how useful were they?Our partner in the project, non-governmental organization Atina, organized workshops that dealt with processing intense feelings and improving communication among all safe houses. We also worked with children that were survivors and/or witnesses of violence. Given that we chose the topics, the mentioned trainings meant a lot to us and are useful for our further work with women and children in instances of violence.How useful was the support of UN Women Serbia and the partner organization Atina?This support meant a lot to us because the existing level of safety and privacy of the users of our Safe House was increased. Through trainings, the competencies of employees in working with this particularly sensitive category of beneficiaries have been increased. I would especially like to point out that this project established better communication between Safe Houses in Serbia, which is very useful for future work and exchange of experiences, and we hope that this cooperation will continue.
1 of 5
Story
12 December 2023
Serbia Marks World Soil Day with a Focus on Soil and Water
Belgrade, December 5, 2023 – Soil is one of the most important non-renewable natural resources, directly impacting rural and economic development and the preservation of natural ecosystems. Proper and sustainable soil management, that covers the largest part of Serbia's territory, can significantly contribute to food security, agricultural production, and rural communities.
However, the impact of climate change and human activities leads to soil degradation and pollution, further affecting agricultural crops, the nutritional value of agricultural products, as well as human health and the environment.
Taking into account the potential of Serbia's agricultural sector, particularly in organic farming and regenerative agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) gathered the representatives from ministries, universities, institutes, and FAO. The aim was to promote sustainable land management practices and expedite actions to protect and reduce soil pollution in policies and practices.
Aleksandar Mentov, National Programme Coordinator of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), emphasized that: "Protecting the soil requires strengthening collaboration among sectors to better understand the concept of sustainable soil management and different factors that impact the overall soil health and agricultural production."
"FAO and SEPA have conducted various activities directly linked to the reduction of soil pollution and in Serbia, aiming to achieve national goals for sustainable soil management and organic agriculture," he added.
Tamara Perunović, Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), highlighted that "Activities conducted by the Agency in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, aimed at preventing diffuse soil pollution, represent an excellent example of cooperation with scientific institutions in developing methodologies for assessing diffuse soil pollution and addressing risks and threats to soil health. The results of this collaborative work enable the improved monitoring of soil condition, promotion of sustainable soil management practices, and better alignment of policies for soil protection through interaction with science."
"Examination of soil in pilot areas within protected areas has shown the necessity for specific soil protection measures in these areas, as well as capacity-building among land users to reduce pollution," she added.
Aleksandra Mičeta from the Directorate of Agricultural Land at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management emphasized that an essential step contributing to soil protection is the establishment of the Information System on Agricultural Land, with its primary role is to monitor the state of agricultural land. “Yet through continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we contribute to the preservation of this valuable resource”, she concluded.
Recognizing the importance of multisectoral cooperation, the event highlighted the link between science and policy, necessary to ensure adequate soil management, proper pesticide use, and promotion of sustainable practices that contribute to tackling soil pollution.
In line with this year's global theme, "Soil and Water: A Source of Life," participants paid special attention to the interconnection between water and soil in agricultural production, two resources from which 95% of global food originates. Healthy soil acts as a natural filter, purifying and storing water, while sustainable soil management increases the quantity and quality of water essential for agricultural production.
The conclusion drawn is that better and sustainable soil management requires collaboration among sectors, promotion of more sustainable practices, and implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions, including investments in new technologies, with the aim to reduce the risk of soil pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change - allowing the agricultural sector in Serbia to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic development while preserving its natural resources in the long term.
1 of 5
Story
27 November 2023
Serbia Strengthens Resilience to Climate Change Through Adaptation and "Green" Innovations
Belgrade, November 24, 2023 – To engage all relevant actors in society in activities that will reduce the economy's dependence on fossil fuels and help Serbia to timely increase its resilience to changed climate conditions, the Ministry of Environmental Protection held a "Dialogue on Climate Change". The event was organized in partnership with the United Nations (UN) team in Serbia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ahead of this year's UN global conference on climate change - COP28, in the United Arab Emirates.
Representatives of competent ministries in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, experts in the field of climate change, representatives of the European Union (EU), international financial institutions, business, civil society, as well as UN agencies in Serbia participated in the dialogue.
Sandra Dokić, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated that since the year 2000, material damages caused by the extreme weather events in Serbia have been estimated at a minimum of 6.8 billion euros, of which droughts and high temperatures are responsible for more than 70% of damages, followed by floods. She emphasised that the main goal of the Government of the Republic of Serbia is to create an environment that will encourage innovation and accelerate the green transformation of the economy.
"The Ministry of Environmental Protection, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Climate Change, developed the Programme of Adaptation to Climate Change for the period 2023–2030 with the Action Plan, which will be the first document of its kind in the Republic of Serbia. The goal of this Programme is to identify the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable sectors, define measures that will reduce those impacts, and improve capacities for informing the public about climate hazards in order to increase preparedness. Also, 25 adaptation measures have been identified as most urgent in order to prevent a multiple increase in damages and losses due to the impact of climate change," said Dokić.
The special focus of the dialogue was on the adaptation of the agriculture, water management and forestry sectors to climate change. State Secretary Bojan Vranjković said that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management is implementing many activities aimed at building resilience to climate change, primarily in food production.
"Activities include increasing irrigated areas, improving land and forest management, preparing and implementing IPARD Measure 4 related to the implementation of agri-environment measures, wastewater treatment, continuous harmonisation of regulations, and the introduction of subsidies that contribute the most to the adaptation to climate change," said Vranjković.
It was also discussed how to provide stable sources of financing for private and public sector initiatives that can accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, i.e., from a linear to a circular economy, so that Serbian companies can be more competitive on the European Union market and globally.
“We’re in the starting blocks for the COP 28 conference to keep the world’s temperature well below 2°C. The EU is doing its homework and will deliver on its 2030 target to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Climate action is a global effort. In Serbia, the EU continues to support the Green Agenda for the country to start climate action and decarbonise its economy,” stated H.E. Emanuele Giaufret, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of European Union to the Republic of Serbia
The dialogue took place ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP 28, which will be held from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Delegations from 198 countries are expected to participate in COP 28. For the first time, a progress report will be presented on national plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in order to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
"Climate action and sustainable development are interconnected and Serbia has made crucial strides in aligning national priorities with the global agenda. As we progress in our energy transition, it's imperative to ensure a fair shift that paves the way for new economic opportunities, particularly in regions traditionally dependent on fossil fuels. Approval of a National Program on adapting to climate conditions is pivotal to continue on this path. We acknowledge the challenges but are inspired by the positive steps ahead. The fight against climate change requires collective efforts from all economic sectors and Serbia continues to be a key player in shaping this global commitment," said Francoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia.
The dialogue on climate change was accompanied by an exhibition of over 60 innovations from Serbia that represent concrete, practical solutions for the transition to a circular economy, increasing energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources, improving air quality and the environment, as well as reducing energy poverty.
The event was held with the support of projects implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, with the support of partners such as the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, the governments of Switzerland, Sweden and Japan, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
Press Release
29 November 2023
UN Serbia and Government Reflect on the Third Year of Successful Collaboration for Sustainable Development Under Current Strategy
The joint effort focuses on three strategic areas: green transformation, human capital, and the Human Rights/Gender and the Rule of Law agenda. The total value of the cooperation is estimated at €320 million over a five-year period, with an increase to €85 million in 2023, mainly driven by the emphasis on the green agenda. As of the end of September, over 70%of this budget has been utilized, and full annual budget delivery is expected by the end of the year.
Francoise Jacob, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia, stated, “The United Nations team in Serbia brings a wealth of knowledge, norms, values, and standards from across our global institution in the areas of social, environmental, and economic development. Each step we take towards building a better future for all is a step away from conflict, suffering, and loss. Together with our national counterparts, we will continue to advance the realization of Agenda 2030 with a people-centered approach to development. We aim to promote values of solidarity, unity, equity, and to accelerate fundamental transformations in our economic and social models.”
She highlighted that the concerted efforts made in 2023 promoted an integrated approach to the multifaceted challenges Serbia is facing.
Serbia’s Minister of European Integration Tanja Miščević expressed gratitude to the UN team for bolstering the citizens of Serbia towards sustainable prosperity. Miščević praised UN's work in pushing forward on critical transformations, especially in challenging times of geopolitical conflicts and pandemic strife. She added, "We are deeply convinced that a well-planned recovery can support Serbia's path towards achieving sustainable development goals by 2030."
Marina Ivanović, Chief of the United Nations Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed her appreciation for the efforts in implementing the SDGs by 2030, saying, "Given the significance of the Agenda's objectives and the efforts made for their realization, Serbia, as part of preparations for the Sustainable Development Summit, has adopted binding areas that will be the focus of the Serbian Government's activities in the upcoming period. These include activities on youth, education, science, agriculture, energy, health, as well as combating climate change."
All parties agreed that well-coordinated collaboration and integrated multi-sectoral strategies were needed in reaching the common goals. The UN Serbia team is committed to advancing Agenda 2030 with a people-centered approach and promoting values of solidarity, unity, and equity.
The steering committee meeting was a testament to the successful collaboration between the UN and Serbia in developing and implementing sustainable solutions that have positively impacted multiple sectors within the country; a trend that is set to continue into 2024.
1 of 5
Press Release
12 December 2023
IOM Serbia and The Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration signed a Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Partnership in Migration Governance
In her remarks, Donatella Bradic, IOM Serbia Chief of Mission a.i., reflected on the long-term partnership between IOM Serbia and Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration emphasizing that Cooperation plan for the period 2023-2025, integral part of this Memorandum, will be implemented with the support of numerous donors and will enable development of the legislative and strategic framework, training of employees and direct support for initiatives in the field of migration management.
Natasa Stanisavljevic, The Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia pointed out that this Memorandum of Understanding is very important for continued cooperation in order to improve migration management system and provide adequate response to different challenges, while committing to upholding migrants’ human rights in accordance with international law.
The signing of this Memorandum marks an important step to enhancing the 30-year-long partnership towards sustainable migration governance.
1 of 5
Press Release
31 October 2023
Presentation of New Solutions for Preservation of Biodiversity in Protected Areas
“Protection of biodiversity has become a European priority, and now we are also supporting Serbia to make improvements in biodiversity one of its priorities. Institutions and local self-governments need to work together with civil society and the private sector so as to preserve rare and endangered species and utilise natural resources in a sustainable way. The EU supports civil society and citizens in their efforts to renew and protect nature and biodiversity, within the initiative for implementation of the Green Agenda in Serbia,” said Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation in Serbia Nicola Bertolini.
The solutions selected via a public call would contribute to the improved living conditions of different animal species – from fish and birds, to bears and wolves – as well as to the education of the population living in the immediate vicinity of the protected areas concerning the importance of preservation of nature.
The State Secretary in the Ministry of Environmental Protection Ivana Hadži Stošić said that preservation of biodiversity was crucial for the future.
“We all need to take on responsibility for the preservation of our natural heritage, since only together, we can protect our natural wealth. I, therefore, wish to thank all the civil society organisations for the ideas that bring different kinds of support to the managers of the protected areas to help them solve the challenges of preserving biodiversity. Our cooperation creates a synergy that is crucial for the success of preserving the biodiversity in Serbia. Through partnership and joint efforts, we can secure that the protected areas remain vital and our rich biological diversity be preserved for future generations,” said Hadži Stošić.
The presented solutions offer a series of practical measures for the preservation of the endangered bird species (owls, griffon vultures, bee-eaters) and their natural habitats, by for example, installing artificial nests and structures for rehabilitation of injured animals. Furthermore, the organisations would deal with the revitalisation of steppe habitats, by improving water management in swamp habitats and decreasing the risk of fires in the protected areas. All these activities will be realised by the end of the year.
“These solutions are highly important in improving the country’s resilience to climate changes, as well as for sustainable economic development. Preservation of the protected natural habitats and the numerous species living in them, helps us have purer air and water, contributes to the soil’s higher fertility, as well as to the absorption of the greenhouse gases from the atmosphere,” highlighted Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Serbia Bojana Balon.
The participants of the event made a tour of the Karlovac Dunavac, a part of the Special Natural Reserve of “Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marshes”. The tour was organised by the Vojvodina Environmental Movement whose solution for landscaping and development of this protected area is among the awarded.
The “EU for Green Agenda in Serbia” project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme with technical and financial support from the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), where additional funding has been provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Serbia.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
31 October 2023
Resources
31 October 2023
1 / 11