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Press Release
28 June 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
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Speech
26 June 2024
Serbia Goes Green 2024 Conference - RC's Opening Speech
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Story
18 June 2024
Matilde Mordt Assumes Role as New UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia
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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:
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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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13 June 2024
National Day of Gender Equality marked: How to overcome gender inequality and stereotypes in science
The United Nations Agency for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Serbia (UN Women) and the Association of Serbian Women Scientists (SRNA) marked the National Day of Gender Equality on Tuesday, June 11 in Novi Sad with an event entitled "Overcoming gender inequalities and gender stereotypes in science".According to Milana Rikanović, director of UN Women in Serbia, we often forget and underestimate the power of science and innovation in reshaping the world and the way we live, and we often take for granted various innovative solutions that have completely changed and improved the position of women, and we don't know that women are behind many of these solutions."For women and girls around the world, these changes have brought new freedoms, new forms of access to information and new opportunities. And yet, we continue to witness numerous harmful gender stereotypes and gender inequality in this area as well," said Rikanović.Although UNESCO research shows that Serbia and many countries of the former Yugoslavia lead in the number of female scientists, they are still underrepresented and visible facing a number of challenges. Olja Šovljanski, research associate at the Faculty of Technical Sciences, says that one of the challenges includes the removal from projects the moment women go on maternity leave, but also the failure of businessmen to recognize that a woman can also contribute to innovations. "These are just a couple out of many challenges we encounter in our everyday life and therefore we are struggling to get some support and change this," Šovljanski noted.Prof. Dr. Jovana Grahovac from SRNA says that when we look at the career trajectories of women and men, women have a longer period of stagnation in the development of their careers, but that the position of women in science has slightly improved."The position of female scientists has been improved to the extent that their employment contracts are no longer tied to projects but are institutionally financed, which definitely contributes to their financial stability in the working environment, but there is still plenty of room for improvement," Grahovac emphasized.Tatjana Macura, minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, called on all women and girls to report any violation of the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination "because the competent institutions will not be able to react if the violation of this law and other regulations are not implemented." The minister also called on the primary school students present at the event to use the national platform for the prevention and elimination of violence involving children called "Čuvam te" (I'm watching you).The National Day of Gender Equality was established in 2021 by the Government of the Republic of Serbia with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of gender equality and improving the position of women in Serbia. June 11 was chosen as the day when in 1842, girls' education was approved for the first time in Serbia. Namely, by decree of Prince Mihailo Obrenović, Natalija Petrović, Sofija and Katarina Lekić were approved to open a school for girls.
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04 June 2024
Secretary-General appoints Matilde Mordt of Sweden as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Matilde Mordt of Sweden as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia, with the host Government’s approval, starting on 1 June. Ms. Mordt brings more than 30 years of experience and technical knowledge on the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, environment and climate change, governance issues, social policy, and disaster risk reduction. Previously she served as UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Ecuador; as team leader for the sustainable development group at UNDP´s regional Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama; and in different capacities with UNDP in Nicaragua, Paraguay, Argentina and at headquarters in NY, as well as for UN agencies, cooperation agencies and IFIs. She has conducted research, published, and lectured on international politics of sustainable development, resilience and climate change, amongst other. Ms. Mordt holds a PhD in Human and Economic Geography with specialization on livelihoods and sustainability, a master’s degree in international economics and business administration, and a Bachelor in social studies from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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03 June 2024
Belgrade Celebrates World Bicycle Day 2024 with Health and Nature in Focus
This year's theme, "Your Pedal, Your Health, Your Nature," emphasized the environmental and health benefits of cycling. As an energy-efficient mode of transportation, bicycles produce no pollution, have a minimal ecological footprint, and generate negligible noise. By promoting cycling, the organizers aimed to demonstrate how individuals can contribute to a healthier environment and improve their personal well-being.Participants embarked on a scenic ride through the city. The route started at Pioneer Park, traversed through the heart of Belgrade to New Belgrade, crossed the Branko Bridge, and concluded at the plateau near Nebojša Tower. The day ended with a festive picnic by the Danube, featuring music, games, and a shared passion for cycling.The event was organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Serbia, NGO Streets for Cyclists, and the United Nations in Serbia.
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28 May 2024
Interview: Tourism as Generator of Change for Women in Rural Areas
Malina Stanojevic is one of the most vocal advocates for the rights of rural women in Serbia. As president of the Save the Village Association, she has been elevating rural communities in South-Western Serbia by empowering women. Through EU/UN Women supported project, over 200 rural women from the Association was involved in creating initiatives towards local self-government aimed at improving the position of rural women. In addition, Save the Village Association brought the topic of rural tourism development to the table as a generator of change for local women. How would you describe an average day of a rural woman in Serbia in a few sentences?Getting up before everyone else- around 6 am, visiting the livestock, getting children ready for school, and often driving them to school, preparing breakfast for the household members and going to the field or greenhouse. If there are cattle for milking (cows, goats), then milking and digestion of milk follows, and then preparation of milk for making cheese. In the meantime, she starts preparing lunch and welcoming the children from school. She often must leave and pick up the children from school. If there are elderly members of the household, there are also special treatments such as therapy, visits to the doctor, and sometimes even a special diet. After lunch, attention should be paid to the children for studying and preparing for the classes next day. We must not forget washing and ironing and maintaining hygiene in the house and stables. This shows that rural women have unlimited and undefined working hours and job descriptions. That's why I often say that women's working hours are 25 hours out of a possible 24.How can such a situation be changed, and what is Save the Village Association doing in this regard?This situation can be changed or at least mitigated if the legalization of the so-called unpaid care work is approached seriously and adequately, and not only declaratively, and also if redistribution of resources is made in favor to those who contribute multiple times to the preservation of families and the education of children according to traditional values.Through the association, we bring women closer to new lifestyle trends, digital literacy, the allocation of equipment that enables them to apply new technologies, safer production (greenhouses, diggers), equipment for fruit and vegetable processing, trainings for product placement, better use of fruit and vegetable processing... For instance, through UN Women-supported project, we got a duplicator which was a novelty in production, because until then no one had even heard of what it was and what it was for. With the support of one of Serbia’s leading technologists, we made a new product with it and technological process and recipe guarantee that we can offer this product to everyone from babies to the oldest people as a very high-quality product. We have already started its promotion and we get nothing but praise for the quality.You brought the topic of rural tourism to the table in Western Serbia. What is the potential of its development and how can it contribute to improving the position of women?In our municipality, not a single household has been engaged in rural tourism so far, so we were the first to assess and analyze the capacities and resources needed to engage in rural tourism, and with our initiatives that we defined through the project, we forced decision makers to understand the use of resources and capacity and to include rural tourism as a measure in the action plan. We recognized nine farms as the most complete and which can start providing services in this field of tourism, and we placed them on Google Maps. After our activities, many households that are not members of our association started to adapt their spaces and realized that this is a great move for quick income from their farms. As women are practically the bearers of all activities in rural tourism, it will be another kind of empowerment for them, because it brings economic benefits and thus improves the general position of women. In addition, taxes and benefits from rural tourism contribute to the economic progress of municipality as a whole.How can women get involved in rural tourism - are there any incentives, training, etc.?By engaging in rural tourism, women are directly involved, and all income from both accommodation and food marketing goes to them. As for incentives at the local level, they still do not exist, but with the initiation of rural tourism by our association, we hope that the municipality will recognize its importance for our region and provide incentives for the inclusion of people, especially rural women, in this area. Save the Village Association is organizing a series of trainings on the topic of rural tourism, either in our organization or collaborating associations. In addition, representatives of the local tourism organization met us on several occasions and held free trainings and consultations with women interested in this field.What motivates and inspires you the most to continue your mission of improving the position of rural women?With each project, I get to know more of what has helped women and what still needs to be done to make it even better. The joy on the faces of the women and families whom I have helped through the projects and sometimes some tears of joy motivate me not to stop.
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28 May 2024
In the words of Ljubica Darković: By understanding the power of language, we can build a Serbia where gender equality becomes the cornerstone of our identity
In the heart of Serbia, amidst its rich history and vibrant culture, lies a crucial yet overlooked opportunity for transformative change – gender-sensitive language. As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a better understanding of gender-sensitive language stands as a vital tool in shaping our perceptions. This effort not only honors the spirit of the Declaration but also fosters gender equality in our commitment to creating a society where everyone's potential can be realized, free from the constraints of outdated gender norms.Language not only reflects our thoughts but molds them, shaping our reality. It can either reinforce stereotypes or challenge them, opening doors to new possibilities for all genders. In Serbia, traditional views on gender roles often echo in daily communication, subtly dictating the 'appropriate' paths in careers, behaviors, and ambitions based on one's gender. Changing this narrative starts with transforming the language we use.The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action emphasizes the importance of non-discriminatory language, especially in areas such as media, education, and human rights. To be fair, Serbia has begun to address these issues through legislative measures. The Law on Gender Equality, adopted in 2021, is a commendable step forward. It explicitly mandates the use of gender-sensitive language in public documents and media communications, aiming to reshape public discourse and reflect a commitment to equality. But is it enough?Educational reform is equally critical. Schools are the nurseries of future generations, where the seeds of equality can (and should) be sown early. Integrating gender sensitivity into the Serbian educational system means not only revising textbooks but also training teachers to understand and use language that empowers all students equally. Imagine a classroom where every child is encouraged to pursue their interests freely, without the constraints of gender expectations, creating a nurturing environment that sees no limits to their potential!In the economic sphere, although women constitute nearly half of the employed population, they are significantly underrepresented in senior management roles and decision-making positions. According to UN Women, only 29,37% of managerial positions in Serbia are held by women. Promoting gender-sensitive language in corporate policies and communications not only fosters a more inclusive workplace culture but also enhances visibility for women leaders. This visibility is crucial, as it inspires young girls and women to aspire to these roles, seeing them as attainable, valued and appreciated.As a child, I often wondered why women serving as government ministers were titled “minister” (using primarily masculine noun). The answer I received was always the same: “Those are just words.” My academic journey significantly deepened my understanding of the profound impact of “just words” on gender equality. When my own university diploma included the male form of my professional title, it was a turning point. I realized that everyone is affected by gender biases, myself included, and language plays a significant role in perpetuating these biases. I continued my research in this field throughout my graduate studies and into my current PhD work, determined to make a difference. Perhaps even more importantly, I made it my mission to engage people around me in conversations about the topic, striving to change one prejudice at a time.However, the journey towards gender-sensitive language is not without its challenges. Societal attitudes, deep-seated norms, and a reluctance to move away from what is perceived as traditional pose significant obstacles. Overcoming these barriers requires a broadened perspective, a willingness to embrace change, and a joint effort to demonstrate the benefits of a more equitable society.As we move ahead, engaging in meaningful public debate is essential to deepen our understanding and commitment to gender-sensitive language. A public dialogue with the purpose of educating communities and challenging stereotypes offers a golden opportunity to understand the true purpose of gender-sensitive language. For decision-makers, it is crucial to articulate the reasons and benefits behind gender-sensitive language reforms clearly and compellingly. For the public, this is a moment to advocate and share a vision of a future where equality is not just an ideal but a reality. Through active engagement and dialogue, we can collectively ensure that the implementation of gender-sensitive language becomes a celebrated step forward, fostering an inclusive society where every voice contributes to our national tapestry.By understanding and harnessing the power of language, we can help to build a Serbia where gender equality becomes the cornerstone of our collective identity, resolutely and wholeheartedly aligning with the principles of the Beijing Declaration. Let this be our legacy: a Serbia celebrated not just for the richness of its history and the beauty of its landscapes, but as a beacon of unwavering commitment to equality and a profound respect for every individual.
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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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