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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24 November 2023

Empowering Youth to End Gender-Based Violence: Serbia Launches "16 Days of Activism" Campaign

Belgrade, 24 November 2023 - The beggining of the global campaign "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" marked with the event "Imagine Life Without Violence", organized by United Nations in Serbia. The focus of this year's campaign are youth as drivers of change and their activism and role in creating a society with zero tolerance for violence against women and girls. “Violence against women and girls is a pervasive issue affecting communities globally, and Serbia is no exception. The 'Voices of Youth' research sheds light on the fact that young people in Serbia are increasingly aware of gender-based violence and its normalization in media and society. As we launch the 16 days campaign, it is vital to emphasize the role of young people as initiators of change in building a society with zero tolerance for violence against women and girls", says Francoise Jacob, the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. At the event the results of "The Voices of Youth" research, on the opinions of youth about gender equality and social cohesion, were presented. This research has been conducted as a part of the regional projec "Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust", with more than 1200 youth participants from the region. The resutls for Serbia showcase that young people are aware of the problem of Gender-Based Violence and that they find problematic that violence against women and girls is normalized in both media and society. "When we envision a world without violence, we begin to build a path to creating that world. At EU level, we are committed to invest, prevent, protect and not remain a silent observer. Therefore, the EU Commission acceded to the Istanbul Convention in October this year and in 2022 we adopted a proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. We remain devoted to this goal within the EU but also with our partners in accession countries, as Serbia is", says Emanuele Giaufret, H.E. EU Ambassador to Serbia. Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Youth of Serbia, Ivana Antonijevic stated that the Ministry recognizes Gender-Based Violence as an important issue among youth and supports the development of services that contribute to mental health of youth, their safety, both physical and psychological. A special focus is given to the support of programmes aimed at prevention of Gender-Based, sexual, partner and peer violence, as well as digital violence and promotion of healthy and safe behaviour and gender equality. We are dedicated to hear the voices of youth and to include them in development of measures with their active role in implementation and creation of measures and activities, focused on changing the narratives within communities where youth are at a greater risk. The Ambassador of Germany, Anke Konrad participated in the event, emphasizing that "Gender- Based Violence has many forms. From physical violence and verbal attacks, to phychological pressure and hate speech campaign on the internet. Therefore, it is important to sensitize young people about different aspects of Gender-Based Violence and negative effects that it has for both victims and society." Minister of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Tomislav Žigmanov, highlighted that the Ministry together with partners launched the campaing "Stop femicide!" aimed to raise awareness in Serbia about the seriousness of the problem of femicide in our society and to moblize all public institutions, media, local self-governments, civil society organizations and other actors in implementation of the policy of the Government of the Republic of Serbia towards zero tolerance for violence. This campaing is also being implemented in the media, social media, and panels on this topic, aside from Belgrade, are planned in Kragujevac, Novi Sad, Niš and Novi Pazar. He added that the main reason for realisation of this campaing is the fact that 27 women have been killed by men and the need to stop this negative trend, as well as to implement the policy of the Government of the Republic of Serbia that implies zero tolerance on every form of violence in our society. Central part of the event that had taken place at the National Library of Serbia, was a discussion with representatives of youth organization and youth activists. During the discussion, the power of media, both traditional and new, was emphasized. Media can deepen gender stereotypes but can also be the drivers of change. When it comes to youth, it is encourgaging that there more young influencers that fight against stereotypes and avocate for a society where violence is not tolerated, both in real world and online.

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24 October 2023

United Nations in Serbia Celebrates UN Day with Unveiling of Biodiversity Mural in Serbia

Belgrade, 24 October 2023 - On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the United Nations, the United Nations in Serbia hosted a special launch event at the UN House in Belgrade, where a giant mural depicting Serbian biodiversity and ecosystems was unveiled. Created by artists Marija and Stefan Šoln, the mural portrays a breathtaking array of Serbian wildlife, including balkan lynx, brown bear, apollo butterfly, eastern imperial eagle and many more. The mural also incorporates numerous plant species, further highlighting the diversity of Serbia's ecosystems. Speaking at the event, UN Resident Coordinator Francoise Jacob emphasized the importance of biodiversity and its relation to Serbia's green agenda and the need for transformative action. She stated, "Biodiversity is crucial for sustaining life on earth and protecting Serbian ecosystems is a shared responsibility. By showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of Serbian biodiversity through this mural, we hope to raise awareness and inspire action from all the society, and promote nature-based solutions." Mari Yamashita, Representative of the Secretary-General and Director of the United Nations Office in Belgrade spoke about the significance of the mural and UN Day, she acknowledged that "Nature restoration and preservation is a critical ingredient for nurturing peaceful societies." She reiterated the United Nations' commitment to pushing for peace, saying, "this means focusing on prevention, dialogue, and mediation to heal divisions, defuse conflicts and ensure every community has a stake in a shared future. Cooperation and dialogue is the only path forward." Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, stated that: “Priorities of my country in the UN are well known and consistent, above all those include protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty, promotion and preservation of peace and security at the international level, as well as contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. At the SDG Summit in New York, this September, we announced the priority areas of action in the upcoming period in different areas, from agriculture to education and science, fight against climate change. The protection of the environment and development of science are issues Republic of Serbia recognized as crucial for further development.” He also added that: “The Republic of Serbia will continue to be reliable and predictable partner in achieving joint goals defined by the United Nations Cooperation Framework. We firmly believe that this is the best path for building a better world for future generation.” The United Nations Day observance in Serbia serves as a platform for discussions and collaborations on sustainability and environmental protection. Most importantly, it highlights the need for peace in today's turbulent global context. As the international community looks towards the upcoming Summit of the Future, there is a collective recognition of the urgent need to prioritize environmental conservation and foster peaceful coexistence. The unveiling of the biodiversity mural stands as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect the planet and promote harmony.

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31 October 2023

Cricket: A Path to Inclusion, Unity and Hope

The Serbian Cricket Federation, the MCC Foundation, the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration and the UNHCR jointly enabled the participation of six teams made up of refugees accommodated in Obrenovac Asylum Centre and Adaševci Reception/Transit Centre in five cricket tournaments, organised within the “Lions League” in Lisičji jarak near Belgrade in September and October 2023. In the final tournament which took place on 21 October, “Viper Commandos” refugee team from Obrenovac AC won the golden medals, while the “Bronze Bears” team, also from Obrenovac AC, took the silver. The participants forged new friendships and formed a new network of support in Serbia through this unique sporting experience. Zaher from Afghanistan, who had been playing cricket for 13 years in his country of origin, won a special award as the best cricket player. The tournaments were attended by the highest officials of MCCF, the ICC, the Serbian Cricket Federation and the UNCHR which provided transport and refreshments for refugee competitors. The tournaments marked the deepening and internationalisation of long-standing cooperation of UNHCR and the Serbian Cricket Federation, who have been enabling the residents of Obrenovac AC to play cricket in their spare time, on inclusion of refugees through sports. UNHCR looks forward to future opportunities for joining hands in supporting those who have been forced to leave their homes, and in creating more stories of courage, passion for cricket and sports in general and passion for human solidarity.

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12 October 2023

The Carpathian Convention marks its 20th anniversary with a new Biodiversity Framework and a transboundary protected wetland

Belgrade, 12 October 2023 – Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Carpathian Convention, Environment Ministers and senior officials from the Carpathian countries adopted the Carpathian Biodiversity Framework, among other decisions, at their seventh Conference of the Parties (COP7), held in Belgrade, Serbia. The new framework is a comprehensive instrument supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the Carpathian level. "The Carpathian Biodiversity Framework is a vital tool for translating global goals into actions by various stakeholders in the region. Serbia is proud to contribute to this transformative endeavor,” said Irena Vujović, Minister of Environmental Protection of Serbia. “Let's join forces to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and create a sustainable Carpathian region. I am confident that we'll achieve the Carpathian Vision 2050, securing a thriving Carpathian ecosystem for years to come." The Carpathian Convention – which brings together the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine – was established in 2003 to protect the second largest mountain range in Europe, home to nearly 4,000 plant species and the largest pristine forests in Europe. It is also inhabited by the richest population of large carnivores on the continent. The Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “We should celebrate the gains of the last two decades. But we cannot rest on our laurels. A potentially devastating combination of climate change, nature loss and pollution is putting new pressure on the Carpathian region,” said Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP. “We are happy to see that the Carpathian Convention is strengthening its collaboration with other biodiversity-related, as well as chemicals-related accords, to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework in an overarching and integrated manner.” At the COP7, the Environment Ministers of Serbia and Romania sealed the establishment of a transboundary Ramsar site in the Đerdap gorge (Iron Gate) National Park, along the Danube River. The wetland site spans the border between Serbia and Romania. Forest ecosystems represent a precious resource in the Carpathians, harbouring a wealth of ecological, economic and cultural values. The Assessment of climate change risks and adaptation options for the Carpathian forest ecosystems and their services was presented at the meeting. Another COP7 highlight was the establishment of an Inventory of Virgin Forests of the Carpathians, which the ministers described in their official declaration as “a critical step towards fortifying the protection of some of Europe's few remaining primary forests,” further encouraging for “extending the Inventory to encompass other Carpathian forests with varying degrees of naturalness.” The Carpathian ministers called for a renewed commitment to achieve the Carpathian Vision 2050, where, by 2050, “the Carpathians are a thriving and sustainable region, where people live in harmony with nature. The biodiversity and natural beauty of the Carpathians are conserved, restored, and wisely used, providing a healthy environment and essential ecosystems services for all people of the region and beyond.” The representatives from the Carpathian countries also recognized the need to address air, water, and soil pollution, with a specific focus on combating plastic pollution in the region's watercourses. NOTES TO EDITORS: About the Carpathians The Carpathian Mountains provide essential ecosystem services to millions of people who reside in the area and beyond, contributing to the health of diverse landscapes. In addition to being the home to the headwaters of major rivers, the region is a biodiversity hotspot in Europe, harbouring some of Europe's last remaining virgin forests and the largest populations of large carnivores: lynxes, brown bears and wolves. About the Carpathian Convention The Carpathian Convention, a multinational environmental agreement, unites the seven Carpathian countries—Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine—in a unique partnership to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Carpathian region while promoting sustainable development. The Convention provides an open forum for discussion between various stakeholders, a framework for transnational cooperation across sectors, and a platform for developing and implementing transnational strategies, programmes, and projects for the protection and sustainable development of the Carpathian region. About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Alejandro Laguna, laguna@un.org, UNEP Head of Communication for Europe, or News and Media Unit, UN Environment Programme.

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31 October 2023

Support for 34 Local Self-Governments Enhances Social Protection

The Programme "PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature" began with the provision of technical assistance for 34 local self-governments that will contribute to the improvement of social protection at the local level, and thereby improve the quality of life of citizens. The Programme is jointly implemented by the United Nations agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland. Assistant Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs Tatjana Milenković Kajkut, at the event held in Čačak on the occasion of the start of the Programme support, pointed out that improving the capacity of local self-governments to implement social protection services especially helps the social inclusion of the most vulnerable social groups. "All activities aimed at improving the quality and access to services in the field of social protection, for those social groups that need support the most, especially when it comes to people with disabilities and members of the Roma national minority, are a priority for the Ministry. To achieve this goal, partnership with international organisations and synergy with local self-governments is very important to us, because only together can we achieve sustainable results", said Milenković Kajkut. With the financial support of the Government of Switzerland in the amount of 9 million euros and the co-financing of UN agencies in the amount of 1 million euros, the Programme will implement technical assistance, capacity building activities and provide grants for projects of local self-governments and civil society organizations until the end of 2026. "One of the objectives of the Swiss cooperation programme with Serbia is to improve the quality and availability of local public services, including social protection services. This is in line with our long-term determination to provide support for improving the efficiency, quality and scope of local social inclusion policies and support for equal opportunities for every member of the local community," said Petar Vasilev, National Programme Officer for Governance at the Swiss Cooperation Office. As part of the technical assistance for the improvement of social protection, intervention will be done on the proper assessment of the needs of vulnerable groups, the establishment of a system for monitoring and evaluation of social protection services, as well as the development of intersectoral services, and a total of 26 cities and municipalities will be supported. Through support for inter-municipal cooperation, local actors will be empowered to apply the principles of good governance during the entire process of negotiation and establishment of inter-municipal cooperation, as well as for the development of mechanisms and tools for monitoring the joint provision of services and evaluating their results, and this activity will be implemented with the participation of a total of 16 local self-governments. "This Programme decided to provide comprehensive support to cities and municipalities in improving the functioning of the social protection system at the local level. Support will also be provided for the implementation of social protection services that are based on the identified needs of users in local communities, as well as for inter-municipal cooperation in the provision of social protection services", concluded Nataša Ivanović, Programme Officer for Social Inclusion. The event was also attended by Dr. Marina Vidojević, Assistant Minister for Social Protection, as well as more than 30 representatives of local self-governments engaged in technical assistance. Technical assistance for the improvement of social protection includes the following local self-governments: Arilje, Ivanjica, Surdulica, Vlasotince, Pirot, Krupanj, Velika Plana, Ćuprija, Boljevac, Svilajnac, Čačak, Jagodina, Loznica, Dimitrovgrad, Kraljevo, Mali Zvornik, Niš, Prijepolje, Smederevo, Sjenica, Prokuplje, Topola, Bor, Valjevo, Veliko Gradište and Trstenik. Technical assistance for inter-municipal cooperation includes the following local self-governments, as leading and partner: Prijepolje and Nova Varoš, Sjenica, Priboj; Pirot and Babushnica; Ćuprija and Despotovac; Valjevo and Mionica; Trstenik and Aleksandrovac; Kraljevo and Raska; Veliko Gradište and Golubac.

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31 October 2023

New Kindergarten in Užice Village of Karan Receives EU Support

Thanks to the support of the European Union, Užice got its first village kindergarten in Karan, which will soon be attended by about 50 children. With the EU grant in the amount of almost 180,000 Euros extended through the EU PRO Plus programme, and a significant Užice City co-funding of over 200,000 Euros, the kindergarten facility in Karan was adapted and expanded, and now has an equipped kitchen with a dining room, two work rooms for children of different ages age, a teacher room thus providing adequate conditions for preschool education and growing up of children. The kindergarten is also equipped with furniture and didactic material. “Here in the kindergarten in the village of Karan, which will soon start working, we see the result of the partnership between the local community, the city of Užice and the Ministry of European Integration. This kindergarten will enable the stay and learning of 55 children from Užice and its surroundings, creating a safe and inspiring space for their development. This is just one of the many projects that we support through the EU PRO Plus programme together with the City of Užice, with which we also successfully implement projects for cross-border cooperation. We are proud of our long-term partnership with Užice and look forward to continued cooperation in order to achieve a better life for the citizens together because we care about Užice,” said the Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret. “This project, the first rural kindergarten in the territory of Užice, is a very important project for the community as it provides a large and suitable space for children to stay, but also for learning and development,” said Minister Miščević and added that through good projects coming from the city of Užice with the support of the European Union and the Government of Serbia and the Ministry of European Integration, as well as the budget of the City of Užice, 1.7 million euros were secured for various projects, including the renovation of the health institution. The minister added that other large projects are being implemented in Užice, inlcuidung as flood prevention, as well as cross-border cooperation projects.” said Minister of European Integration Tanja Miščević. As the mayor of Užice, Jelena Raković Radivojević, pointed out this is a big day for Užice and the village of Karan, which received a kindergarten ready to receive children from this part of the city in the coming days when the use permit is ready. “We are glad that all our partners from the Delegation of the European Union, the Ministry of European Integration and UNOPS are here with us today to visit the kindergarten together and to make sure that all the work was done as it was planned by the project,” she said. She added that the City allocated 17 million dinars from the budget for the adaptation of the kindergarten in Kremna, and the work was intensified in other kindergartens as well, “because we made a promise to the Užičani people that every child in the city will have a place in the kindergarten, and we will fulfil that,” the Mayor concluded. The European Union, as the largest donor in Serbia, supports the modernization of the education system and harmonization with the standards and practices of EU countries. Since 2003, the EU has donated more than 100 million euros for the reform of the education sector – for the improvement of preschool education and education, the reform of secondary vocational education and adult education, renovation and equipping of schools and colleges, support for inclusive education, etc. The European Union program for local development – EU PRO Plus contributes to a more balanced socio-economic development of 99 local governments in two regions: Šumadija and Western Serbia and Southern and Eastern Serbia. The program works on improved management of territorial development, economic growth and improved social infrastructure and social cohesion.

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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.

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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.

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Press Release

31 October 2023

Serbia Hosts Second Biotech Future Forum, Showcasing Sustainable Innovations

This year’s second edition of the Forum gathers more than 500 participants from more than 30 countries, and more than 40 speakers – representatives of governments, academia, scientific and research institutions, and economy. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić emphasised at the opening ceremony of the Forum that positioning of Serbia as a biotech centre has been one of the main goals of the Government. She said that the foundation for this had already been placed by investing into strengthening of the ecosystem of innovations, consisting of scientific-technological parks, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence Institute, the digitalisation-support infrastructure, such as the Data Centre in Kragujevac, as well as by creating a stimulating environment for the development of IT companies. “In addition to cooperation with industry and bringing biotech giants to Serbia, it is crucial for us to provide support to our science and scientists, with the aim for the great scientific achievements developed in our universities and institutes to contribute to the growth of science and economy not only in Serbia, but also globally. Serbia will soon become the home of the BIO4 Campus, a new European centre for the development of biotechnology and bioengineering, which would gather more than 1000 PhDs in more than 300 laboratories, and contribute to further strengthening of Serbian economy and its competitiveness,” said Brnabić. This year, the organisation of the “Biotech Future Forum” is once again supported by the World Economic Forum, within which the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia was also established. “Rapid advancements in biotechnology underscore the potential it has to revolutionize our lives and economies by overcoming the world’s most pressing challenges in health and sustainability. Recent developments in technology, in particular, Generative AI, have shown great promise in accelerating and improving not only drug discovery processes, but revolutionizing biotechnology as we know it,” said Managing Director of the World Economic Forum Mirek Dusek. He added that Serbia was not only the first country to join the Global C4IR Network from the region, but also the founder of the first Centre focusing on biotech and AI in healthcare. “As such, the Centre plays a crucial role in not only building out Serbia’s biotech ecosystem, but leading across the global network on the policies, programmes and systems required to cultivate responsible biotechnology advancement and opportunities,” concluded Dusek. “Serbia continues to demonstrate real leadership with its commitment to drive and harness all the benefits and the potential of technological innovation and progress and to do so responsibly. Rapid technological advances are accelerating the potential of biotech to help tackle important challenges – from facilitating more affordable access to even higher quality healthcare, to helping us improve food security and sustainability,” OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann said. “In designing policies, it will be important to get the balance right – to ensure policy responses and regulation provide appropriate levels of certainty, stability, and security while facilitating further innovation and growth,” added Cormann. The “Biotech Future Forum” involves a number of panels covering the fields of biotechnology, bioinformatics, bioengineering and biomedicine. In his video message at the Forum’s opening, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner pointed out that the role of science in creating sustainable future is emphasised in the UN Resolution on the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development, which was supported by the Republic of Serbia. “There is a vital need to ensure ethical and responsible use of new technologies as well as equitable access and distribution of the benefits of biotech across communities and regions. UNDP has recently supported the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia to help create a legal framework for biotech research that respects citizens’ privacy and lays the foundation for responsible A.I. usage,” said Steiner and emphasised that the priority in using the power of biotechnology should be finding solutions to the challenges of climate change. “Projects like the BIO4 Campus in Serbia -- currently in development with UNDP support-- will provide cutting-edge science and research infrastructure for the next generation of biotech scientists and entrepreneurs,” concluded Steiner. The Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation Jelena Begović PhD said that the “Biotech Future Forum” represents the key event for the scientific, but also business community in Serbia and the region. “We gather experts, researchers, decision-makers, investors and companies in order to build together an ecosystem that would actively aid in addressing local and global challenges via biotechnology. This forum offers a chance for an exchange of ideas and creation of partnerships, and it is truly an inspiration for the further development of science and innovations, but it also considers what kind of a future is in store for the humanity with the development of new technologies.” “We continue to promote the importance of research and investment in biotechnology, so that we could all together contribute to the progress of our society and economy, and enable better quality of life for all our citizens in the future,” emphasised Minister Begović. A special programme at this year’s Forum entitled “Green Showroom“, is dedicated to green biotechnology, sustainable solutions and innovations that lead to a “greener” and ecologically sustainable future. This programme includes a presentation of the startups, small and medium enterprises supported within initiatives implemented by UNDP, with the support by the European Union and Global Environment Fund, and within the StarTech programme implemented by NALED, in the field of green and digital transformation. Participants of the Forum also include major global names, such as Prof Milica Radišić, PhD, from the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Reshma Shetty, one of the founders of Gingko Bioworks (a company specialised in biotech, with the focus on synthetic biology and genetic engineering), and Professor Timothy Lu of the MIT University, among many others. Also, one of the panels is participated in by representatives of the diaspora – scientists and researchers from Serbia working at leading global universities and in large multinational companies.

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Press Release

31 October 2023

EU PRO Plus Programme Launches "Creating a Greener Future" Art Competition for 2024

This year's theme should encourage young people to channel their creativity towards shaping a greener future for all. Through artistic expression, they should present their skills and future occupations in circular economy by showing in their works which of their own activities and innovative solutions can contribute to a sustainable future and circularity in their communities. Therefore, we want to remind the young people that they are those who bring positive changes in the future while encouraging them to present activities that will contribute to reducing waste, recycling, reusing old things and overall changing our habits in order to protect the environment and achieve sustainability. The high school pupils, as well as the general public, will be able to vote online, through the EU PRO Plus programme website, and thus choose 12 works from a narrow selection of the 20 best works, previously selected by the internal jury. Online voting opens after the contest closes and lasts for five days. The audience's voice will be the fifth member of the jury who will choose the 12 best works that will be on the pages of the EU PRO Plus programme Calendar for 2024. The authors of the 12 winning works will receive valuable prizes, laptops and tablet computers and mobile phones, while the school that proves to be the most engaged in organisation of the internal school contest, during which the works for participation in the competition will be selected, will be awarded a laptop and a projector. The Competition is open by 17 November 2023, and all information and Competition propositions are available on the website 2024 EU PRO Plus Calendar Art Competition. [1] Aleksandrovac, Aleksinac, Aranđelovac, Arilje, Babušnica, Bajina Bašta, Batočina, Bela Palanka, Blace, Bogatić, Bojnik, Boljevac, Bor, Bosilegrad, Brus, Bujanovac, Crna Trava, Čačak, Čajetina, Ćićevac, Ćuprija, Despotovac, Dimitrovgrad, Doljevac, Gadžin Han, Golubac, Gornji Milanovac, Ivanjica, Jagodina, Kladovo, Knić, Knjaževac, Koceljeva, Kosjerić, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Krupanj, Kruševac, Kučevo, Kuršumlija, Lajkovac, Lapovo, Lebane, Leskovac, Loznica, Lučani, Ljig, Ljubovija, Majdanpek, Mali Zvornik, Malo Crniće, Medveđa, Merošina, Mionica, Negotin, Niš, Nova Varoš, Novi Pazar, Osečina, Paraćin, Petrovac na Mlavi, Pirot, Požarevac, Požega, Preševo, Priboj, Prijepolje, Prokuplje, Rača, Raška, Ražanj, Rekovac, Sjenica, Smederevo, Smederevska Palanka, Sokobanja, Surdulica, Svilajnac, Svrljig, Šabac, Topola, Trgovište, Trstenik, Tutin, Ub, Užice, Valjevo, Varvarin, Velika Plana, Veliko Gradište, Vladimirci, Vladičin Han, Vlasotince, Vranje, Vrnjačka Banja, Zaječar, Žabari, Žagubica, Žitorađa.

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