The Government of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations in Serbia mark the 71st anniversary of the UN in the spirit of joint commitment to the realization of UN Sustainable Development Goals

Belgrade, 25 October 2016 – On the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the United Nations, Mr. Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Republic of Serbia, Ms. Irena Vojačkova-Sollorano, the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia and Ms. Simona Miculescu, the Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UN Office in Belgrade, hosted together with the United Nations Country Team in Serbia a special reception, while pledging their joint efforts to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Serbia is proud to be among the founders of the only international organization of sovereign states, which for more than seven decades operates and serves as a universal platform for the peaceful resolution of disputes, to exchange opinions and views of Member States on a number of important issues that are concerning people's lives. The United Nations are our chance for peace, equality, justice and development,” said Mr. Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Republic of Serbia.

“Governments have realized that there is no other way for humanity to succeed other than to join forces and to work together on a new era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfil the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  The 71th anniversary of the United Nations is marked throughout the world by reminding people and Governments to invigorate commitments to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to guide the world towards a better future for all on a healthy planet”, said Irena Vojačková-Sollorano, UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Serbia. “The United Nations Country Team in Serbia will continue supporting the Government of the Republic of Serbia to create a prosperous living environment for all people in Serbia and to provide a safe haven to all who are in need of protection and are seeking refuge far away from their burning homes. Leaving no one behind will be our joint objective in the coming period”, stressed Vojačková-Sollorano.

At a time of transition from the eighth Secretary-General to the ninth, the United Nations remains focused on generating political, economic stability and respect of human rights for all. “While expressing our deep gratitude, admiration and respect for current UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's work, we are proud that United Nations will be led by the new Secretary General, Mr Antonio Guterres. With his compassionate personality and a rich and successful professional record, Mr Guterres will continue honoring our global mission of promoting peace, security, development, rule of law and human rights throughout the world”, said Ms Simona Mirela Miculescu, Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the UN Office in Belgrade​.

Last month, world leaders came together at the United Nations General Assembly and adopted the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. The Declaration expresses the political will of world leaders to protect the rights of refugees and migrants, to save lives and share responsibility for large movements on a global scale. At the same time, International Organization for Migration joined the United Nations System as associated member.

In Serbia, the work of the United Nations continues to support a broad range of governmental, civil society and other institutional actors to advance the broad range shared commitments set out in the SDGs: including advancing human rights and social inclusion, improving the environment, supporting local development, developing cultures of diversity and vibrant gender equality, and securing the rights of the child, to name only a few.   

On UN Day, the United Nations Country Team in Serbia, comprising of 26 UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, redoubles its commitment to continue working with the Government of the Republic of Serbia under the ongoing Development Partnership Framework 2016-2020. This partnership will further the solid foundations of the progress achieved so far and will enable to working even harder to support country’s sustainable development agenda and its efficient accession to the European Union.