From “We the Peoples” to “Our Common Agenda” - the Government of Serbia and UN Serbia mark 76 anniversary of the global organization

Belgrade, 26 October 2021 – On the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the United Nations, the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations Team in Serbia jointly marked this day at the special event dedicated to celebration of rich cultural and natural diversity in Serbia.

The event highlighted the urgency to act together for the people and the planet, reflecting upon the solutions needed to nurture diversity, inclusiveness and solidarity, while overcoming the triple planetary crises – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, as identified in the recently released Our Common Agenda report by the UN Secretary General.

“We see our principal duty to ensure that the development agenda, the transformative agenda, is as inclusive and fair as possible, and that truly, no one is left behind in the massive efforts that will take place in the country to transform the society, the economy and the environment we live in. Inclusion, tolerance, embracing diversity and plurality within our societies remain at the core of the United Nations action. These values are the fundamental pillars to strengthen peace, trust and social cohesion. As the UN, we will continue to put the rights of the people at the core of our actions, and we invite for greater and meaningful national and local consultations with citizens to shape the country’s future”, says Francoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia.

In 2020, the 20 UN agencies, funds and programmes, in partnership with the government  and the civil society, delivered Euro 70 million worth of goods and services for the people of Serbia, including USD 23 million allocated for the COVID-19 response.

Looking ahead, the UN in Serbia and the Government of Serbia will continue their cooperation under the 2021 – 2025 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The framework focus on strategic priorities around social, environmental, and economic sustainability, the human rights, gender and good governance agenda. It is designed to contribute to the national development priorities and to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along the core principle of Leaving no one Behind. The UN will continue to expand its partnership with the civil society, development partners, the private sector, and local institutions. 

"The issue of peace and stability cannot be viewed independently of the topic of sustainable development. Serbia remains committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as well as the Paris Climate Agreement. We are intensifying national efforts in the implementation of all three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social, and environmental," says Nikola Selaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

“In our joint efforts, Serbia will continue to have a steadfast partner in the United Nations, including its political, peacebuilding and peace operations which I am here to represent.  Partners for ensuring a continuous re-commitment to the values for which the United Nations stands foremost,” says Mari Yamashita, Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UN Office in Belgrade.

The Government of Serbia and United Nations are committed to fast track progress in the country’s pathway to an inclusive, resilient, healthy and skilled society where all people meaningfully contribute to, and benefit equally from sustainable cultural, economic, and social development and environmental rights, by 2025 and beyond.