Serbia and the UN strengthen cooperation towards sustainable development

Belgrade, 4 February 2022 – The Government of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations in Serbia sign the 2021-2025 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The framework is the blueprint to support the country and achieve the joint ambitions of National development priorities, Agenda 2030, and the EU Accession Agenda.

The three strategic priorities of cooperation focus on i) the green transformation, ii) social protection/demographic resilience and iii) rule of law, human rights, gender and good governance. The total value of the program amounts to 350 million Euro.

The signing ceremony was hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic, with the UN country team led by the UN Resident Coordinator Francoise Jacob, comprising 20 agencies, funds and programmes, in presence of the Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic.

“I am convinced that Serbia will continue to be a credible partner, a reliable partner in the achievement of joint goals, strengthening cooperation and finding solutions for all challenges, with the aim of creating better, more prosperous Serbia, where no one is left behind”, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Selaković.

“We are very happy to launch this new cooperation, it is an exciting endeavour that will fast-track Serbia's progress towards a sustainable future, opening multiple new opportunities for all”, says Ms. Jacob.

Minister for European Integration, Jadranka Joksimović pointed out that “The Republic of Serbia addressed this task with an active, transparent and inclusive way, cooperating with the EU and the United Nations system. We, in the accession process, use the European Union political framework, and Sustainable Development Goals are integrated in the EU platform and part of that framework. This implies not only strengthening of social cohesion and rule of law but also protection of the environment and fight against climate change.”

The UNSDCF was developed in close consultation with the Government, development partners, civil society, and the private sector.