Government of Serbia and the UN set priorities for the next phase of sustainable development cooperation

Belgrade, 13 July 2026 – The Government of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations today held the first Joint Steering Committee meeting under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF) 2026–2030, marking the beginning of a new five-year cycle of partnership to support Serbia's development priorities, accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the country's European Union accession process.

The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić, Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starović and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia Matilde Mordt, bringing together representatives of Government institutions and the United Nations Country Team.

In their opening remarks, the co-chairs reaffirmed their shared commitment to working in partnership to address Serbia's development priorities through coordinated action, policy support and joint programming.

"The Cooperation Framework marks a new phase of partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations, built on trust, shared responsibility and clearly defined results. As Serbia continues its development journey, our cooperation is increasingly focused on knowledge, innovation and joint policy solutions that support national priorities," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić.

Minister Nemanja Starović emphasized that Serbia considers European integration and the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda as mutually reinforcing processes that contribute to the same goal: building a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient society. He stressed that the UN Cooperation Framework for the period 2026–2030 represents an important instrument for supporting Serbia's national development priorities, noting that Serbia has nationalized the Sustainable Development Goals by adapting them to its own circumstances, priorities, and institutional framework. He also highlighted that Serbia has strengthened the coordination of the reform process through the establishment of the Operational Team for European Union Accession.

"The new Cooperation Framework reflects our shared commitment to work in partnership on Serbia's development priorities over the next five years. In a rapidly changing global environment, the United Nations continues to be a trusted partner that brings in global normative frameworks and specialized technical expertise, working with institutions at national and local levels and a broad spectrum of stakeholders, to advance sustainable development," said Matilde Mordt, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia.

The Joint Steering Committee reviewed the key achievements, lessons learned and remaining challenges from the implementation of the previous Cooperation Framework (2021–2025), which supported national reforms and strengthened cooperation across areas including green transition, social inclusion, governance and human rights.

Participants also discussed planned joint actions and emerging priorities for implementing the Cooperation Framework in 2026. The new Framework for 2026–2030 focuses on three strategic priorities: low-carbon, inclusive and resilient growth; human capital and well-being; and rule of law, human rights, human security and accountable institutions. It also promotes gender equality, digital transformation and the principle of leaving no one behind while supporting Serbia's progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and European Union accession.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain close cooperation and to continue delivering concrete results for the people of Serbia over the next five years.