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18 April 2024
United Nations in Serbia launches 2023 Annual Results Report
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Speech
11 April 2024
Serbia National Urban Forum 2024 - UN RC a.i Talking Points
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Press Release
10 April 2024
New UN report calls for trillions more in development investment to rescue Sustainable Development Goals
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The Sustainable Development Goals 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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18 April 2024
United Nations in Serbia launches 2023 Annual Results Report
Belgrade, 18 April 2024 - The United Nations has launched its 2023 Results Report, demonstrating significant advancements accomplished in partnership with the Government of Serbia. This collective effort, comprised of 20 UN agencies, funds and programmes, is centered around accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals within 3 strategic areas: green transformation, human capital development, and fortification of the Rule of Law and Human Rights agenda. Adhering to the overarching UN principle of 'Leave no One Behind,' the UN agencies, funds, and programmes in Serbia have contributed over USD 80 million over the past year.UN focused on supporting strategies to reduce energy intensity and emissions and increase the country’s renewable energy, including energy efficiency, energy poverty, air pollution and the economy transformation. These strategies also considered the just transition of the economy, advocating for fairness and social justice in the shift towards a low-carbon economy. The implementation of these actions has resulted in remarkable outcomes: public buildings now use 30% less energy and have 20% lower CO2 emissions; 60 business solutions worth $30 million have been launched to improve energy efficiency, increase renewable energy, and decrease energy poverty; 31 Local Self Governments have laid the foundational strategies for sustainable urban development. Furthermore, by supporting over 600 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in digitalization, finance, and the green & circular economy, 270 new jobs have been created.The UN continued to promote universal access to quality health services and strengthen the resilience of the public health system to shocks and crises, including through an enhanced e-Health agenda. Access to social protection services to those left further behind, including Roma, disadvantaged women, young people leaving supervised care, persons with disabilities, and older persons has been extended. The process of making education more inclusive—including for migrants and refugees—gathered pace, in partnership with LSGs, teachers and advisory bodies. Over the course of the year, 35,000 children and caregivers benefited from innovative early childhood services; over 300 families on the brink of poverty found new homes, while a voluntary surrender campaign was able to collect more than 82,000 firearms merely one month after tragic events from May 2023. Free medical, legal and psychological counseling services were provided to 7,000 women; while support was extended to women and girls from six Roma settlements across Belgrade in health literacy and women with disabilities, enabling them to advocate for their own sexual and reproductive health and rights.The UN supported Serbia in aligning with international human rights and gender equality standards through harmonization with international commitments in a year-long HR campaign to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Other areas of support prioritized the of anticorruption and anti-trafficking measures. Efforts to enhance governance systems at the local level were boosted, with increased capacity for gender- and child-responsive budgeting, and supporting people-centred digital transformation. The UN continued to extend protection to migrants and refugees through policy development and legal assistance, including the identification of close to 800 individuals at risk of statelessness across informal settlements as part of the #IBelong campaign. A national initiative on inheritance rights reached over 3 million people, while a national immunisation campaign informed 1 million people at risk. Intercommunal trust, understanding, and respect for diversity increased notably among 500 youths. Through the dedicated collaboration and ongoing commitment of the United Nations in coordination with the Government of Serbia, the country is making substantial strides towards a sustainable and just future. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, yet brimming with opportunities and hope for the citizens of Serbia. It is imperative that no one is left behind, as we navigate the journey towards advancement and growth, as country navigates the journey towards advancement and growth.
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28 March 2024
World squanders over 1 billion meals a day
Households across all continents wasted over 1 billion meals a day in 2022, while 783 million people were affected by hunger and a third of humanity faced food insecurity.Food waste continues to hurt the global economy and fuel climate change, nature loss, and pollution. These are the key findings of a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report published today, ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste. 132 kilos per capitaIn 2022 there were 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste generated (including inedible parts), amounting to 132 kilograms per capita and almost one-fifth of all food available to consumers. Out of the total food wasted in 2022, 60 per cent happened at the household level, with food services responsible for 28 per cent and retail 12 per cent.“Food waste is a global tragedy. Millions will go hungry today as food is wasted across the world,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Not only is this a major development issue, but the impacts of such unnecessary waste are causing substantial costs to the climate and nature. The good news is we know if countries prioritise this issue, they can significantly reverse food loss and waste, reduce climate impacts and economic losses, and accelerate progress on global goals.”Up to 10% of emissionsAccording to recent data, food loss and waste generates 8-10 per cent of annual global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – almost 5 times that of the aviation sector – and significant biodiversity loss by taking up the equivalent of almost a third of the world’s agricultural land. The toll of both food loss and waste on the global economy is estimated at roughly USD 1 trillion.Additional links:Food Waste Index Report 2024
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11 March 2024
International Women's Day 2024: Girls can do anything
Belgrade, March 7, 2024 - On the occasion of International Women's Day, the United Nations in Serbia organized a panel discussion "What would you say to your younger self" and the play "Girls".“This year's global theme Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress faithfully reflects our mission tonight. We have gathered here today to encourage reflection and dialogue, and we are inspired to take collective action towards a world that values and invests in the potential of every woman and girl," said Mari Yamashita, Representative of the Secretary-General and Director of the United Nations Office in Belgrade, at the opening of the panel "What would you say to your younger self"."Don't pretend to be someone you're not, be honest with yourself and don't behave in a certain way just to be accepted in society. I would also tell myself not to worry too much about what other people think of me. Also, mistakes are normal and don't let them stop you from moving forward, because that's also part of growing up. And you can't always please everyone," said Kristin Melsom, Norwegian ambassador to Serbia.Alongside with her, on the panel were also participating Anke Konrad, Ambassador of Germany to Serbia, Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Serbia and Flor de Lis Vasquez, Deputy Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia, as well as moderator Minja Bogavac, author of the play Girls. The German ambassador, Anke, said that she would simply tell her younger self to be bold and accept challenges, as well as "to never think at the start that it is impossible to achieve what I want".The first piece of advice Halacheva would give to her younger self is to be honest with herself and not limit herself because of the expectations of others. "Those boxes we put ourselves in don't really exist, they exist only in the imagination of other people, and we spend a lot of time in our lives trying to fit into those small boxes," said stated.Flor de Lis Vasquez, Mexico's deputy ambassador, pointed out that she would tell her younger self not to be afraid of being labeled a feminist. "Because it's a word that still confuses a lot of people in Mexico." Being a feminist does not mean being radical. Being a feminist means you want gender equality for girls," she said. After the panel, the theater play "Girls" was performed, created through a creative process in which ten young women of different ages, interests and origins from all over Serbia participated. This socially engaged production, which was performed in more than 40 cities in Serbia, is the result of a months-long artistic and research process in which co-authors and performers tell their personal, authentic and true stories. They show us what it's like to be a girl and how girls struggle with challenges or not belonging.The play was produced by the Reflektor Theater, in partnership with the youth organization E8, and as part of a project implemented by the United Nations Agency for Gender Equality in Serbia (UN Women), funded by the European Union."Although the play has many elements of humor, I have to admit that during its creation we were often overwhelmed with feelings but also sad, because we realized that the moment we outgrow our pink rooms, and when we become young women, that the world around us is a narcissistic place and that the girl must be careful because everything can be taken as a provocation", said Milena Minja Bogavac, author of the play.International Women's Day was established to commemorate the 1909 demonstration of American working women in Chicago and the New York march. More than 15,000 women demanded shorter working hours, better wages and the right to vote. The initiative for that holiday was given by the German feminist Klara Zetkin, and the first Women's Day was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark. In 1977, the UN General Assembly declared March 8 the Day of Women's Rights and International Peace. The first celebration of Women's Day in Serbia was held in 1914.
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02 February 2024
WHO and UNICEF: Urgent Vaccination is Necessary to Protect the Lives of Children
Belgrade, 2 February 2024 - On 31 January 2024, the National Institute of Public Health reported 4 pertussis deaths in infants in Serbia, too young to have been fully vaccinated. Health authorities also reported a total of 1,595 confirmed cases of pertussis between 1 January 2023 and 28 January 2024.
Pertussis is an infectious disease typically manifesting with exhausting cough which can affect everyone, but it is most severe in unvaccinated children under one year. About 1 in 20 unvaccinated infants who get the infection, develop a severe complication that can cause death. Adolescents and adults can get the infection too, but the clinical manifestation among them may be less severe and thus go undiagnosed and untreated, which contributes to bacteria circulation in the population.
Severe pertussis is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine that is available worldwide since 1950s and has been part of routine national immunization programmes since 1974. It is critical for all infants to get this primary series of pertussis-combined vaccine (in Serbia given as part of the pentavalent vaccine) for a total of three shots by the first 6 months of life, so they get protected when they are most vulnerable. Booster pertussis vaccine doses in the second year of life and before school entry are important to consolidate immunity and prevent the spread of pertussis in the community.
WHO and UNICEF will support public health authorities to continue strengthen disease surveillance and reach every child in Serbia, with timely and life-saving vaccines.
Vaccines save lives. Do not delay. Every dose counts.
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24 January 2024
Preventing Cervical Cancer: The Lifesaving Benefits of Regular Examinations and the HPV Vaccine
"Our oldest son just started first grade, so I don't even have to tell you that, you can imagine how much of a shock it was," recalls Violeta of the difficult moments, "For all cancer patients, it first takes some time, until they get their act together and realize what they're really up against."
Violeta was diagnosed with cervical cancer at an early stage of the disease, thanks to her discipline and commitment to regular medical examinations.
"All the symptoms that appear later are mostly in the later stages, when recovery becomes less certain. So regular checkups, I went to the gynecologist and dentist every six months, then I had small children, it was just normal. It was discovered on time, within that one year, with therapy, radical hysterectomy, then radiation, and now 30 years have passed since then," explains Violeta.
Cervical cancer was diagnosed in 1085 women in Serbia in 2021 alone. Almost every out of the 424 lives lost in just that one year could have been saved if the diagnosis had been established earlier. Based on the estimates of the European Information System for 2020, Serbia ranks fifth in Europe in terms of the number of cervical cancer cases, with a high mortality rate.
The experiences of Australia and European countries, such as Finland, have shown that with early detection of the disease through screening programs, regular gynecological examinations and vaccination against the HP virus, the incidence of cervical cancer is reduced to a very low percentage. The United Nations Population Fund in Serbia, in cooperation with its partners, the Institute for Public Health of Serbia, Dr. MIlan Jovanović Batut, the Ministry of Health, professional associations, experts, as well as civil society organizations, promotes constant dialogue between key actors and supports programs and mechanisms that contribute to the understanding of the importance of preventing this serious disease, which most often affects women between 35 and 45 years of age.
Violeta Ivković knows how important it is to set aside this time for self-care.
"We have to learn to love ourselves and our bodies, who else would we turn to if not doctors. They exist to treat us. Prevention, above all prevention is fantastic, if we are disciplined enough," says Violeta, "We need to find time. We don't think we have time, but half an hour at the dentist, half an hour at the gynecologist, means a lot for preserving life, healthy life."
There are more than 120 types of HPV, of which about 40 can cause genital infections in men and women. Most infections caused by HPV pass without symptoms, in a period of about two years. However, if persistent, HPV infection with some of the high-risk types of the virus can lead to serious health problems, including cervical cancer in women.
In Serbia, since 2022, vaccination against diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is available at the expense of the state, for children of both sexes (girls and boys) aged 9-19 years. More information about the vaccine is available at: https://www.batut.org.rs/index.php?content=2383
Violeta Ivković has no doubts that parents should take their children for vaccinations:
"If it existed 30 years ago, we would not be sitting and talking about this now. I have three children and five grandchildren. My children, thanks to what they went through with me when they were little, do not question whether they will vaccinate their children."
The parents of fifteen-year-old Natalija Barlov had no doubts either. Her older brother has already been vaccinated. After talking with parents and doctors, Natalija also understands that vaccination means responsibility towards oneself and one's health.
"They said that it is very important to do it (get vaccinated), because maybe something happens in the future and then it is necessary. In elementary school, we had a systematic check-up and there the doctors told us about it and how important it is to receive it. We didn't realize how serious it was and we were like, "okay, we'll do it," but later we realized that we really need to do it."
However, Natalia does not know many of her peers who have been vaccinated:
"I know maybe three, four people and they told me that it's not a big deal and that it will help them in the future, so I think that's good."
As part of the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in cooperation with the Institute for Public Health of Serbia, the Ministry of Health, the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) - Serbia, is organizing educational and health promotion activities throughout Serbia for the fifth year in a row. This year special focus is placed on high school students who will have the opportunity to improve their understanding of the importance and availability of the HPV vaccine in our country.
For UNFPA, as the leading agency of the United Nations for sexual and reproductive health, improving the prevention of cervical cancer is one of the most important priorities. In the coming period, UNFPA will continue to provide support to relevant institutions in order to improve their capacities for planning, developing, and implementing programs of organized screening and implementation of HPV immunization.
With regular preventive examinations and adequate vaccination, the lives of many women can be saved.
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22 February 2024
Interview: “Through the UN Women project, the level of safety and privacy of Safe House users has significantly increased”
Operating under the Center for the Development of Local Social Protection Services in Vranje, the Safe House has been a crucial resource since its establishment in 2016, offering assistance and shelter to 401 women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. Within the safe house, the beneficiaries receive essential life needs, a safe and nurturing environment, assistance in developing and preserving their potential, as well as legal, educational and employment support. Thanks to the UN Women implemented “Safeguarding Women and Girls in Serbia” project, financed by the British Embassy in Belgrade, the Safe House was able to enhance its services. Head of the Safe House in Vranje, Ivana Tasic, explains the importance of this support for improving the work of the Safe House.Under the "Safeguarding Women and Girls in Serbia" project, improvements were made to the operations of the Safe House in Vranje. In what ways did these enhancements contribute to its overall functionality?The level of privacy was increased by instalment of PVC fence with decorative artificial grass on the existing wire fence, while strip curtains were installed on the rooms of the users. Also, the safety of the users has been improved in the form of the reconstruction of the fence wall and the installation of external reflectors on the object.As part of the same project, community of practice meeting were held for the representatives of Safe House. Why were these meetings important?The main goal was to gather relevant practitioners to exchange information and improve coordination among Safe Houses, but also to increase resource mobilization and financial support in the form of grants. In addition, civil society partner organizations selected through an open competition were introduced. These organization, chosen to provide support to 11 operational safe houses, will offer supportin managing funds allocated through grants and implementing of project activities. We also discussed the difficulties we encounter in our work, including issues related to obtaining and renewing licenses for the provision of social protection services.Trainings were also organized as part of the project. What did the trainings cover and how useful were they?Our partner in the project, non-governmental organization Atina, organized workshops that dealt with processing intense feelings and improving communication among all safe houses. We also worked with children that were survivors and/or witnesses of violence. Given that we chose the topics, the mentioned trainings meant a lot to us and are useful for our further work with women and children in instances of violence.How useful was the support of UN Women Serbia and the partner organization Atina?This support meant a lot to us because the existing level of safety and privacy of the users of our Safe House was increased. Through trainings, the competencies of employees in working with this particularly sensitive category of beneficiaries have been increased. I would especially like to point out that this project established better communication between Safe Houses in Serbia, which is very useful for future work and exchange of experiences, and we hope that this cooperation will continue.
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Press Release
10 April 2024
New UN report calls for trillions more in development investment to rescue Sustainable Development Goals
UNITED NATIONS, 9 April 2024 – A new UN report today says financing challenges are at the heart of the world’s sustainable development crisis – as staggering debt burdens and sky-high borrowing costs prevent developing countries from responding to the confluence of crises they face. Only a massive surge of financing, and a reform of the international financial architecture can rescue the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report: Financing for Development at a Crossroads (FSDR 2024) says urgent steps are needed to mobilise financing at scale to close the development financing gap, now estimated at USD 4.2 trillion annually, up from USD 2.5 trillion before the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions, climate disasters and a global cost-of-living crisis have hit billions of people, battering progress on healthcare, education, and other development targets. “This report is yet another proof of how far we still need to go and how fast we need to act to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. “We are truly at a crossroads and time is running out. Leaders must go beyond mere rhetoric and deliver on their promises. Without adequate financing, the 2030 targets cannot be met.” With only six years remaining to achieve the SDGs, hard-won development gains are being reversed, particularly in the poorest countries. If current trends continue, the UN estimates that almost 600 million people will continue to live in extreme poverty in 2030 and beyond, more than half of them women.“We’re experiencing a sustainable development crisis, to which inequalities, inflation, debt, conflicts and climate disasters have all contributed,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua. “Resources are needed to address this, and the money is there. Billions of dollars are lost annually from tax avoidance and evasion, and fossil fuel subsidies are in the trillions. Globally, there is no shortage of money; rather, a shortage of will and commitment.” According to the report debt burdens and rising borrowing costs are large contributors to the crisis. Estimates are that in the least developed countries debt service will be USD 40 billion annually between 2023 and 2025, up more than 50 per cent from USD 26 billion in 2022. Stronger and more frequent climate related disasters account for more than half of the debt upsurge in vulnerable countries. The poorest countries now spend 12 per cent of their revenues on interest payments -- four times more than they spent a decade ago. Roughly 40 per cent of the global population live in countries where governments spend more on interest payments than on education or health. While investment in SDG sectors had grown steadily in the early 2000s, major sources of development funding are now slowing down. For example, domestic revenue growth has stalled since 2010, especially in LDCs and other low-income countries, in part due to tax evasion and avoidance. Corporate income tax rates are falling, with global average tax rates down from 28.2 per cent in 2000 to 21.1 per cent in 2023, due to globalization and tax competition.Meanwhile, Official Development Assistance from OECD countries and climate finance commitments are not being met. While ODA increased to an all-time high in 2022, reaching USD 211 billion, from USD 185.9 billion in 2021, much of the growth came from aid to refugees living in donor countries, and the total amount is inadequate for development. Only four countries met the UN aid target of 0.7 per cent of GNI in 2022. The report concludes that the international financial system, which was set up at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, is no longer fit for purpose. It proposes a new coherent system that is better equipped to respond to crises, scales up investment in the SDGs especially through stronger multilateral development banks, and improves the global safety net for all countries. The report points to the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024 as a crucial opportunity to change course. It highlights the June 2025 Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) as the critical moment for countries to commit to closing the development financing gap and invest in achieving the SDGs. FfD4 is an opportunity for countries to: Close credibility gaps and rebuild trust in multilateralism.Close financing and investment gaps, at scale and with urgency.Reform and modernize the outdated international financial architecture and adjust international rules for trade, investment and finance.Formulate and finance new development pathways to deliver on the SDGs and ensure no one is left behind. “Without global cooperation, targeted financing, and, crucially, the political will, the world will not achieve the SDGs,” said Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed. “The clock is ticking. Between now and next year’s FfD4 Conference, we have a once-in-80-year opportunity to comprehensively reform the financial architecture, and a last chance to correct course before 2030. History will not be kind to those with the power to act who fail to do so, while the clock winds down on the planet and its people.”Read the full 2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report: Financing for Development at a Crossroads (FSDR 2024) here.
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Press Release
12 December 2023
Architectural Expert Emphasizes the Need for Women's Safety in Urban Planning
Who were these workshops intended for and what was discussed?
Workshops were differently tailored for spectrum of multidisciplinary professionals and experts - decision makers on national level, local authorities, urban companies, public communal companies and services that take care of the use and maintenance of space, police forces, faculties and NGOs. Architects, urban planners, spatial planners, landscape architects, traffic engineers and security experts made up the majority of the audience. The workshops included theoretical introduction to the topic of safety, looking at space from a "women's angle", practical exercises and creating a set of ideas that can make open public spaces in cities safer for women and girls, as well as public debate about the obstacles in our legal framework that are making harder the implementation of these measures in urban planning.
What are the biggest challenges when it comes to urban planning and women's safety?
The main challenge is certainly to introduce the topic of gender sensitive attitude and women’s safety into the list of mandatory conditions that an urban space must fulfill. Our goal was first to point out the problem and the different experiences and perspectives that women and men have of the living environment. Traditionally, the house was a space mainly used by women, while public spaces were more of a male domain. But things have changed a long time ago. In our culture we have conquered public spaces since women of all ages are active, they go to school and work, go out for fun, go shopping, they look after children in parks, use public transport, commute and hang out outdoors. If women feel safe and comfortable in all spaces at all times, others will too. That's why urban planning, focused on public safety and well-being of all citizens, must include the issue of women's safety.
What are the characteristics public spaces that are unsafe for women and girls?
Neglected, unmaintained, unsightly, isolated or dark public spaces are characterized as unsafe and their appearance provides an opportunity for violent acts to happen. Such spaces could be or are used for various criminal activities and security threats. If we know that something like that happened or there is a chance to happen, we will create a mental map that eliminates certain space or path from our direction of movement and that leads to limited mobility. Finally, because of the surroundings, we are forced to restrict our stay in the open space, to adapt to the circumstances and to depend on others.
How can we make public spaces safer for women and girls?
Vibrant spaces, pleasant and inspiring for staying outdoors are the key to success. They must be clean, tidy and undamaged. The use of surveillance cameras or increased patrolling is an example of a measure with a limited and not always positive effect. Instead, we suggest spontaneous "neighborly" monitoring of space, limited height of the structures, orientation of living spaces and others that are in frequent use towards open spaces, urban furniture that is resistant to vandalism, artistic design of exterior elements, appropriate greening, adequate night lighting, good and adaptable network of the public transportation and similar preventive measures. The spectrum of possible architectural and technical intervention is really wide and diverse.
The final result of workshops and whole project, but also kick off for future actions is the “Roadmap for Implementing Urban Safety Measures in Urban Planning Process”. What does it contain and why is it important?
It is a proposal for public policy making and is intended primarily for decision-makers. The roadmap contains recommendations, assesses and evaluates the possible effects, proposes amendments to the existing legal framework and gives suggestions for improving the methodology of drafting plans. The aim is to help formulate and implement an appropriate public policy for safer urban spaces, in line with other acts and laws relevant to this topic. We created it as a set of steps or alternative paths that allows us to get faster to the main goal. Some of the steps that we propose are broader education, formation of the knowledge base, making of the Manual for architects and urban planners, improvement of public policy including data collection and citizens’ participation.
Could you list some of the most important proposals for the amendment of legal acts?
We concentrated on the Law on Planning and Construction, which is the most important for our profession. First of all, new terms such as ‘’urban safety’’ and ‘’gender sensitive space” should be included in it. Moreover, it should be pointed out that the topic of unhindered movement and access should be applied not only to persons with disabilities, children and the elderly, but also to women. Other legal document, The Rulebook on the Content, Method and Procedure of Creating Spatial and Urban Planning Documents prescribes the content of the plans in more detailed way. We think that it is important to have data on number and structure (gender, age, etc.) of residents in the area of planning to make spaces that will be adequate for all citizens living there.
In what way was UN Women support helpful?
There must always be someone to make the first step, to pull and push others towards the goal, to have a vision of a different and better society. We are very grateful to UN Women for starting the initiative in which we gladly participated, gave our best and shared our knowledge. It must be constantly repeated that the question of women's safety does not exclude anyone, it actually benefits everyone. Every proposed measure is reviewed precisely in this sense. We sincerely believe in this project and are additionally filled with optimism since we saw the positive reactions of the participants at the workshops and their desire to act immediately towards changes.
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Press Release
12 December 2023
Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) nexus in the context of Serbia
This is due to the fact that human mobility is expected to scale up as intense weather-related events become more frequent and affect livelihoods. Also, migration is being increasingly acknowledged as an effective and viable adaptation strategy in the face of environmental and climate change.
There is no legally agreed upon definition of environmental migrants and migration. The one put forward by IOM is as follows: Environmental migrants are persons or groups of persons who, for compelling reasons of sudden or progressive changes in the environment that adversely affect their lives or living conditions, are obliged to leave their homes or choose to do so, either temporarily or permanently, and who move either within their country or abroad.
As outlined in the 2022 Report of the Sixth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) “increasing adaptive capacities minimises the negative impacts of climate-related displacement and involuntary migration for migrants and sending and receiving areas. This improves the degree of choice under which migration decisions are made, ensuring safe and orderly movements of people within and between countries.”
Being a signatory of relevant international treaties, Serbia has confirmed its commitment to contributing to global efforts against climate change and made considerable efforts in fulfilling its responsibilities and achieving the set goals. However, the connection between climate change, environment, and human mobility in the context of Serbia remains yet to be explored. To investigate this connection in the context of Serbia and ensure that the national stakeholders have improved understanding of this issue, IOM Serbia has developed a pilot project supported by the IOM Development Fund (IDF).
Within this initiative, IOM Serbia will bring together relevant sectoral representatives and academia in a capacity building training in Belgrade, laying the foundations of a fruitful discussion on human mobility types in the context of environmental and climate change relevant in Serbia, and exchange of relevant knowledge and expertise. Disaster displacement, evacuation, labour migration, migrants in vulnerable situations in transit are some of the mobility pathways to be discussed during the training, with particular concern for vulnerability of affected populations, communities, and the overall society.
Further action in this regard will be made as such efforts contribute to scaling up climate change adaptation, further enabling empowered and informed decisions on human mobility by individuals, communities, and governments.
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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
12 December 2023
IOM Serbia and The Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration signed a Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Partnership in Migration Governance
In her remarks, Donatella Bradic, IOM Serbia Chief of Mission a.i., reflected on the long-term partnership between IOM Serbia and Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration emphasizing that Cooperation plan for the period 2023-2025, integral part of this Memorandum, will be implemented with the support of numerous donors and will enable development of the legislative and strategic framework, training of employees and direct support for initiatives in the field of migration management.
Natasa Stanisavljevic, The Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia pointed out that this Memorandum of Understanding is very important for continued cooperation in order to improve migration management system and provide adequate response to different challenges, while committing to upholding migrants’ human rights in accordance with international law.
The signing of this Memorandum marks an important step to enhancing the 30-year-long partnership towards sustainable migration governance.
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31 October 2023
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