The United Nations in Serbia

he United Nations has been present in the Republic of Serbia (and the former Yugoslavia) since the beginning of the crisis in the region in the early 1990s. The UN Country Team (UNCT) has been working with the Government of the Republic of Serbia since the early 2000s.

UNCT in Serbia currently comprises 19 UN agencies, funds and programmes — both resident and non-resident — working together to advance national development priorities in line with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Team is coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator (RC).

The UN system in Serbia operates under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), signed between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations. The Framework is the UN’s main strategic planning instrument in the country and supports Serbia’s sustainable development priorities, EU accession process and implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It is structured around three strategic priorities:

  • Low-carbon, inclusive and resilient growth — supporting Serbia’s transition towards a greener, more sustainable and competitive economy, while advancing climate resilience, environmental protection and equitable access to green and digital opportunities;
  • Human capital and well-being — strengthening inclusive, gender-responsive and innovative health, education and social protection systems to ensure equal opportunities and improved quality of life for all, particularly vulnerable groups;
  • Rule of law, human rights, human security and accountable institutions — supporting transparent governance, civic participation, digital transformation, gender equality and the protection of human rights in order to foster social cohesion and an inclusive democracy.

The UN presence in Serbia also includes the United Nations Office in Belgrade (UNOB). By agreement with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, UNOB conducts political reporting and liaison functions. UNOB is the main channel of communication between the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Government of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the diplomatic community in Belgrade on matters relating to the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999). The Office facilitates the contacts of UNMIK, including those of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and provides assistance, when requested, to UNMIK and other international presences in Kosovo.

UNOB reports to the United Nations Department of Peace Operations and UNMIK on all Kosovo-related issues. UNOB also monitors regional developments in the Western Balkans of relevance to the United Nations. It reports to the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and UNMIK on all non-Kosovo-related regional issues. UNOB also works closely with the United Nations Country Teams and other partners on these regional issues.

Milestones

1

Serbia adopts and implements climate change and environmentally friendly strategies that increase community resilience, decrease carbon footprint and amplify the benefits of national investments

2

Natural & Cultural Resources are managed in a sustainable way 

3

Equitable economic and employment opportunities are promoted through innovation

4

Universal and inclusive access to quality health, social and protection services is improved

5

Skills, education and capabilities are enhanced to ensure equitable outcomes for all

6

Mobility and demographic transition become vectors for positive change and prosperity for all people

7

All people, especially the more vulnerable, benefit from the realization of human rights, gender equality and enhanced rule of law in line with international commitments

8

All people benefit from effective governance and meaningful civic engagement

1 / 8

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: