Eighty years of the United Nations: Serbia and the UN highlight concrete results of long-term cooperation

Belgrade, 24 October 2025 — The United Nations in Serbia and the Government of the Republic of Serbia marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations with a joint event at the Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade.

The event gathered representatives of the Serbian Government, the diplomatic community, international partners, civil society, youth and media to celebrate eight decades of the United Nations’ global mission — and the close cooperation between Serbia and the UN in advancing shared development goals.

In her remarks, Matilde Mordt, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia, underlined that the UN–Serbia partnership is built on trust, shared priorities, and tangible results that improve people’s lives.

Eighty years on, the United Nations remains proof that global cooperation can deliver real progress when grounded in partnership and purpose,” said Mordt. “Here in Serbia, that means translating shared values into action — building institutions that serve people, supporting communities that drive change, and working together to find solutions that make a real difference.” 

Dominika Krois, Representative and Director of the United Nations Office in Belgrade, emphasized Serbia’s contribution to international peace and the importance of multilateral cooperation.

“Serbia has been a dedicated contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, and it reflects Serbia’s strong support for multilateralism and its belief in the UN’s role as a cornerstone of global peace and stability.”

Representing the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Katarina Lalić Smajević, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Serbia’s continued engagement with the United Nations and commitment to multilateralism.

“Serbia stands committed to the principles and purposes enshrined in the UN Charter as they have no alternative. Despite numerous challenges the great majority of countries around the world still believe and stand by the value and strength of the UN and its Charter. This is a global forum in which all countries of the world have a voice. This is quite an accomplishment that should be reinforced. Let us all work together so that the Charter of the UN fulfils its noble promise to the world,” said Lalić Smajević.

Guests also had the opportunity to visit the photo exhibition “From Global Goals to Local Lives,” showcasing stories of people and communities across Serbia — from young innovators and women entrepreneurs to Roma health mediators and local officials improving public services with UN support.

Following the main ceremony, the programme continued with the launch of “The UN at Country Level: A Practical Guide to the UN Operational System,” published by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and the panel discussion “From Global Goals to Local Lives in Serbia.”

Jointly organized by the Embassy of Switzerland and the United Nations Country Team in Serbia, the panel brought together UN partners and beneficiaries to share real-life stories of cooperation — from women’s rights and social inclusion to local economic growth and environmental initiatives.

The day’s programme showcased how the partnership between Serbia and the United Nations delivers lasting change — through collaboration that connects global goals with local realities and people’s everyday lives.