Women from rural areas in Serbia build sustainable communities every day, not only by working the land and feeding their families, but also by launching businesses, preserving tradition, and fostering innovation where few expect it. Behind each of these successes, however, lies a struggle with invisibility, unequal conditions, and limited access to resources. These challenges and ways to overcome them, were at the heart of the recent subnational dialogue on empowering women in Serbia’s agri-food systems.Organized in Novi Sad through the collaboration between the BioSens Institute and the UN Women Serbia Office, the subnational dialogue brought together representatives of institutions, civil society, international organizations, and academia. The event aimed to strengthen the role of women in rural communities, promote inclusive and sustainable development, and enhance multisectoral cooperation in the implementation of the National Guidelines for the Transformation of Food Systems.The dialogue was opened by Jelena Jojić from the BioSens Institute, with additional remarks by Lorenza Jachia from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Serbia and Milica Trajković, Head of the Center for Innovation and Business Development at BioSens. The speakers highlighted the importance of integrating a gender perspective across all development policies and projects related to agriculture and sustainability.From idea to market: Women’s rural entrepreneurship in the spotlightThe central segment of the programme featured a panel discussion titled “Women’s Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas – From Idea to Market,” where female entrepreneurs shared their personal experiences, challenges, and recommendations for improving the position of women in the agri-food sector.Panelists Sanida Klarić, Radmila Nikolić, Aleksandra Pavlović, and Aleksandra Radivojević spoke about their entrepreneurial beginnings, often driven by necessity, and how they went on to build sustainable and authentic brands through perseverance, continuous learning, and hard work.They emphasized the discrimination they faced solely because of their gender yet remained committed to their goals thanks to access to education, support networks, and community solidarity. The importance of relying on local resources and strong female role models from within their own communities was underlined, as was the need for increased access to information on available funding and the protection of women’s economic rights. A particular concern raised was women’s lack of ownership over property and agricultural holdings, which often excludes them from inheritance and limits their access to social protection systems. The concluding message of the panel was clear: while Serbia has a solid legal framework, its  delayed implementation continues to hinder the potential of rural women to become true agents of change and development in their communities.Partnerships for SustainabilityThe dialogue was part of the “From Seed to Sustainability – Food Systems for All” initiative, led in Serbia by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and jointly implemented by FAO, UNEP, and UN Women, with the support of UNECE and in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and other national stakeholders.The initiative is financially supported by the Joint SDG Fund, with contributions from the European Union and more than fifteen governments, including Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland., filtered_html

Belgrade, 29 April 2025 - The United Nations Country Team in Serbia today launched its 2024 Annual Results Report, outlining key achievements in advancing sustainable development, inclusion, and resilience across the country. The Report reflects joint efforts with the Government of Serbia, civil society, the private sector and international partners, under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021–2025.In 2024, the UN in Serbia delivered over 95 million USD in support, spanning more than 200 initiatives in the areas of green transition and climate resilience, social equity and human capital, and the rule of law, gender equality and governance. Prioritizing vulnerable groups and guided by the principle of Leave No One Behind, these efforts resulted in concrete progress on national development priorities and the 2030 Agenda.UN-supported initiatives contributed to improved heating and wastewater systems, local circular economy strategies, and Serbia’s first Green Infrastructure Strategy. At the same time, support expanded early childhood development and mental health services, introduced new digital tools in healthcare and education, and strengthened gender-based violence response mechanisms. Thousands of children, youth, educators and families benefitted from inclusive, community-based programmes.“In 2024, we worked with our partners to deliver results that matter—stronger institutions, more resilient communities, and greater opportunities for all,” said Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. “As Serbia navigates complex challenges, from demographic shifts to climate impacts, the United Nations remains a committed partner—bringing expertise, partnerships and innovation to help accelerate inclusive, forward-looking reforms aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the EU accession process.”The Report also reflects Serbia’s contributions to regional and global efforts—advancing environmental standards, participating in regional cooperation on sustainable development and youth engagement, and strengthening digital governance.As the UN and Serbia enter the final year of the current Cooperation Framework, the Report underscores the importance of maintaining focus on people-centred policies and long-term sustainability.Download full report. , filtered_html

Kolubara, a district in Serbia known for its natural beauty, cultural and historical heritage and a vast tourist offer, could soon become a leader in the transformation of domestic agriculture. Within the one-year project "From Seed to Sustainability – Food Systems 4 All", which is jointly implemented by the UN agencies in Serbia in cooperation with the National Association for Organic Production Serbia Organica, representatives of the Kolubara Bio-district visited the Campania region of Italy, where the first bio-district in the world was established, which has been functioning for years as a model of successful and sustainable agriculture. In the period from 21 to 25 May, producers from the Kolubara Bio-district, together with representatives of UN agencies and Serbia Organica, were guests of the Cilento Bio-district.This study visit is part of a broader initiative to develop the bio-district model in Serbia, with the aim of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ending hunger, gender equality, responsible consumption, and the preservation of life on land. Knowledge exchange – From region to regionOne of the participants of the study visit to Italy was Ivana Sretenović from the Sretenović Ranch, a family farm in Kolubara that combines organic production and rural tourism. On her husband’s ancestral land, they have developed a nature retreat with apartments, an organic chokeberry plantation and an organic plum plantation. A forest museum has also been established on the Sretenović Ranch. "We love and respect nature. We love healthy food. We take care to ensure our environment is healthy, and we want people around us to be aware of ecology, biodiversity, and everything we do and stand for. So, the bio-district concept naturally came to us, connecting us with people who share the same life philosophy,” explains Ivana Sretenović. During her visit to Italy, she was inspired by how closely producers collaborate with the local community and the fact that most schools and kindergartens use ingredients produced within the Bio-district of Cilento in their canteens. “They have closed the loop: nature, a healthy environment, healthy food, biodiversity, and people. They have been operating for 20 years, and we are about to complete our first. We have already achieved a lot. The most important thing for us is that we are a very cohesive group that works well together, makes decisions, and acts,” says Ivana Sretenović.  Kolubara as a pioneer bio-district in SerbiaAs Ivana Simić from Serbia Organica explains, Kolubara was chosen as the pilot area due to the presence of a strong local initiative and its diverse potential: “We have stakeholders who are committed to developing the bio-district, such as certified organic producers, those using organic and agroecological methods, rural tourism operators, as well as schools, institutions, and local associations that are open to cooperation.” When asked about the biggest challenge in transferring the Italian model to the local context, Ivana Simić emphasizes: “Patience is needed, along with gradually building trust among those actors who have not yet actively engaged. People need to believe that this model is not just another project, but a way for the community to become stronger and more resilient, and for their area to further develop and gain recognition and value, both at the national level and abroad.”FAO and sustainable transformation of food systemsThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which is leading the implementation of this project in Serbia, sees bio-districts as one of the key tools for the successful transformation of food systems."Through this knowledge exchange, our partners from Kolubara have confirmed that they are on the right path and that sustainable models do not have to remain theory, but that they can work in practice," says Aleksandar Mentov, FAO National Program Coordinator in Serbia. He adds that UN agencies in Serbia will continue to provide technical and advisory support in the coming months, with the goal of making the Kolubara Bio-district an example that will inspire other regions in the country and contribute to the sustainable transformation of food systems.Bio-districts and their future in SerbiaBio-districts are geographical areas based on the principles and model of organic agriculture, in which farmers, citizens, tourism and hospitality service providers, educational and scientific institutions, public institutions and associations establish cooperation with the aim of developing sustainable local food systems, improving the management of local resources, as well as promoting the economic and socio-cultural development of the area.In the coming period, Kolubara could become a model example of how local production, shared vision and international cooperation can be combined into a sustainable and functional system – for the benefit of people, nature and future generations. "From Seed to Sustainability – Food Systems 4 All"“From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All” is a one-year initiative funded by the Joint SDG Fund, with support from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. This initiative in Serbia is led by the UN Resident Coordinator’s office and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), with support from the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia and other local partners. , filtered_html

Belgrade, March 21, 2025 – Today is the International Day of Forests (IDF)! This year’s theme is Forests and Foods because forests play a crucial role in strengthening food security and providing livelihoods. In addition to supplying food, fuel, income, and jobs, forests are essential for successful agricultural production. They provide habitats for pollinators, help maintain healthy soil, retain water, offer food and shade for livestock, regulate temperature, and act as natural windbreaks for crops. They also increase precipitation levels for agricultural needs. Forests are vital for the survival of forest-dependent communities and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.As part of the celebration of the International Day of Forests and the Day of the Forestry Youth Movement of Serbia (Pokret gorana Srbije), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Forestry Youth Movement of Serbia (Pokret gorana Srbije) and in cooperation with the Forest Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, as well as JKP “Zelenilo Belgrade,” organized a tree-planting event in Belgrade. On this occasion, 65 Siberian elm seedlings were planted in the Republika Srpska Park on the New Belgrade bank of the Sava River, between the Old Railway Bridge and Gazela Bridge at Staro Sajmište."The FAO Project Office in Serbia is pleased to participate in this joint tree-planting initiative today, on the International Day of Forests, alongside the Forestry Youth Movement of Serbia (Pokret gorana Srbije), in a year when the Movement celebrates 65 years of existence and FAO marks 80 years since its founding. For us, as 'foresters,' the Movement’s motto, ‘Plant your three trees,’ is the clearest manifestation of the importance of forests because those three trees produce the amount of oxygen sufficient for one person throughout their lifetime. This year’s theme for the International Day of Forests is Forests and Foods, reminding us that the survival of human civilization depends on forests and forest products. Today, about 5 billion people rely on forest products for fuel, food, medicine, and livelihoods," said Predrag Jović, FAO Project Manager."With today’s planting of 65 Siberian elm seedlings, the Forestry Youth Movement of Serbia (Pokret gorana Srbije) is kicking off the celebration of an important milestone – 65 years of successful work and engagement, as well as marking the International Day of Forests under the theme Forests and Foods. Over the years, thousands of our members have worked diligently on afforestation, greening, establishing windbreaks, caring for previously planted areas, nursery production, and implementing numerous social, educational, and environmental initiatives. Over the past 65 years, through voluntary efforts, our members have afforested, grassed, and greened more than 408 000 hectares of unproductive land. With today’s planting action, we continue our efforts across the entire Republic of Serbia," stated Miroslav Mihajilović, Secretary of the Forestry Youth Movement of Serbia (Pokret gorana Srbije).Photo: © FAO/Emilija MaricThe partnership between FAO and the Forestry Youth Movement of Serbia (Pokret gorana Srbije) is of great importance for improving sustainable natural resource management and fostering environmental awareness, especially this year, as FAO celebrates 80 years and the Forestry Youth Movement of Serbia (Pokret gorana Srbije) marks 65 years of dedicated work in environmental conservation.The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. 
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