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20 January 2026
Good afternoon, my name is Stefan
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11 December 2025
Green Futures, Brighter Beginnings: Municipalities Lead the Way UNICEF, UNEP and UN-Habitat supporting municipalities to deliver a fair green transition for vulnerable communities
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05 December 2025
Every Fourth Person in Serbia Has Experienced Digital Violence
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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 September 2025
Global traveling exhibition The Tolerance Project returns to Belgrade with a new edition
Belgrade, 18 September 2025 – The United Nations in Serbia and the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade today opened The Tolerance Project – A Traveling Poster Show at Kalemegdan Fortress, Sava Promenade. This latest Belgrade edition brings a selection of newly added works from the global initiative founded and curated by designer Mirko Ilić, which has already showcased the creativity of more than 200 artists from over 40 countries and international works from all continents.Over the years, The Tolerance Project has been presented in Belgrade alongside exhibitions in cities such as New York, Madrid, Tokyo, and Johannesburg. The 2025 edition includes fresh contributions from Serbian designers Slavimir Stojanović, Marko Vuleta, Borut Vild, Dušan Petričić, Stefan Gajić, and others, placing local talent next to international works that confront prejudice and invite reflection through the universal language of design.As part of the broader Tolerance Campaign (Kampanja „Tolerancija“) – a joint initiative of the United Nations and the Council of Europe launched earlier this year to promote inclusion and counter hate speech – the exhibition underscores efforts to use art, education, and public engagement to challenge prejudice and strengthen solidarity.Opening the show, Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, underlined the urgency of the theme:
“Tolerance is not passive acceptance, it is an active choice. At a time when divisions are visible across societies, these posters are a reminder that respect, empathy, and fairness are the foundations that hold communities together.”Janos Babity, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, said:
“This exhibition is a call for all of us to say NO to prejudice, and YES to inclusion. Every step in that direction contributes to building a community that is rich in its diversity and united in solidarity.”Speaking at the opening, Professor Borut Vild, one of the contributing Serbian designers, said:
“We can dedicate this exhibition to the visual messages that in recent months have so strongly shaped the public space — a kind of vernacular design born out of people’s need to express their feelings and views. Out of the same impulse came the works of these authors: the need to respond to injustice, violence, exclusion, and hatred. In that sense, design is our mother tongue.”The exhibition will remain open until the end of September on the Sava promenade of Kalemegdan Fortress, overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Admission is free.
“Tolerance is not passive acceptance, it is an active choice. At a time when divisions are visible across societies, these posters are a reminder that respect, empathy, and fairness are the foundations that hold communities together.”Janos Babity, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, said:
“This exhibition is a call for all of us to say NO to prejudice, and YES to inclusion. Every step in that direction contributes to building a community that is rich in its diversity and united in solidarity.”Speaking at the opening, Professor Borut Vild, one of the contributing Serbian designers, said:
“We can dedicate this exhibition to the visual messages that in recent months have so strongly shaped the public space — a kind of vernacular design born out of people’s need to express their feelings and views. Out of the same impulse came the works of these authors: the need to respond to injustice, violence, exclusion, and hatred. In that sense, design is our mother tongue.”The exhibition will remain open until the end of September on the Sava promenade of Kalemegdan Fortress, overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Admission is free.
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20 January 2026
Good afternoon, my name is Stefan
“Stefan is a cheerful, positive child who has always wanted to have friends and spend time with others. With the help of the communicator, his confidence has grown, his desire to socialise has increased, and so has other people’s willingness to spend time with him. Stefan’s life is now easier. And so is our life together with him,” says Marija, Stefan’s eldest sister.Stefan is twelve years old and attends the sixth grade at Primary School “Mića Stojković” in Umčari. We meet him during a music class. Amid the hum of children’s voices, one voice stands out: “Good morning. I’m Stefan.” The class replies in unison, “Hi, Stefi. How are you feeling today?”Stefan received “his voice” a year ago. Until then, there was a silence that was difficult for everyone to accept. “We realised very early on that there was a developmental delay. He was 14 months old when he first went to a health facility, to the Clinic for Neurology and Child Psychiatry, and at that time we expected that he would start speaking. However, speech did not develop, but his understanding did. He used natural gestures and a few simple words. ‘Mama’ was the first word to appear, and for a long time that was the only word he could say. Later came ‘yes’ and ‘no’,” explains Marija.When Stefan started school, new challenges emerged. Gestures and nodding were no longer enough for his family, teachers and classmates to understand his needs, wishes and interests.“We needed help, some form of support, to be able to establish two-way communication with him,” says Marija. Support came from the school, through Jovana Savic, a school speech therapist who has worked with children for ten years and in this role for the past four. She met Stefan at the beginning of the third grade. “I quickly understood that he has a lot to say, but that spoken words cannot come out, and that a communicator enables him to express himself in a way that works for him. When it was time for him to move from the fourth to the fifth grade, I decided to contact the Grocka Municipal Intersectoral Committee to request approval for the device. They connected us with the ‘Mara Mandic’ Resource Centre in Pancevo, who felt it would be better to approach the closer ‘Radivoj Popovic’ Resource Centre in Zemun. They scheduled an assessment, where it was determined that Stefan was a candidate for a communicator, which was ultimately provided through the Resource Centre in Kragujevac. So this was a broad network of different institutions working together, doing the right thing, and ensuring the device for this child. Now we have a voice that supports Stefan through schooling, education and learning, as well as through friendships and social relationships more broadly,” explains Jovana.For some children, like Stefan, assistive technology makes the difference between exclusion and inclusion. It removes barriers to communication, socialisation, learning, mobility and daily life, while strengthening quality of life and self-confidence.As part of the project “Improving Quality Education for Every Child through Assistive Technologies,” the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with UNICEF, is equipping resource centre libraries with assistive technology packages. The enrichment of these resources is also supported by the Intesa Foundation.How much a particular assistive technology helps a child depends, among other things, on the support of family members, teachers and peers. Stefan’s class has shown the real power of that kind of support. During music class, Stefan is often seated next to Magdalena, who explains what communication with him was like before; and how it changed after he received a communicator.“He usually answered us by nodding his head for ‘yes’ or ‘no’, or he would just smile and shrug his shoulders. Now that he has a communicator, he always tells us if he needs something. It seems to me that he has become more at ease, less shy about telling us anything, and happier,” says Magdalena. Jana, who sits at the desk behind him, has known Stefan since kindergarten. She remembers him from that time as a quiet child who often kept to himself. She says the communicator has made a real difference in how Stefan engages with others. “It’s not a magic wand that can change everything, but it has strengthened his confidence in so many ways. He is very joyful. He loves to play, enjoys board games, music, movement, colours and animals, and he loves spending time with others. He is a very polite boy and always asks how you are, what you’re doing. He always wants to learn more about us, because for the past four years he wasn’t able to do that,” explains Jana. Mia Matković has been teaching Stefan music for almost a year. She recalls that at first he felt hesitant about using the communicator. With her support, as well as the support of other teachers, classmates and the speech therapist, that hesitation gradually faded. “Using the communicator has taught us, teachers and students alike, patience, and how to adapt, which I think is incredibly important,” says Mia.She explains that the communicator has helped Stefan connect more easily with other children at school. “Since he received this type of assistive technology, which allows him to be more open and express his thoughts, to ask and answer questions, tell us what he wants and show his emotions, we’ve seen a clear change, both in how he interacts with me as his teacher and with his classmates,” Mia explains.She says the communicator has become an important step forward for Stefan’s education, learning and the development of his potential.“In my class, Stefan is now more involved in group work, more active, and he often initiates conversations on his own, both with me and with other students,” she adds. Life for Stefan’s family is now more joyful, easier, and enriched by one more voice.“Now Stefan can tell us about his day, what school was like, who he spent break time with, whether he has homework, whether he’s hungry and what he wants to eat. He can really take part in activities at home,” says his sister Marija.Stefan is a kind, diligent and witty boy who is easy to like. His teachers and classmates don’t hide that at all. His sociable nature, now with a voice of its own, makes it easy to grow fond of him.
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05 December 2025
Every Fourth Person in Serbia Has Experienced Digital Violence
Every fourth person in Serbia has encountered some form of digital violence. Among women, the figure rises to nearly 30 per cent. Yet only three per cent of victims report these experiences to institutions - a gap that points to a problem that is systemic rather than incidental.This reality shaped the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, led by UN Women in partnership with the Embassies of Canada and Switzerland. The focus was on digital and technology-facilitated violence, from harassment and threats to digital control and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content. The message was unequivocal: violence does not stop online.Opening the campaign’s flagship event, Minister without Portfolio in charge of Gender Equality Tatjana Macura said that amendments to Serbia’s Criminal Code are expected to more clearly regulate the misuse of photo and video material without a victim’s knowledge or consent, commonly referred to as revenge pornography. She stressed, however, that legislation alone will not bring lasting change without strong preventive action.The global dimension of the issue was underscored by H.E. Michelle Cameron, Ambassador of Canada, who noted that harassment, threats and the publication of intimate content without consent have been enabled by modern technology. She emphasized that the United Nations and the international community are committed to standing in the way of digital violence.The debate was grounded in new national research on digital violence against women, conducted by the organization ATINA with the support of UN Women. The findings reveal not only how widespread the problem is, but also how deeply ingrained victim-blaming attitudes remain. As many as 84 per cent of respondents believe that women are at least partly responsible for the digital violence they experience, while only seven per cent say unequivocally that the victim is never to blame. Perpetrators are most often men, frequently current or former partners, and online abuse often mirrors and escalates violence offline. “Digital violence is real violence, with serious consequences for women’s safety, dignity and full participation in public life,” said H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin, Ambassador of Switzerland, warning against dismissing online abuse as a private or secondary issue.Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, pointed out that digital and technology-facilitated violence disproportionately affects women in public life, as well as young women and girls. She reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to combating online violence, strengthening accountability and promoting safer digital spaces.Jelena Sekulić Nedeljković of UN Women Serbia highlighted the need for a collective response, stressing that violence does not end when it moves online. Responsibility, she said, lies not only with individuals, but with institutions, digital platforms and society.A performative intervention featuring “digital shadows” - silent figures distributing messages resembling everyday online comments directed at women - left a strong impression on participants. Without theatrics, the intervention captured how digital violence operates in practice: persistent, intrusive and often normalized.The 16 Days of Activism campaign opened a broader conversation about accountability. Digital violence is not a by-product of technology, but a reflection of tolerance toward misogyny and inequality. And as the data makes clear, silence continues to work in its favor.
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02 December 2025
How community support is transforming life for people with disabilities in Serbia
SVILAJNAC, Serbia – In the morning, while the soft smells of breakfast and the first coffee still drift through the air, Andreja Avramović, 18, who has an intellectual disability, locks the door of his small flat. In his pocket are keys and work gloves — symbols of something that until recently felt out of reach: independent living.“Since I started living on my own, I can organize my day and get things done,” he said. “Starting work meant a great deal. I have my own income, I can help my mother, and I have enough for myself. It’s genuinely easier.”Andreja works at the municipal public utility company in the central Serbian town of Svilajnac. He graduated from the Agricultural School’s horticulture technician stream. Today, he lives independently, relies on himself — and knows that the community stands behind him. Across town, Jelica Dragašević, Secretary of the Association for Cerebral and Childhood Paralysis of the Municipality of Svilajnac, leafs through a workshop notebook: brief lines, questions and ideas born of conversations with persons with intellectual disabilities, their parents and friends.“I took part directly in the workshops,” Jelica says. “What makes me happiest is that we sat together — members, families, friends — and everyone had the space to say what they needed. When you truly listen, the picture changes: you see what is urgent, what is feasible, and who can support whom.” These two personal stories are at the heart of what is happening in Svilajnac under the “Building the Future” project, supported by the Global Disability Fund – an effort to ensure that improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities, especially persons with intellectual disabilities, moves from principles to everyday life.From rights on paper to life in the communityThe Government of Serbia has been a leader in advancing disability inclusion, ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and adopting the national Strategy for Improving the Position of Persons with Disabilities. The five-year plan, adopted in January 2025 with UNFPA support, defines a series of measures aimed at improving the quality of life and ensuring the equal participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of social life.However, putting these policies into practice remains a challenge. The right of persons with disabilities to live with dignity and autonomy in their community is still too often obstructed by prejudice, stigmas and outdated practices.“Generational isolation and discrimination are sometimes so embedded in everyday life that neither persons facing them nor their parents recognise them,” says Lidija Milanović, senior expert at IDEAS, one of UNFPA’s local partners. “That is why it is vital that the community sees, hears and includes – and that ‘support’ is not synonymous with an institution, but with life in the neighbourhood.”This is precisely where the “Building the Future” project comes in: Svilajnac, together with the southern city of Pirot, is strengthening local capacities so that public policies, budgets and services are tailored, targeted and data-driven to respond to real needs. Step by stepIn order to understand what a community truly needs, those in charge begin by listening to its members. Interactive preparatory workshops were held in Svilajnac, involving eighteen experts from institutions and organizations supporting disability inclusion. During these sessions, they mapped community needs, existing services, and service gaps affecting daily life.Mentoring sessions were provided throughout the process to support all participants, including local self-government representatives, civil society members, persons with disabilities, and their families and caregivers. The goal was to help them turn their insights into concrete proposals for new or improved community services. At the municipality’s request, a questionnaire for parents was also distributed to capture their perspectives and contribute to the assessment.“We have involved the Centre for Social Work, the Family Support Centre, the Red Cross, healthcare institutions and the municipality,” explained Monika Petronijević, a member of the Municipal Council. “But most important is that persons with disabilities themselves have actively taken part. That brought clarity: we now know exactly which services are realistically needed.What is already changingFor Jelica, from the Association for Cerebral and Childhood Paralysis, this is not a checklist but the face of a community: “When families see that someone is listening and that something is happening, they start to move on their own. All the families we invited to speak accepted, including members with intellectual disabilities. That is trust. And trust changes everything.”The longer-term effects will come when, based on the assessment findings, new community-based services are introduced as alternatives to institutional care: personal assistance, supported housing and other flexible forms of care. These changes are also being instilled through the knowledge and practices of the local government, ensuring they do not disappear when the project ends.For people with disabilities in Svilajnac and Pirot, the foundations of a more inclusive future are already taking shape. They can be seen in simple moments, like Andreja proudly carrying his jingling keys in his pocket, or planning a day on his own terms. They can also be seen through the community stepping forward to actively support the needs of people with disabilities and create a sense of belonging for everyone. Together, they send a powerful message: the right to independent living is not a distant ideal, but an achievable everyday reality for all. This activity is part of the joint UN programme “Strengthening Rights, Equality and Inclusive Actions,” which is being implemented by UNFPA in partnership with UNDP and UN Women, with the support of the Global Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The programme focuses on improving the lives of people with disabilities through better legislation, inclusive policies, and improved access to services.
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26 November 2025
International Partners Share Approaches to Ending Violence Against Women at the national 16 Days Conference
Belgrade, 26 November 2025As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, senior diplomats and international organisations gathered at the Second National Conference “Equal. Safe. Empowered.” to discuss how international practices can strengthen Serbia’s response to violence against women and girls.During the second panel, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia Matilde Mordt opened the exchange by highlighting Serbia’s progress under the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence and the Government’s commitment to align upcoming reforms with the Istanbul Convention. She underscored the urgency of addressing high femicide rates, the fast-growing threat of digital violence, and the particular risks faced by Roma women, women with disabilities, rural women, older women and LBTIQ+ persons. Mordt emphasised that international frameworks such as the Istanbul Convention and CEDAW provide strong guidance for strengthening institutional responses and reaffirmed the UN’s continued support to Serbia in building a society where every woman and girl is safe.Her intervention was followed by other panelists who shared experiences from their national systems. Michèle Cameron, Ambassador of Canada, reflected on Canada’s National Action Plan to end gender-based violence and its focus on prevention through education and community programmes. Carlotta Colli, Deputy Ambassador of Italy, spoke about Italy’s recent reforms, including the legal recognition of femicide and the expansion of shelter and crisis services—measures that have drawn significant attention across Europe. Florence Ferrari, Ambassador of France, outlined France’s long-standing work to reinforce institutional responsibilities and strengthen the legal framework through sustained awareness campaigns. Fabio Scano, WHO Regional Director for the Western Balkans, underlined the central role of the health sector in identifying and responding to violence, highlighting the need for trained professionals, standardised protocols and closer cooperation across institutions.Moderated by Nevena Jovanović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the panel reinforced a shared understanding that sustained cooperation between institutions, civil society and international partners remains essential to improving protection mechanisms and ensuring that every woman and girl in Serbia can live free from violence.
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31 October 2025
Decarbonization and timely adaptation necessary for an effective response to climate change in Serbia
Belgrade, October 31, 2025 - Representatives of national institutions and international organizations, as well as experts in fields related to climate change, discussed today at the "Climate Talks" Serbia's strategy for advancing decarbonization, as well as possible solutions for droughts that are increasingly affecting agriculture, energy and local communities.The event was traditionally organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in partnership with the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations team in Serbia. Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov, opening the event, highlighted that since the previous meeting, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has taken significant steps to strengthen the framework for combating climate change, including the adoption of the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)."This is our most ambitious goal so far, as the Republic of Serbia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40.1% compared to 1990 levels by 2035. This target is four times higher than the first NDC from 2015 and significantly exceeds the 2022 goal. It demonstrates Serbia's strong commitment to implementing the energy transition, strengthening resilience to climate risks, and accelerating the green transformation of society", said minister Pavkov, adding that several other important frameworks have been adopted, which are crucial for achieving the goals of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and fulfilling obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.The acting UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Serbia Resident Representative, Yakup Beris, reiterated the recent warning of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres that the increase in the average global temperature in the next few years will exceed the limit of 1.5°C, a red line agreed ten years ago by the Paris Agreement. Some climate impacts are now unavoidable, which is why adaptation is not optional, but essential.“To support Serbia in responding to climate change, the United Nations and UNDP are assisting in improving the legislative framework, implementing innovative and practical solutions for the decarbonization of industry, and researching the potential use of geothermal energy and biogas. We are also working to improve climate risk assessment and to integrate sustainable strategies in sectors such as agriculture and energy”, Beris said.Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Serbia, H.E. Maria Clara de Abreu Rada, stressed that COP 30 will offer a critical moment to collectively address the gaps that threaten the credibility of our climate governance infrastructure.„We must ensure that ambition is matched by implementation – and that developing countries receive the financial support, technology and capacity they need to act decisively. We need a clear, just, and orderly pathway beyond fossil fuels and towards sustainable energy sources“, said H.E de Abreu Rada an added that Brazil has recently invited the Government of Serbia to support its initiative which aims to quadruple the use of biofuels by 2035.Head of Cooperation in the Delegation of European Union to Serbia, Mauro di Veroli, emphasized that we are at a crucial and complex moment for climate action.“Ten years have passed since the Paris Agreement, marking a turning point in our collective journey towards joint stewardship of our planet and its resources. The pace of global climate action however remains far too slow, and ambitions must scale up significantly to address the challenges ahead of us. The European Union is committed to support Serbia in climate action, including through investments in crucial infrastructure, providing policy advice, building capacities and assisting Serbia in aligning with the EU climate acquis,” explained di Veroli.Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin pointed out that only by working together, we can turn climate goals into concrete action that benefits both people and the planet.„Switzerland strongly supports Serbia’s efforts to accelerate decarbonization and advance the Green Agenda. Together with partners such as UNDP and international financial institutions, we are helping turn climate goals into tangible and measurable results on the ground. Our shared goal is clear: reducing emissions, building a more resilient economy, and improving the quality of life for all citizens”, said H.E. Lugon-Moulin.Opening the panel dedicated to drought, the Ambassador of Sweden H.E. Charlotte Sammelin, said that response to that silent crisis must be rooted in resilience, restoration, and international cooperation.“Drought is no longer a distant threat—it is a present and pressing reality. In Serbia, its impact spans over agriculture, energy, and ecosystems, exposing deep vulnerabilities. Sweden is proud to support Serbia’s efforts to build climate resilience, restore wetlands, and promote sustainable solutions that protect both people and nature,” added H.E. Ambassador Sammelin."Climate Talks: Play for Climate Action" was held on the eve of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is taking place from 10 to 21 November in the Brazilian city of Belém.
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Press Release
11 December 2025
Green Futures, Brighter Beginnings: Municipalities Lead the Way UNICEF, UNEP and UN-Habitat supporting municipalities to deliver a fair green transition for vulnerable communities
Belgrade, 11 December 2025 – National and local authorities, civil society, youth volunteers and UN partners gathered today for the final workshop of the Joint Programme “Green Futures, Brighter Beginnings: Local Action for Child Rights and Energy Efficiency.” Funded by the Joint SDG Fund, and implemented by UNICEF, UNEP and UN-Habitat in partnership with the Government of Serbia, the programme supported municipalities to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inclusive, energy-efficient and child-sensitive policies. Opening the event, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, Matilde Mordt, highlighted the importance of local action in the green transition. “SDG localization is where the 2030 Agenda becomes real for people. Each territory has different needs and priorities, many times intertwined. For example, the energy transition is not only an energy issue, but also a matter of social justice - households should not experience energy poverty. No municipality should be left behind in the green transition. This programme shows what is possible when national institutions, municipalities and UN agencies work together around local needs,” she said. Over the past year, in partnership with the Red Cross of Serbia, the programme reached 100 vulnerable households with children in 10 municipalities through youth-led outreach, providing practical guidance on improving home energy efficiency and safety. Through direct contact with families in need, volunteers strengthen their own sense of empathy and show their peers that young people can drive positive change in their communities.At the same time, UNICEF conducted a Public Finance Analysis on local government spending on green energy and energy efficiency. In collaboration with the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, selected municipalities are further supported to plan and fund green transition measures that reflect the needs of children and vulnerable families. UNICEF Representative in Serbia, Deyana Kostadinova, emphasised the long-term value of this work. “This programme has shown what is possible when municipalities, civil society, youth and national institutions work toward a common child rights goal,” she said. “We all need to further expand this shared commitment, from household outreach to well financed local budgeting, so that many more communities across Serbia can benefit.” As the programme concludes, partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting municipalities with evidence and tools that help them integrate and finance energy affordability, energy efficiency and child rights into local planning and action. The UN Country Team confirmed it will continue supporting Serbia to address energy poverty and advance SDG localization.
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Press Release
21 October 2025
From Economic Growth to Shared Prosperity: Tackling Multidimensional Poverty in Serbia
Belgrade, 21 October 2025 - To mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the United Nations in Serbia and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia hosted a high-level event at the EU House in Belgrade “From Economic Growth to Shared Prosperity – Tackling Multidimensional Poverty in Serbia”. The event brought together representatives from the Government of Serbia, the EU Delegation, UN agencies and international financial institutions to explore how Serbia can ensure that economic growth benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable.Tackling poverty must remain at the heart of Serbia’s development priorities. Sustained investments in people are key to ensuring that no one is left behind as the country advances economically.“Reducing poverty is about building systems that protect people and create opportunity. Serbia has come a long way on this path, and through our partnership with the European Union we are helping make sure that growth and inclusion advance together — so that progress is felt in every community,” said Matilde Mordt, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia.Reducing poverty and inequality calls for joint commitment, smart policies, and inclusive growth. The EU remains a strong partner to Serbia and the United Nations in building a society where prosperity is shared by all.“A society is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. Economic growth must go hand in hand with improving the daily lives of all people, especially those most at risk of poverty. The European Union has been a key partner in Serbia’s efforts to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion. Since 2014, the EU has invested over €91 million to strengthen social protection, education, and employment opportunities, with a focus on marginalized groups. The 2024 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans will unlock €1.6 billion for Serbia, with reforms centred on employment, skills, energy poverty, and a just transition,” stated Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia.Sustainable development hinges on investments in human capital. Access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection is fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering inclusive growth.“In challenging times, protecting and expanding investments in human capital matters most. The return of such investments is real. Well-designed and sustained social spending does more than alleviate hardship. It strengthens people, builds resilience, and drives long-term growth,” said Deyana Kostadinova, UNICEF Representative and Co-Chair of the UN Results Group on Human Capital and Social Inclusion.Poverty is multifaceted and extends beyond income disparities. Access to essential services and opportunities to participate fully in social and economic life are crucial components of poverty reduction.“By enabling women's full economic participation and investing in healthy and active ageing, we are not just strengthening families today- we are fundamentally reducing poverty and building a resilient future for all generations in Serbia," stated Borka Jeremic, Head of Office of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Serbia and Co-Chair of the UN Results Group on Human Capital and Social Inclusion.Economic and fiscal policies play a crucial role in reducing inequality and ensuring that social investments reach those who need them most.“Our economic policy is directed towards improving the quality of life for our citizens. In line with this, we are continuously increasing the minimum wage, pensions, and salaries in the public sector. Unemployment was reduced to 8.6% in 2024, and employment has reached record levels, contributing to a widespread improvement in living standards. In 2024, real GDP grew by around 3.9%, one of the higher growth rates in Europe. The social component of the budget has been strengthened through better targeting social assistance programmes and increased allocations for health care and education. We strive to build a society in which everyone has the opportunity to prosper,” said Marko Jovanovic State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. At the heart of poverty reduction is the principle that everyone deserves access to support systems and opportunities to live with dignity.“Sustainable employment growth is based on knowledge and dignified work, which contributes to a higher-quality labour market and a reduction in social inequalities. A key role in this lies in cross-sectoral cooperation and the alignment of education, economic development, and social protection policies. We particularly emphasise the importance of the Youth Guarantee, which is being implemented in cooperation with the European Union as a pilot project in Krusevac, Nis, and Sremska Mitrovica, covering 20 local governments. This project demonstrates how crucial institutional cooperation is in addressing employment and social inclusion issues,” said Djordje Todorov, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs.Smarter investments in social sectors, particularly those benefiting vulnerable and marginalized groups, can drive more inclusive and sustainable growth. Reducing poverty goes beyond income; it requires strengthening the systems people rely on every day and expanding access to social protection, healthcare, education, employment, and energy-efficient housing to ensure that no one is left behind. The event closed with a clear message: poverty in Serbia remains a challenge, but it can be overcome if addressed with priority, adequate spending, and a sustained commitment to invest in people.
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Press Release
08 October 2025
Financing Equality: Investing in Women, Investing in the Future
Financing Equality: Investing in Women, Investing in the FutureBelgrade hosted an inspiring international conference on 8 October 2025, bringing together governments, financial institutions and development agencies to reimagine how economies can work for women. The International Conference “Financing for Women’s Rights and Gender Smart Investments”, organized by UN Women Serbia in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy, the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), sent a clear message that gender equality is not a cost but an investment that benefits everyone.Despite decades of progress, only a fraction of global resources reach women’s rights organizations, while most financial systems still fail to reflect women’s realities. The conference emphasized that closing gender gaps in the economy could generate trillions in growth, while innovative tools such as gender responsive budgeting (GRB) and gender smart investing can ensure that every euro spent contributes to equality.Opening the event, H.E. Luca Gori, Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, called for collective action to make financial systems inclusive, while H.E. Andreas von Beckerath, Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia, underlined that gender equality brings the highest returns – social and economic alike. “Through our new EU–UN Women project, we aim to address systemic barriers to women’s participation in the labour market, from access to finance and work–life balance to tackling gender stereotypes,” he said.Belén Sanz Luque, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted that women in the Western Balkans still earn up to 20 percent less than men and own less than a quarter of registered businesses, despite evidence that companies with women in leadership roles record up to 25 percent higher profits. “UN Women proudly supports gender responsive budgeting across the region, with Serbia standing out as a leader – 130 institutions are already applying it,” she noted.Speakers from EBRD, AFD and the Government of Serbia showcased how inclusive finance models, gender impact assessments and coordinated public–private initiatives can accelerate progress. During the panel Empowering Women through Smart and Inclusive Financing, experts from the OECD, European Commission and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Italy shared proven practices showing that equitable financing is both achievable and transformative.The discussions led to a shared conclusion: aligning public budgets, private investments and climate finance with gender equality goals is key to building economies that are not only more just but also more resilient and sustainable.Related SDGs: 5, 8 , 10, 17 Finansiranje prava žena – investiranje u budućnostBeograd je 8. oktobra 2025. bio domaćin inspirativne međunarodne konferencije koja je okupila predstavnike vlada, finansijskih institucija i razvojnih agencija sa ciljem da se preispita kako ekonomije mogu bolje da rade za žene. Međunarodna konferencija „Finansiranje prava žena i rodno pametne investicije“, koju je organizovala kancelarija UN Women u Srbiji u saradnji sa Ambasadom Italije, Francuskom agencijom za razvoj (AFD) i Evropskom bankom za obnovu i razvoj (EBRD), poslala je jasnu poruku: rodna ravnopravnost nije trošak, već ulaganje koje donosi korist svima.Uprkos decenijama napretka, samo mali deo globalnih resursa direktno stiže do organizacija koje se bave pravima žena, dok većina finansijskih sistema i dalje ne odražava stvarne potrebe žena. Konferencija je naglasila da bi zatvaranje rodnog jaza u ekonomiji moglo da generiše bilione evra rasta, dok inovativni alati kao što su rodno odgovorno budžetiranje (GRB) i rodno pametno investiranje mogu da obezbede da svaka potrošena sredstva doprinose ravnopravnosti.Otvarajući događaj, ambasador Italije u Srbiji Luka Gori pozvao je na zajedničku akciju kako bi finansijski sistemi postali inkluzivniji, dok je ambasador Evropske unije u Srbiji Andreas fon Bekerat istakao da rodna ravnopravnost donosi najveći povraćaj - društveni i ekonomski. „Kroz projekat EU i UN Women želimo da se pozabavimo sistemskim preprekama za učešće žena na tržištu rada, od pristupa finansijama i ravnoteže između poslovnog i privatnog života do borbe protiv rodnih stereotipa,“ rekao je on.Regionalna direktorka UN Women za Evropu i Centralnu Aziju Belen San Luke ukazala je da žene na Zapadnom Balkanu i dalje zarađuju do 20 odsto manje od muškaraca i da su vlasnice manje od četvrtine registrovanih biznisa, iako podaci pokazuju da kompanije sa ženama na rukovodećim pozicijama ostvaruju i do 25 odsto veći profit. „UN Women s ponosom podržava praksu rodno odgovornog budžetiranja u regionu, a Srbija se ističe kao lider – 130 institucija već primenjuje ovaj pristup,“ naglasila je ona.Predstavnici EBRD-a, AFD-a i Vlade Srbije prikazali su načine na koje inkluzivni finansijski modeli, rodne analize uticaja i koordinisane javno-privatne inicijative mogu ubrzati napredak. Tokom panela „Osnaživanje žena kroz pametno i inkluzivno finansiranje“, stručnjaci iz OECD-a, Evropske komisije i Ministarstva ekonomije i finansija Italije podelili su uspešne prakse koje pokazuju da je pravedno finansiranje i dostižno i transformativno.Diskusije su dovele do zajedničkog zaključka: usklađivanje javnih budžeta, privatnih investicija i klimatskog finansiranja sa ciljevima rodne ravnopravnosti ključno je za izgradnju ekonomija koje su ne samo pravednije, već i otpornije i održivije.
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Press Release
01 September 2025
UN: Joint programme “From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All” completed
Belgrade, 1 September 2025 – Yesterday marked the official completion of the joint United Nations programme in Serbia “From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All”, which was implemented from 12 July 2024 to 31 August 2025. The project aimed to strengthen multisectoral cooperation, enhance institutional capacities, and develop sustainable models of food production and consumption through the localization of the biodistrict model in Serbia, with a special focus on empowering women in rural areas.During the project, 189 farmers – including as many as 168 women – participated in six specialized trainings, which also included a study visit to Italy. National and regional dialogues on food system transformation were organized in Novi Sad, Niš, and Belgrade, bringing together over 130 participants from various sectors, thus creating a space for the exchange of experiences and alignment of priorities at both national and local levels. One of the key results of the project was the development of the Roadmap for Food System Transformation in Serbia, which serves as a strategic framework for future initiatives and priorities in this field. Its significance was further confirmed by the participation of Serbia’s delegation at the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in June this year. On that occasion, Serbia reaffirmed its commitment to food systems transformation and gained an opportunity to exchange experiences with countries from around the world.In addition to strengthening institutional capacities, the project also brought important results in changing the way food is produced, consumed, and traded. A particular focus was placed on the localization of the biodistrict model in Serbia. Recommendations were developed for integrating this concept into the public policies of the Republic of Serbia, based on legal analyses and examples of good practice from the European Union. For the Kolubara Biodistrict, a long-term strategy, business plan, and marketing strategy were developed, laying the foundation for the sustainable functioning and recognition of this innovative model.“This project has demonstrated how much can be achieved when institutions, farmers, and communities work together. By strengthening coordination, empowering rural women, and piloting Serbia’s first biodistrict, we have set the foundations for more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems,” said Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. “From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All”, was 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 was led by the UN Resident Coordinator 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.
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Press Release
10 July 2025
National dialogue on the food system transformation in Serbia: A clear vision for better food quality
Belgrade, 10 July 2025 – Food systems represent a key segment of the Serbian economy, and Serbia has a clear vision for sustainable production and improving the quality of food, it was emphasized today at the National dialogue on the food system transformation in Serbia, held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. The National Dialogue, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, brought together stakeholders with the aim of initiating an open discussion on sustainable food production, food system safety, and responses to climate change and global challenges. At the opening of the event, State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Jelena Blagojević, underlined that the food system transformation is not the issue of a single sector, but of society as a whole. “In recent years, through intensive work and more than 15 national and local dialogues, we have jointly identified 12 strategic directions that form the core of food system transformation in Serbia. These directions were not created in offices, but through conversations with farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers, experts, mothers, and young people from rural areas. This is why they are not just technical measures, but a reflection of the values we want to live by as a society – sustainability, fairness, inclusion, and health. What is crucial is that these directions do not remain at the level of recommendations. We are embedding them into the strategic documents and regulatory framework of our country – into the future Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy, into environmental protection strategies, into public policies on nutrition, education, and social protection. In this way, the food system transformation becomes part of our institutional fabric, something that permeates all policies that influence the lives and well-being of people,” explained State Secretary Jelena Blagojević. The panel discussion, titled “Food, people, and change: Local solutions for global challenges”, gathered representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the National Association for Organic Production Serbia Organica, the company LoginEKO, the Center for Development of Jablanica and Pčinja Districts, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, who shared their experiences and insights with participants, followed by an open discussion. The National dialogue was organized within the project “From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All”, 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 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.
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