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.