Serbia and the United Nations launch new partnership for sustainable development through 2030

Belgrade, 9 February 2026 — The Government of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations in Serbia signed today the Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development 2026–2030, setting the strategic direction of their partnership over the next five years.

The launch event brought together Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić, Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starović, and UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia Matilde Mordt, along with representatives of government institutions and the United Nations Country Team.

The Cooperation Framework represents the collective contribution of the United Nations system in Serbia to national priorities through policy support, technical expertise and partnerships.

The framework focuses on three strategic priorities:

• supporting Serbia’s transition towards a greener, more resilient and more competitive economy,
• investing in people through stronger health, education and social protection systems that respond to demographic change, and
• strengthening institutions, the rule of law, human rights and civic trust as foundations of inclusive and sustainable progress.

The new cooperation cycle builds on Serbia’s progress in recent years, including digital transformation, economic resilience, and improvements in health, education and social inclusion, while supporting responses to demographic trends, climate and environmental risks, and inclusive governance.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić emphasized Serbia’s commitment to international cooperation and the United Nations system:

“The signing of this Cooperation Framework represents the strongest confirmation of Serbia’s commitment to multilateralism and to the role of the United Nations as a cornerstone of the international order. The framework connects Serbia’s national priorities with global sustainable development goals and reflects our shared commitment to solidarity, responsibility and inclusive progress,” said Minister Đurić.

Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starović highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership:

“For Serbia, the United Nations remains the most important international organization. The goals of this Cooperation Framework are closely linked to Serbia’s European path, as reforms are not only about meeting standards, but about improving the quality of life for all citizens,” said Minister Starović.

UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia Matilde Mordt highlighted the importance of partnership in shaping the next phase of cooperation:

“This Cooperation Framework reflects a shared vision for Serbia’s future — one where economic transformation, strong institutions and investment in people move forward together. The United Nations is proud to work alongside the Government of Serbia and partners across society to support solutions that strengthen resilience, expand opportunities and improve everyday life for people across the country,” said Mordt.

The Cooperation Framework aligns Serbia’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with its European Union accession process, supporting reforms that advance sustainable growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.

Developed through consultations with government institutions, civil society, development partners and the private sector, the framework will guide the work of the United Nations system in Serbia through 2030.

Full remarks from the launch of the Cooperation Framework are available here.