The European Union has so far invested almost 18 million euros in development projects implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Montenegro, bringing concrete benefits to the citizens of Montenegro.
This was announced by UNDP, on the occasion of 20 years of global partnership between that program and the EU, the anniversary of which is being celebrated this year.
They indicate that UNDP's development programs and priorities are aligned with state priorities in the EU accession process, as well as with the 2030 Agenda. UNDP and EU efforts towards strengthening inclusive and resilient communities – with a focus on people and their needs," it added.
The EU Ambassador to Montenegro Oana Kristina Popa and the permanent representative of UNDP in our country Ekaterina Paniklova also spoke about the importance of the partnership.
"The UNDP and the EU have been contributing to the improvement of life in Montenegro and beyond for two decades. Since the establishment of the UNDP office in Montenegro in 2006, UNDP has implemented development projects worth 120 million dollars in Montenegro, with the EU as one of the key donors. This partnership has been key to progress in important areas – human development, green growth, governance, social inclusion, digitization and gender equality. Together, we have created opportunities for sustainable development, ensuring that human rights are at the center of our efforts. As we celebrate 20 years of cooperation, we remain committed to creating a more resilient, prosperous and sustainable future for the people of Montenegro, leaving no one behind along the way. This partnership between UNDP and the EU demonstrates the power of international cooperation in turning global goals into reality at the local level," said Paniklova.
"This year we are celebrating an important anniversary: 20 years of partnership between the EU and UNDP. Since 2004, we've been helping people around the world feel a real difference in their lives. When it comes to development cooperation, UNDP is the first partner of the EU, while the EU is the fourth largest donor to UNDP. Our partnership has transformed local and national government, launched digital innovation, improved the judiciary, improved the health system and social inclusion. We empowered women, supported youth entrepreneurship and strengthened public health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together we create tangible results - from better services at the local level to green energy solutions. As Montenegro moves closer to the EU, our shared vision is clear: a sustainable, inclusive future. Together with UNDP, we contribute to the progress and prosperity of all citizens of Montenegro," said Popa.
UNDP announced that a series of successful initiatives implemented in Montenegro, with the financial support of the EU, achieved significant results, and they singled out some of them.
They remind that, through strengthening the capacities of local self-governments and civil society organizations, as well as supporting the civil sector and young people, almost 140 NGO projects were supported, 30 youth actions were launched in the community and 27 national UN volunteers were employed in local micro-enterprises.
"New electronic services became crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling almost 90% of students to enroll in the faculty electronically, and 80% of kindergarten applications to be submitted in the same way during the last two years. Public services became more accessible by creating a portal e-Administration and the registry of institutions. Work on the readiness assessment for the use of artificial intelligence has also been started, which laid the foundations for future interventions in this revolutionary field," it added.
They also state that the commitment of UNDP and the EU to respond to the urgent needs of the system and people in the midst of the pandemic resulted in the procurement of a significant amount of medical and personal protective equipment for health workers, 100 respirators and 10 X-ray machines.
"Long-term efforts have been focused on the economic and political empowerment of women, and significant results have been achieved. The introduction of electoral quotas of 30% for women in the electoral law led to greater participation of women in politics. The first Women's Political Network (WPM) was established - a unique forum for a dialogue that brings together members of the position and the opposition, on the initiative of which even 18 Montenegrin municipalities set aside special budget funds for women's entrepreneurship. an example of best practice in the region and beyond. As part of UNDP's efforts to promote gender equality, affirm progressive attitudes and pay homage to the women who built Montenegrin society, the monograph 'Women of Montenegro' was published for the first time in Montenegro," writes UNDP. .
They also point out that UNDP has largely contributed to strengthening the capacity of employees in public institutions when it comes to working on cases of gender-based violence, all with the aim of approaching the standards of the Istanbul Convention and providing adequate support to women who have experienced violence. "Recognizing that inter-institutional cooperation is key in the fight against gender-based violence, UNDP and the EU supported the development of the first Protocol on the prevention and protection of violence against women and domestic violence and the establishment of an electronic database for domestic violence. The first national SOS line for victims was established of violence and trained more than 350 members of the police, social and health workers. The first institutional mechanism for gender-based violence - the Directorate for Gender-based Violence - was formed within the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. UNDP also supported the capacity building of non-governmental organizations with the support of the EU, thus supporting 12 women's NGOs, which are specialized support services for women who have experienced violence," it added.
They also said that the reform of the national disability expert system will enable more than 60.000 people with disabilities in Montenegro to exercise their rights in a fairer and simpler way, with significantly reduced administrative procedures, because around 35 commissions will be replaced by one specialized institution for assessment and determination disability.
"Through ongoing regional activities to promote peace, education about transitional justice and overcoming the negative legacy of war crimes from the 1990s, significant support was provided to strengthen the cooperation of prosecutorial institutions in the Western Balkans, and especially the Supreme State Prosecutor's Office in the development of the War Crimes Research Strategy 2024 - 2027. Additionally, five NGO projects dealing with transitional justice, reconciliation, dealing with the past and direct support to victims and witnesses of war crimes were supported in Montenegro.
In the area of mitigating the consequences of climate change, they indicate, the capacities of national institutions in managing decarbonization programs and raising awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources have been improved, which contributes to the resistance of communities to inevitable climate change. "Also, UNDP and the EU are working on the coordination of all national and international partners, in order to support an inclusive and participatory transition from fossil fuels. With a people-centered approach, UNDP and the EU strive to make the transition fair and that no one is left behind in the process." , the announcement states.
They said that these initiatives are only part of the UNDP portfolio, which currently includes more than 40 active projects.
"The joint work of UNDP, the Government of Montenegro, the EU, as well as numerous other international partners, is directed towards a common goal - turning global goals into results at the local level and creating opportunities for the sustainable development and progress of Montenegrin society," the announcement concludes. .
Bonus video:
