Locations20 years of UNDP-EU partnership: Initiatives for sustainable development
August 19, 2024
Podgorica, 19 August 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) are celebrating a significant milestone this year – 20 years of successful global partnership. In Montenegro, the EU has invested nearly 18 million euros in development projects implemented by the UNDP, bringing tangible benefits to the citizens of Montenegro.
The development programmes and priorities of the UNDP are aligned with national priorities in the EU accession process and the 2030 Agenda. Two-thirds of the measures within the UN Sustainable Development Goals are directly linked to the negotiation chapters and requirements of the EU accession process, reflecting the joint efforts of UNDP and the EU towards strengthening inclusive and resilient communities, with a focus on people and their needs.
“For two decades, the UNDP and the EU have been working together to transform lives in Montenegro and beyond. Since establishing our country office in 2006, UNDP has invested $120 million in the development of Montenegro, with the EU as our major donor. This partnership has been crucial in driving progress across key areas – human development, green growth, governance, social inclusion, digitalization and gender equality. Together, we have created opportunities for sustainable development, ensuring that human rights are at the forefront of our efforts. As we celebrate 20 years of collaboration, we remain steadfast in our commitment to leaving no one behind and creating a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future for the people of Montenegro. This partnership between UNDP and the EU demonstrates the power of international cooperation in turning global goals into tangible, local realities”, stated Ekaterina Paniklova, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro.
“This year marks an important milestone: 20 years of partnership between the EU and UNDP. Since 2004, we have made a real difference in people’s lives worldwide. UNDP is the EU’s No. 1 partner in development cooperation, and the EU is the UNDP’s 4th largest funder. This partnership has transformed local and national governance, driven digital innovation, improved justice systems, and enhanced health and social inclusion. We’ve empowered women, supported youth entrepreneurship, and strengthened public health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we make a tangible impact, from better local services to greener energy solutions. As Montenegro moves closer to the EU, our shared vision is clear: a sustainable, inclusive future. with the UNDP by our side, we’re driving progress and prosperity for all Montenegrin citizens”, said Oana Cristina Popa, Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro.
Through a series of successful initiatives that UNDP implements in Montenegro with financial support from the EU, significant results have been achieved, including:
Strengthening the capacities of local governments and civil society organizations, and supporting the civil sector and youth, has led to nearly 140 NGO projects being supported, 30 youth actions in the community initiated, and 27 national UN volunteers employed in local micro-enterprises.
New electronic services became essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting nearly 90% of students enrolling in university online and over 80% of kindergarten applications submitted electronically in the past two years. Public services became more accessible by creating an e-Government portal and an institutional registry. The AI Readiness Assessment was also launched, paving the way for future advancements in this area.
The commitment of UNDP and the EU to responding to the urgent needs of the system and the people during the peak of the pandemic resulted in the procurement of significant quantities of medical and personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, 100 medical ventilators, and 10 X-ray machines.
Long-standing efforts have been directed towards women’s economic and political empowerment, achieving significant results. Introducing a 30% quota for women in the electoral law has led to greater participation of women in politics. The first Women’s Political Network (WPN) was established – a unique dialogue forum that brings together members from the ruling and opposition parties. At the initiative of the WPN, 18 municipalities in Montenegro have allocated special budget funds for women's entrepreneurship. The joint efforts of the WPN and UNDP led to the introduction of a legal obligation to finance women’s organizations within political parties, making Montenegro a model of best practices in the region and beyond. As part of UNDP’s efforts to promote gender equality, affirm progressive attitudes, and pay tribute to women who have built Montenegrin society, a monograph titled “Women of Montenegro” was published in the country for the first time.
UNDP has significantly contributed to strengthening the capacities of public institution employees in handling cases of gender-based violence, to align with the standards of the Istanbul Convention and provide adequate support to women survivors of 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 prevention and protection from violence against women and domestic violence and the establishment of an electronic database for domestic violence cases. The first national SOS helpline for victims of violence was established, and more than 350 police officers, and social, and healthcare workers were trained. 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 NGOs with the support of the EU, providing support to 12 women’s NGOs that offer specialized services to women who are violence survivors.
The reform of the national disability determination system will enable more than 60,000 people with disabilities in Montenegro to exercise their rights more fairly and simply, with significantly reduced administrative procedures, as approximately 35 commissions will be replaced by a single specialized institution for the assessment and determination of disabilities.
Through ongoing regional activities to promote peace, education on transitional justice, and overcoming the negative legacy of war crimes from the 1990s, significant support was provided to strengthen cooperation of prosecutorial institutions in the Western Balkans, and especially to the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office in the development of the War Crimes Investigation Strategy 2024-2027. Additionally, five NGO projects in the areas of transitional justice, reconciliation, dealing with the past and direct support to victims and witnesses of war crimes were supported in Montenegro.
These initiatives are just part of UNDP’s portfolio, which currently includes more than 40 active projects. The joint work of UNDP, the Government of Montenegro, the EU, and many other international partners is directed toward a common goal – turning global goals into results at the local level and creating opportunities for sustainable development and the advancement of Montenegrin society.
