Advancing Partnership for Sustainable Development
The newly signed Joint Work Plan sets out shared priorities for the period 2026–2027.
Podgorica, 24 June 2026
The Government of Montenegro and the United Nations have reaffirmed their shared commitment to accelerating sustainable development and Montenegro's European integration by signing the Joint Work Plan for 2026–2027 under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027.
The Joint Work Plan was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović and UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Caroline Tissot during the Joint Country Steering Committee meeting, co-chaired by the two officials.
The meeting reviewed progress achieved under the three strategic pillars of the Cooperation Framework: inclusive economic development, human capital development and social cohesion, and governance grounded in the rule of law and human rights. Participants also discussed priorities for the next phase of implementation, ensuring continued alignment between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Montenegro's European Union accession process.
In 2025 alone, the United Nations and its partners implemented programmes and projects worth USD 27 million across Montenegro, representing 82 per cent of the planned annual budget. More than half of these investments directly supported Montenegro's EU accession priorities, particularly in negotiation Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights), 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) and 27 (Environment and Climate Change). The European Union contributed more than USD 10 million, reaffirming its role as one of Montenegro's key development partners.
“As we advance on our European path, it is important that our joint efforts remain closely aligned with both our EU accession agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said Ibrahimović.
UN Resident Coordinator Caroline Tissot welcomed the strong results achieved through the partnership.
“The achievements of the past year show the strength of our partnership and what we can accomplish when we work together towards shared goals. The United Nations remains a committed partner to Montenegro, supporting reforms that advance sustainable development, uphold human rights, strengthen institutions and ensure that no one is left behind," Tissot said.
The newly signed Joint Work Plan sets out shared priorities for the period 2026–2027 and will guide the continued implementation of the Cooperation Framework through coordinated action by the Government of Montenegro, the United Nations, the European Union and other development partners.
As Montenegro advances towards EU membership while pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals, the partnership between the Government and the United Nations remains focused on delivering tangible results that leave no one behind.