Djuric, UN's Mordt sign new Serbia-UN sustainable development framework

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric and UN Resident Coordinator to Serbia Matilde Mordt signed on Monday a UN-Serbia Framework for Sustainable Development for 2026-2030.

"After the signing of the document, which was also attended by Minister of European Integration Nemanja Starovic, Djuric emphasised that the new framework document is a strong and consistent confirmation of Serbia's commitment to multilateralism and the role of the UN as the foundation of the international order," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"For Serbia, protecting national interests does not mean isolation, but a clear and principled commitment to a rules-based international order, the Minister underlined, adding that Serbia is therefore a strong and consistent advocate of the UN system, which ensures the equality of states and prevents the logic of force from prevailing over the force of law.

He particularly pointed out the importance of the UN in preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, including the issue of Kosovo-Metohija.

According to him, the Framework for Cooperation is an expression of joint commitment to the fundamental principles of the UN, as well as a concrete mechanism for linking national development priorities with the global goals of sustainable development.

The Minister also pointed out the fact that there is more than 70 per cent overlap between the UN programme in Serbia and the reforms being implemented in the process of accession to the European Union, assessing that this agreement represents an additional incentive for Serbia's European path," the statement said.

"Starovic assessed that the signing of the Cooperation Framework for the period 2026–2030 confirms the common goal of building a greener, healthier and more modern Serbia.

Mordt underlined that the new five-year cooperation framework relates to sustainable growth, human well-being and strong institutions, with greater application of digital solutions and better use of data," it also said.