Locations
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Capital City and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the end of February, a working meeting was held today to further discuss the areas identified in the aforementioned document as key to the development of Podgorica.
In this context, the Mayor of Podgorica, Prof. Dr. Saša Mujović, the President of the Assembly of the Capital City, Dr. Jelena Borovinić Bojović, and the UNDP Resident Representative, Ekaterina Paniklova, along with their teams, discussed topics related to green transition and biodiversity protection, including waste management, social inclusion with a focus on the elderly and persons with disabilities, as well as digital transformation and strengthening institutional capacities.
The intensified communication between the Capital City and UNDP regarding key areas is a continuation of the cooperation that has been at an exceptionally high level for years, which serves as a guarantee for the success of future projects. The meeting today covered key initiatives currently being implemented with the relevant secretariats of the Capital City, as well as those that could be launched in the relatively near future.
As one of the participants in the mission of 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, the Capital City of Podgorica has committed to taking steps related to organizing a Climate Citizens' Assembly, an innovative concept aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2030, which was also discussed. Furthermore, the participation of the Capital City in the joint programme of UNDP, UNESCO and UNICEF “Together for the Common Good” program is of great importance for citizen inclusion and enhancing local dialogue. Through continued participation in the regional “ReLOaD” program, the level of democracy at the local level has been improved, and in the next phase of the program, the focus will be on working with youth, contributing to the success of Podgorica's nomination as the European Capital of Youth.
The participants also reminded that Montenegro will continue its cooperation with the City Experiment Fund (CEF) in the upcoming three-year period, with the new phase focusing on green and digital transitions, and activities will be extended to Podgorica. Additionally, UNDP, in partnership with the city company “Deponija,” has launched the ReWaste project aimed at transforming the waste management system in line with EU standards.
Furthermore, spatial planning, strategic planning in the area of disaster risk reduction, and energy efficiency in the public and residential sectors are areas where the Capital City and UNDP can collaborate and, through specific activities, leverage the potential that exists in Podgorica when it comes to renewable energy sources.
Representatives of the Capital City and UNDP will focus special attention in the coming period on improving social inclusion and, through joint actions and projects, making social services more accessible to vulnerable members of society.
The meeting concluded that UNDP’s expertise and technical support are invaluable in implementing various solutions in the fields of public administration digitization, green economy, sustainable development, and strengthening social service systems in Podgorica. Close cooperation in the coming period is expected to bring significant progress in these areas.