Montenegro

The Government of Montenegro signed Country Programme Action Plans 2012-2016 with the UNICEF and the UNDP

Podgorica, 16 January 2012

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro, UNICEF Representative and UNDP Resident Representative signed the Country Programme Action Plans (CPAPs) for the period 2012-2016. The UNICEF’s and UNDP’s country programmes support the Government of Montenegro to address key priority areas on its way to EU membership such as alleviation of poverty, economic development, youth empowerment, child rights, good governance and environmental protection.

The CPAPs are aligned with the Integrated UN Programme for Montenegro 2012-2016 and have been developed through consultation with the Government of Montenegro, national partners and the Donor Community for the betterment of the country and the lives of the people of Montenegro. The joint signing ceremony of the Country Programme Action Plans of the UNDP and UNICEF with the Government of Montenegro is an important step towards further harmonization of the work of different UN agencies aimed at fostering Montenegro’s development and integration into the EU.

Mr. Milan Roćen, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro said that the Action Plans reflected excellent cooperation with the UN system on development needs of Montenegro. “One of the main objectives of the five-year implementation of these documents is the support to the negotiation process for Montenegro's EU membership. The Action Plans are focused on reduction of regional disparities, social inclusion, child care system, administrative capacities, as well as on sustainable development,” said Minister Roćen. He further explained that the realization of the Action Plans will be financed through the regular funding of UNDP and UNICEF, with co-funding from the Government of Montenegro, as well as through additional funds from international partners and donors. “It is expected that approximately 50 million dollars in total will be mobilized from all sources of funding for this purpose,” Minister Roćen concluded.     

“Today’s joint signing of the UNDP and UNICEF CPAP is an important milestone in the spirit of greater harmonization and coherence among UN agencies within the framework of UN Delivering as One in Montenegro,’’ said Mr. Rastislav Vrbensky UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro.  He also emphasized that UNDP has and will continue to play an important role in contributing to the “Delivering as One” agenda, in partnership with the United Nations Country Team. “As the country embarks on an ambitious reform agenda on its path towards EU accession, UNDP stands ready to support the Government of Montenegro towards this endeavour within the framework of the signed CPAP today,” Mr. Vrbensky concluded.

“Children are the most valuable resource that any country has. Ensuring that they achieve their full potential is the best investment a country can make for its future. The CPAP will contribute to achieving the aspirations of the Government and the people of Montenegro to ensure that all children enjoy their rights in line with global and European standards,’’ said Mr. Benjamin Perks, UNICEF Representative to Montenegro. He further explained that the UNICEF CPAP is comprised of two components – one related to social inclusion and child care, and the second one which is related to protection of children’s rights and policies and planning in this area.

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The CPAP between the Government of Montenegro and UNICEF focuses on fulfilment of child rights as set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in line with standards of the European Union. Priorities include improved equity and inclusion of children and women who are in need of special protection, living in poverty or who are marginalised. The programme will include continued support to Government to complete the reform of the child protection system in accordance with UN and EU standards and implementation of policies and strategies to improve all aspects of childhood. The proposed programme comprises two mutually reinforcing components: child protection and social inclusion; and child rights, policies and planning. The programme is to be implemented in partnership and coordination with the Government, civil society, private sector, international partners and other relevant stakeholders.

The CPAP between the Government of Montenegro and UNDP focuses on the key strategic goal of Montenegro to become a fully-fledged EU member. It reconciles the needs of the country for more equitable human development and stronger institutional capacity development. The proposed programme is divided in three major areas: 1) Social inclusion; 2) Enhanced capacity development for public management; 3) Sustainable development focused on economic growth and environmental protection. It focuses on public administration and judiciary reform; capacity development of key Ministries and local administrations; and inclusion and protection of vulnerable populations and support to the country in operationalizing the concept of Montenegro as an ecological State. The programme is to be implemented in partnership and coordination with the Government, civil society, private sector, international partners and other relevant stakeholders.