The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed that Montenegro has once again reaffirmed its dedication to gender equality and institutional reforms during the 69th session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which is the largest global platform dedicated to these crucial issues.

In collaboration with the UNDP and the Women’s Leadership Network, Montenegro organized a panel discussion at UN Headquarters in New York titled “Women’s Leadership and the Challenges of Global Trends.” This event convened renowned leaders in gender equality to discuss how to enhance democratic resilience and address obstacles in achieving gender parity, as highlighted by the UNDP.

CSW69 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and gathered over 15,000 representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society to assess the advancements and hinderances in the pursuit of gender equality.

The Montenegrin delegation comprised five departmental heads: Minister of Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Đeka, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue Naida Nišić, and Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević. Additionally, the delegation included Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Zdenka Popović, MPs Jelenka Andrić, Slađana Kaluđerović, Aleksandra Despotović, and Zoja Bojanić Lalović, as well as government representatives Anđela Bašović, Snežana Jonica, Irena Rakočević, and Biljana Pejović.

“They underscored Montenegro’s role in promoting democratic governance and gender-responsive policies and engaged in critical bilateral discussions aimed at reinforcing regional and global commitments to gender equality. The delegation had the opportunity to meet with Ivana Živković, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director for Europe and Central Asia, to bolster Montenegro’s regional and global commitments regarding gender equality. The event provided a vital platform to advocate for women’s leadership and the Women’s Leadership Network, to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm Montenegro’s dedication to gender-inclusive governance. As Montenegro nears EU membership, UNDP continues to offer strategic support in enhancing institutions, gender policies, and women’s leadership,” the statement mentioned.

Minister Gorčević stressed the need for robust mechanisms to promote gender equality:

“Montenegro needs to implement clear policies backed by strong institutional frameworks. The Women’s Leadership Network advocates for comprehensive legal reforms that align with EU standards to ensure gender equality, including equal participation in decision-making, public life, and the labor market. It is essential to enhance legal frameworks, particularly in addressing gender-based violence and ensuring equal labor rights, to achieve sustainable progress.”

Ivana Živković, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director for Europe and Central Asia, noted the broader significance of gender equality, stating that, “gender equality is not merely a goal; it is a catalyst for development. It strengthens economies, fosters more stable societies, and builds more resilient democracies.”

Ekaterina Paniklova, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, remarked, “Now more than ever, we must decisively act to protect and advance gender equality:”

“Montenegro’s leadership at CSW69 reflects its profound commitment to ensure that women play a central role in democratic resilience, economic advancement, and sustainable development,” she stated.

According to the UNCP, Montenegro highlighted the significance of regional cooperation and institutional reforms to bolster gender equality across the Western Balkans during CSW69.

“The global attention on the event further solidified Montenegro’s leadership role in this arena, affirming its dedication to gender equality on the international stage. The Women’s Leadership Network, supported by UNDP, is crucial in advocating for gender equality, enhancing women’s visibility in decision-making processes, public life, and the labor market. The network also pushes for comprehensive legal reforms that align Montenegro’s gender policies with EU standards, particularly in relation to combating gender-based violence and ensuring equal labor rights. Their efforts to institutionalize gender-responsive policies are vital for achieving lasting change in the region. UNDP remains committed to supporting Montenegro in implementing policies that promote women’s rights, prioritize gender equality, and integrate it into governance and legislative processes,” the statement concluded.

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