Daniela Gašparíková, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro

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Dear Deputy Prime Minister Simović,

Assistant Secretary General Ms. Špoljarić-Egger,

President of the Chamber of Economy Mr. Golubović,

Deputy Mayor Ms. Vujačić,

Mr. Henley, 

Distinguished partners and guests,

Dear media representatives,

It is a great honor to be hosting this international event together with our distinguished partners - Government of Montenegro and the Chamber of Economy. 

I am very pleased to see here today a powerful reconfirmation of Montenegro’s commitment to pursue the sustainable development, as articulated in its Constitution and the National Sustainable Development Strategy.

There is no doubt that the economic growth (with GDP growth reaching 4.4% in 2018) has brought better living standards to Montenegro and its citizens. However, many will agree that the benefit of this economic growth have not been shared equally, with nearly one quarter of population (23.6%) still remaining at the risk of sliding back to poverty.

The growth has also happened at the expense of environment, damage of which has often been left unaccounted for in monetary terms.

For example, while air pollution is often associated with countries that have much larger industrial base or mega-cities, you may be curious to learn that Montenegro had, on average, more than 100 days a year during which it exceeded the safe levels of PM10 particles concentration in the period 2013-16. The cost of the impact of air pollution is only starting to be understood as the research progresses in uncovering how it effects human health, our cognitive functions or day-to-day productivity.

Taken globally, decades of prevailing resource-intensive economic trajectories have left us with the planet which is unable to cope with the demand our behaviour puts on its air, water, forests and land. Too often, the bill for the well-being of current generations is being passed on to the next, and those who still remain poor today, and whose livelihoods most directly depend on natural ecosystems and services they provide.

However, with undeniable impacts of climate change on our lives, recent technological transformation and unequivocal demands from consumers, I remain optimistic that the future is likely to make a break with the past. This will have implications for how we confront challenges faced today through policies, running businesses, making investments and changing our behaviour.    

I trust that over the next two days, through dialogue, we will shape our understanding on how to “produce more with less” and how that will affect Montenegro’s competitiveness: in terms of human capital, production base, labour market and attracting investments.

At the same time, I would like us to ponder about the opportunities that EU integration presents – in terms of underlying structural changes accession negotiation can bring, if requirements are fully met and laws are enforced. 

One of the key objectives of UNDP is to provide support to green transformation of Montenegrin economy so that it happens in a timely, predictable and controlled manner. I’m very proud that, together with partners, we have demonstrated how innovative solutions can lead to introduction of alternative transport means – such as solar power boats, and thus reduce the carbon footprint of tourism. I also welcome the recent establishment of the Eco-Fund which will raise domestic resources in support of the country’s low carbon development.

Today’s event is the point of departure to achieve Montenegro’s vision for green economy and sustainability. Our dialogue needs to inform and inspire bold action and reform in crucial sectors of the economy. We should keep one thing in mind: it is our duty to act today for the sake of the well-being of future generations of Montenegro.