Building on Success: the Sixth Steering Committee Maps Out Final Year and Beyond

As the “PRO Programme - Local Governance for People and Nature” enters its final year of implementation, the sixth meeting of the Steering Committee was held today at the UN House in Belgrade.

The meeting brought together representatives of key national institutions, UN agencies, donors and partner organizations to take stock of the programme’s progress and discuss the potential way forward.

Speaking in the capacity of the Steering Committee chair, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia Matilde Mordt emphasized that PRO Programme serves as an exemplary case of added value brought by joint UN engagement, leveraging vast experience and expertise for the maximal impact.

“This year marks the beginning of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework which provides an opportunity to seriously consider a new UN joint programme that builds on existing partnerships and proven results. Such an initiative would help sustain momentum and ensure that UN support remains coherent, relevant and impactful,” underlined Mordt.

Donor’s perspective on the programme implementation was shared by Rahel Fischer, Head of Governance at the Swiss Cooperation Office in Serbia, who underlined that the value of the PRO Programme lies not only in its results, but in the model it offers.

“Throughout the programme implementation we witnessed gradual but steady progress in the areas of good governance, social inclusion and environmental governance to the benefit of local communities. We welcome further dialogue with local authorities and international organizations on how best to address Serbia’s evolving needs,” Fisher concluded.

Participating UN agency representatives highlighted the benefits of joint projects, noting how each agency contributes unique expertise and added value. They reaffirmed their commitment to future collaboration as a practical application of the UN principle of Delivering as One.

How Programme objectives translate into everyday life of local communities, was presented by Marijana Djokić, Head of Local Economic Development Department of the Municipality of Nova Varoš, who spoke on the practical benefits brought about by the PRO. She emphasized the importance of the good governance training she received through the program.

A more detailed insight into the achievements made within the good governance pillar was presented in a short promotional video, providing a segue to the following segment featuring the presentation of a roadmap outlining key plans in the areas of good governance, social inclusion and environmental governance in the final phase of the Programme.

The Sixth Steering Committee provided an opportunity to discuss the programme results and priorities in more detail, as well as to approve the 2026 Work Plan and Activity Budget.

The Programme "PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature" is jointly implemented by the United Nations agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of Serbia, and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.