December 13, 2018 - The support of the United Nations, and in particular, UNDP, is of great importance in the realization of projects crucial to the development of Podgorica, said Mayor Ivan Vukovic today in a conversation with Fiona McLean, the United Nations System Coordinator. Cooperation in the previous period was particularly useful in the areas of capacity building, social inclusion, environmental protection, and urban planning, and in the forthcoming period, further expanding is expected.
"We are open to your proposals because we are aware of the high level of expertise that you own when it comes to urban problems that Podgorica is facing. We have set up a very ambitious agenda, and I think that it is largely in line with the United Nations development goals," the mayor said.
He presented the most important projects that are being implemented or prepared in the Capital, especially singling out the construction of a wastewater treatment plant and its importance for the preservation of the environment, not only in Podgorica but also throughout the country. As projects of significance for sustainable development, he also outlined the planned construction of a solar power plant, the development of bicycling in the city, and the intention of the City to reconstruct public buildings in its ownership with the aim of becoming more energy efficient.
Noting that her professional career began in local government, the UN Coordinator pointed out that she is well aware of the power of this branch of government to change or improve the quality and way of life of people through their actions. She specifically focused on the Sustainable Development Agenda till 2030, as a good guideline for further cooperation of the United Nations System.
The objective 11 of Agenda concerns the sustainable development of cities and ways to make them more inclusive, safer and more flexible. It is an excellent task with many dimensions, and I will happily cooperate in its realization here in Podgorica, as the largest city in Montenegro," Mekluni said.
She particularly emphasized the need to work on environmental goals, supporting marginalized groups, implementing solutions of so-called "smart cities", and protecting cultural and natural heritage.
Text by CdM, on December 11th, 2018, read more at CdM
