National Council for Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Name: National Council for Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Established: 2002 (The National Council for Sustainable Development was established as an advisory body to the Government of Montenegro. In 2021, the institutional framework was reformed through the establishment of the Office for Sustainable Development within the Secretariat General of the Government, which serves as the expert and administrative support to the Council.)
Role: The National Council for Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Integrated Coastal Zone Management is the Government of Montenegro's advisory body responsible for promoting and coordinating sustainable development policies and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It provides a platform for dialogue between government institutions, local authorities, academia, the private sector and civil society, while ensuring that national policies are aligned with the principles of sustainable development, climate change and integrated coastal zone management. The Office for Sustainable Development, located within the Secretariat General of the Government, provides expert, technical and administrative support to the Council and coordinates sustainable development activities across government institutions.
Duties: monitoring the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (hereinafter: Agenda 2030) and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as defined by the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly; approving the Voluntary National Review on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Montenegro, for the purpose of its presentation at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the main United Nations body for the evaluation and review of the implementation of Agenda 2030 at the global level, and proposing its adoption to the Government of Montenegro; reporting on the results and activities related to the implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Montenegro for the purposes of international cooperation; encouraging and strengthening cooperation and public awareness of the importance and implementation of Agenda 2030 among all segments of Montenegrin society and with all sustainable development stakeholders in Montenegro; and performing other tasks within the scope of work of the National Council.
Composition: The Council brings together representatives from the Government, local self-government, academia, the business sector, civil society organisations and independent experts. Following its establishment in 2002, its composition has evolved through several institutional reforms to ensure broad multi-stakeholder representation. The Council is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development and is supported by thematic cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
The secretariat: The Office for Sustainable Development, operating within the Secretariat General of the Government of Montenegro, serves as the expert and administrative secretariat of the National Council. It coordinates the implementation of sustainable development policies, supports the work of the Council, monitors progress towards the SDGs, and cooperates with national institutions, international organisations and development partners.
