Belgrade, 25 June 2010 - the United Nations (UN) in Serbia represented by UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. William S. Infante, and the Government of Serbia, represented by Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Vuk Jeremic, signed a new five-year Country Partnership Strategy. The strategy will implement an estimated US$ 250 million in programs and activities from 2011 to 2015 that will be conceived with the government and other stakeholders.

The five-year strategy will support the Republic of Serbia on its path to becoming EU member state. The strategy was developed together with government ministries, agencies, civil society and other stakeholders, and is focused on three core areas:
• Good Governance
• Sustainable Development and Social Inclusion, and
• Regional Stability and Cooperation.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vuk Jeremic, "the strategy signals a new era of partnership between the government and people of Serbia and the United Nations."

All programs and activities planned are based on five core principles that define the UN's interests worldwide: gender equality and the elimination of discrimination on the basis of sex, environmental sustainability, the protection of human rights, capacity development, and results-based management. These core principles are at the heart of the Millennium Development Goals.

"We are proud to be a credible and trusted partner of the Government and people of Serbia. The strategy will draw on the skills and expertise of more than 24 resident and non-resident agencies that will deploy high-level policy advice and capacity-building expertise, deliver tangible results, and further position Serbia as a regional leader", said Mr. Infante.