Belgrade, November 4, 2024 – Today, the Ministry of Environmental Protection hosted a "Dialogue on Climate Change", to discuss with key stakeholders on strategies for Serbia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and leverage the green transition for economic and social development. This event, organised in partnership with the United Nations (UN) Team in Serbia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), precedes this year's global UN Climate Conference – COP29, in Azerbaijan.

The dialogue included representatives from relevant Serbian ministries, international development partners, domestic and international financial institutions, the business sector, and UN agencies in Serbia.

At the opening of the event, Sandra Dokić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated that Serbia is extremely vulnerable to climate change and that the Climate Change Adaptation Program defines 25 priority measures necessary to reduce future losses and improve society's readiness for climate risks, especially in the agriculture sector, where damages have been particularly high in recent years.

“Through the Low-Carbon Development Strategy, the Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP), the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, as well as future policies—primarily the Environmental Protection Strategy—we are laying the foundations for a sustainable, competitive, resource-efficient economy which is resilient to climate change. We are committed to accelerating the energy transition and and promoting innovation, because it is only through collaboration and sustainable models that we can achieve climate-neutral development”, emphasized Dokić. She also mentioned that the Ministry of Environmental Protection, inspired by the EU model, has established a system for issuing GHG emission permits to operators of energy and industrial facilities, which is now digitized and fully operational.

The Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Plamena Halacheva, said that the EU continues to support the implementation of the Green Agenda, to help Serbia tackle climate change and decarboniSe ITS economy. 

"We are working to improve the legal and policy framework, to invest in people’s skills and innovative SMEs for a just transition, and to reduce emissions across energy, transport, and agriculture by transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable farming", Halacheva emphasised, adding that thanks to the Green Deal, the EU will deliver on its 2030 target to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

The dialogue highlighted how advancing public policies can enhance Serbia’s adaptation to climate change and increase the use of renewable energy resources, which have significant potential in the country, such as geothermal energy and biomethane.

“Our aim is that by 2030, nearly half of all megawatt-hours will be generated from renewable sources. By then, a total of about 3.5 GW of new capacities from renewable energy sources (RES) will be added to the grid, from both public and private investments. With significant increases in energy efficiency in households and public buildings, there is an expectation of a 40.3% decrease in harmful gas emissions by the end of the decade, compared to levels in 1990”, said Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy for International Cooperation and European Integration.

She stated that, thanks to the completed desulfurization plants at TPP Kostolac B and TPP Nikola Tesla A, and after the construction of the same plant for TPP Nikola Tesla B, more than 90 percent of Serbia's thermal power capacity will be completely environmentally acceptable and up to European standards, which also means better air quality.

A key focus of the dialogue was ensuring stable financing sources for the green transition, which is crucial for the economy to continue growing, while preserving the environment and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

This dialogue was held ahead of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will take place November 11-22 in Baku. This year's conference aims to strengthen global efforts to limit climate change and adapt to its impacts, as well as secure the necessary funding to achieve these goals.

“Our world is at a critical crossroads, facing the urgent challenge of global climate change that demands immediate and robust action from all countries and actors. Serbia, with its commitment and efforts, is well-positioned to amplify its climate actions. It is imperative for Serbia to accelerate its efforts across all sectors through coordinated and integrated strategies to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future”, stated Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia.

As part of the dialogue, UN Women organized a discussion titled "Women at the Center of Climate Policies and Actions: Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change through Gender Equality". This discussion stressed that integrating a gender perspective into climate policies and financing is essential for achieving fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable solutions in tackling climate change.

In addition, an exhibition was organized to showcase innovative products created through recycling and the reuse of waste, in line with the principles of the circular economy, including items such as face masks, biosoaps, and construction materials.

The Climate Change Dialogue was supported by projects implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, thanks to funding from the European Union, and the governments of Switzerland, Sweden, and Serbia, as well as the Global Environment Facility (GEF).