National Council for Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Name: National Council for Sustainable Development (Nacionalni savjet za održivi razvoj, NCSD)
Established in: 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 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: The Council is tasked to: a) review strategic documents and key sectoral policies before their submission to the Government; b) monitor and assess the implementation of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals; c) promote policy coherence by aligning sectoral policies with sustainable development principles; d) encourage research, education, capacity building and knowledge exchange related to sustainable development; e) strengthen cooperation among government institutions, local authorities, academia, business, civil society and international partners; f) support communication and public awareness on sustainable development; and g) promote initiatives related to the green and just transition, including climate change, circular economy, biodiversity conservation, sustainable production and consumption, innovation and social inclusion.
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 a senior government representative 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.