Briefing

Kosovo country profile - SDGs and the environment

Briefing Published 02 Dec 2020 Last modified 02 Dec 2020

Topics: Sustainability transitions

As Kosovo is not a member of the UN, the SDG actions are done mainly through the process of European integration. Nevertheless, the UN Kosovo Team (UNKT) has set up the management structures in Kosovar institutions that will facilitate SDG integration into a key strategic planning process guided by the UN Common Development Plan (CDP) for 2016-2020 (UNKT, 2017).

UN agencies are supporting Kosovar institutions in developing the indicators that will be used to track progress towards the SDGs in the coming years (UNKT, 2017).

Kosovo has undertaken some positive steps on Agenda 2030, notably the establishment of the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) which is responsible for coordinating SDG action and the preparation of the National Development Strategy 2016-2021. However, concrete actions remain rather limited.

Citizens take part in planning and implementing environmental SDGs in different ways, such as public participation in the development of environmental strategies, plans and programmes. In addition, NGOs are involved in the work of the NCSD, whilst non-governmental organizations and donors are active in implementing sustainable development projects.

Key challenges regarding SDG actions with an environmental dimension in Kosovo are the lack of specific strategies and programmes as well as a lack of finance and institutional capacities.

Sources

INDEP, 2019, KOSOVO AND 2030 AGENDA: From Political Rhetoric to Concrete Actions, Institute for Development Policy, Prishtina, Kosovo, accessed 22 May 2020.

Republic of Kosovo, 2016, National Development Strategy 2016 – 2021, Office of the Prime Minister, Prishtina, Kosovo, accessed 30 November 2017.

UNKT, 2017, The Sustainable Development Goals in Kosovo: An Agenda for the Future of Kosovo, United Nations Kosovo Team, Kosovo, accessed 30 November 2017.

Disclaimer

The country assessments are the sole responsibility of the EEA member and cooperating countries supported by the EEA through guidance, translation and editing.