Overview

The Republic of Serbia presented its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2019. The report reflects Serbia’s commitment to implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the principle of “Leaving No One Behind”. Preparation of the VNR was coordinated through the Inter-Ministerial Working Group established in 2015 and involved participation from government institutions, local authorities, civil society organisations, youth representatives, academia and international development partners. The 2019 VNR highlights Serbia’s progress in areas such as poverty reduction, employment growth, healthcare improvement, gender responsive budgeting and institutional strengthening. Between 2015 and 2018, the unemployment rate declined from 17.7% to 12.7%, while the under-five mortality rate fell from 18 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 5.8 in 2017. The report also acknowledges persistent challenges related to social inequalities, environmental sustainability, regional disparities and inclusion of vulnerable groups including Roma communities, migrants and persons with disabilities.

Recommendations

Strengthen poverty reduction and social protection measures targeting children, youth, Roma communities and rural populations.
Increase investment in healthcare, mental health services and preventive public health programmes, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Expand employment opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship support, vocational training and rural development programmes.
Improve wastewater treatment, waste management systems and environmental protection infrastructure across all regions.
Strengthen renewable energy investment and energy efficiency measures to support environmental sustainability and climate action.
Enhance local government capacities through increased financial support, technical training and institutional strengthening programmes.
Improve access to inclusive and quality education, particularly for Roma children, children with disabilities and rural communities.
Strengthen SDG data collection, monitoring systems and inter-institutional coordination to improve evidence-based implementation and reporting.

Conclusion

Serbia’s 2019 VNR demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to advancing the SDGs through institutional reforms, stakeholder engagement and alignment with European Union standards. Important achievements were recorded in employment, healthcare, education access, gender mainstreaming and digital development. The establishment of national coordination mechanisms and strengthened SDG monitoring systems also contributed to more structured implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Despite these positive developments, Serbia continues to face significant challenges related to poverty, inequality, environmental protection, youth unemployment and regional disparities. Vulnerable populations remain disproportionately affected by social exclusion and unequal access to services. The VNR concludes that stronger institutional coordination, increased investment, improved local capacities and continued multi-stakeholder cooperation will be essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development by 2030.

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No Poverty

Score: 3
Justification	SDG 1 remains a national priority in Serbia because children and young people face a higher risk of poverty than the general population. In 2017, the at-risk-of-poverty rate was 30.5% for children and 29.7% for young people, compared to 25.7% for the total population. Vulnerable groups including Roma communities, persons with disabilities, migrants, internally displaced persons and rural populations continue to experience social exclusion and unequal access to services. The VNR highlights the importance of the “Leaving No One Behind” principle as a central pillar of Serbia’s sustainable development agenda.
Challenges	Serbia continues to face structural poverty and inequality, particularly among children, youth and marginalised communities. Young people from rural areas have restricted access to employment measures and social services, while young women face fewer employment and income opportunities. The report also identifies weak local capacities for social protection delivery and the absence of an integrated national social inclusion strategy. Poverty among Roma communities remains especially severe, compounded by discrimination and limited access to education, healthcare and housing.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia introduced gender responsive budgeting into the public finance system in 2015, with full implementation planned by the end of 2020. The Government strengthened commitments to human and minority rights and developed measures targeting vulnerable groups. The Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities supported local governments in improving social protection planning and inclusive policies. Serbia also improved monitoring mechanisms for refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons and adopted legislative reforms relating to asylum and migration protection.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite reforms, poverty among vulnerable groups remains persistent. The VNR notes insufficient social solidarity, limited local institutional capacities and continued barriers to employment and services for disadvantaged populations. Young people identified poverty and inequality as major developmental concerns and stressed the need for greater social empathy and employment opportunities for poor youth. Significant gaps remain in ensuring equal access to opportunities for all citizens across Serbia.

Zero Hunger

Score: 3
Justification	Serbia addresses SDG 2 primarily through nutrition security and sustainable agriculture. Although Serbia is classified as a country of high human development, nutritional disparities remain significant, especially among children in Roma settlements. According to the 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 1.8% of children in Serbia were underweight, 6% had stunted growth and 13.9% were overweight. Conditions were considerably worse in Roma settlements, where 9.5% of children were underweight and stunting prevalence reached 18.5%.
Challenges	The VNR identifies malnutrition among vulnerable populations as a continuing concern. Poor economic conditions, inadequate nutritional knowledge and harmful nutrition practices contribute to poor child nutrition outcomes in Roma communities. Rural development also faces constraints due to poor infrastructure, weak competitiveness of agricultural producers and insufficient diversification of economic activities. Local governments additionally face shortages in human resources and strategic management capacities in agriculture and rural development.
Progress/ Solution	The Government adopted the Strategy of Public Health of the Republic of Serbia 2018–2026, which aims to improve nutrition and physical activity among adults and children by 10%. Serbia also adopted the National Programme for Breastfeeding Support, Family and Developmental Care of Newborns in 2018. Planned future measures include national programmes for food accessibility, food security and obesity prevention. Young people participating in consultations proposed healthy subsidised meals in educational institutions and stronger food redistribution systems such as food banks and soup kitchens.
Unsolved Challenges	Nutritional inequalities remain highly visible among Roma children and poor households. The VNR emphasises the continuing need for stronger food security systems, improved nutrition education and greater support for vulnerable families. Rural areas continue to experience infrastructural and institutional weaknesses that hinder sustainable agricultural development. Food waste management and systematic food redistribution mechanisms also remain insufficiently developed.

Good Health

Score: 3
Justification	SDG 3 is prioritised in Serbia due to persistent inequalities in healthcare access and emerging public health concerns among children and youth. Serbia achieved major reductions in child mortality, with the under-five mortality rate falling from 18 deaths per 1,000 children in 1990 to 5.8 per 1,000 in 2017. However, children living in Roma settlements continued to experience significantly higher mortality rates at 14.4 per 1,000 in 2014. The VNR also highlights adolescent reproductive health, mental health and substance abuse as major concerns.
Challenges	The report identifies declining immunisation rates and increased measles prevalence as key public health challenges. Adolescent pregnancy remains a concern, especially among Roma girls, where 32.8% had begun childbearing. Mental health problems among adolescents are also significant. Research conducted in 2014 showed that around 45% of adolescents experienced constant worry, 12% felt worthless and 7% had suicidal ideations. High prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption and cannabis use among young people additionally threatens long-term health outcomes.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia strengthened policy responses through strategic public health planning and health monitoring. Youth consultations highlighted the need for improved sexual and reproductive health education and greater mental health support within schools. The VNR recognises the importance of integrating psychosocial support and preventive healthcare into regular education and health systems. Serbia also continued collecting health-related SDG data through surveys such as the European Health Interview Survey and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey.
Unsolved Challenges	Health inequalities between the general population and vulnerable groups remain unresolved. Roma communities continue to face poorer health outcomes and lower survival rates among children. Mental health stigma, insufficient youth education on reproductive health and unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents continue to present major barriers. Access to healthcare services for migrants and asylum seekers also remains inconsistent due to institutional and financing difficulties.

Quality Education

Score: 3
Justification	Education is recognised in Serbia’s VNR as a key driver of inclusion, employability and sustainable development. Secondary vocational education covers more than 70% of students and is viewed as an important mechanism for improving the transition from education to the labour market. Serbia also recognises inclusive education as a strategic priority, particularly for children with disabilities, Roma children and migrant children.
Challenges	Despite improvements, significant inequalities persist within the education system. Vulnerable groups, especially Roma students and children with disabilities, continue to face barriers in accessing quality education. Many schools in remote and less developed areas still lack access to safe drinking water, toilets and hand-washing facilities. Young people participating in consultations criticised outdated teaching methods, lack of interactivity, insufficient stimulation of creativity and weak development of critical thinking skills.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia introduced dual education within vocational education and training to strengthen links between education and employment. Inclusive education policies were expanded and efforts were made to integrate refugee and migrant children into formal education systems. High levels of ICT usage among youth were recorded, with 97% of young women and 95% of young men using information and communication technologies in 2018. Young people also advocated for the inclusion of SDG-related themes within educational curricula and for greater scholarship support in higher education.
Unsolved Challenges	The coexistence of inclusive education and special schools demonstrates that educational inclusion is not yet fully achieved. Infrastructure deficiencies remain evident in many schools, particularly in rural and remote communities. Young people continue to report dissatisfaction with teaching quality, lack of creativity and limited opportunities for critical engagement. Educational inequalities affecting vulnerable and marginalised groups remain a significant unresolved issue.

Gender Equality

Score: 3
Justification	Gender equality is recognised in Serbia’s VNR as an essential prerequisite for sustainable development and social inclusion. Although Serbia has established a legislative and institutional framework for gender equality, women continue to face inequalities in employment, income and decision-making. In 2018, the employment rate for women aged 15–64 was 50.9%, compared to 65.9% for men. Young women were also identified as particularly vulnerable in the labour market due to unequal economic opportunities and traditional gender roles.
Challenges	The VNR identifies persistent gender inequalities in economic participation, unpaid care responsibilities and access to employment opportunities. Women in rural areas face additional barriers because of limited economic independence and restricted access to property ownership and financial resources. Gender stereotypes and discrimination continue to affect women’s participation in political and economic life. Violence against women also remains a major concern despite legal protections and institutional reforms.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia introduced gender responsive budgeting in 2015 as part of broader public finance reforms, with full implementation planned by the end of 2020. The Coordination Body for Gender Equality continued to strengthen institutional mechanisms for mainstreaming gender equality across public policies. Serbia also improved legal protections against discrimination and violence against women and implemented measures to increase women’s participation in public administration and decision-making processes. Young people participating in consultations additionally highlighted the importance of equal opportunities and stronger gender-sensitive policies.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite institutional progress, structural inequalities between men and women remain significant. Women continue to experience lower employment rates, lower economic participation and unequal access to leadership positions. Rural women remain particularly disadvantaged due to weaker access to economic and social resources. Persistent gender stereotypes and violence against women continue to hinder the achievement of full gender equality across Serbian society.

Water & Sanitation

Score: 3
Justification	Serbia recognises access to safe water and sanitation as fundamental for public health and sustainable development. The VNR highlights considerable disparities in water and sanitation infrastructure between urban and rural areas. According to Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey data from 2014, 99% of the population used improved drinking water sources, while access in Roma settlements was lower at 98%. However, sanitation conditions remained substantially weaker in vulnerable communities.
Challenges	The report identifies inadequate wastewater treatment and insufficient sanitation infrastructure as major national challenges. Rural settlements and vulnerable communities continue to face limited access to safe sanitation systems. Environmental pollution, ageing infrastructure and insufficient investment in water management systems further constrain progress. Local governments often lack financial and technical capacities for maintaining and expanding water and sanitation infrastructure.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia continued implementing reforms aimed at improving environmental protection and utility infrastructure. Strategic planning for water management and sanitation was strengthened through alignment with European Union environmental standards. The VNR also notes improvements in access to drinking water and increased policy attention towards sustainable environmental management. Young people participating in consultations stressed the importance of environmental awareness, recycling and stronger ecological protection measures.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite high access to drinking water, significant inequalities in sanitation services persist, especially in rural areas and Roma settlements. Wastewater treatment systems remain underdeveloped and environmental pollution continues to affect water quality. Infrastructure deficiencies and limited local institutional capacities continue to slow progress towards universal and sustainable water and sanitation services.

Clean Energy

Score: 3
Justification	Serbia considers sustainable energy development essential for economic growth, environmental sustainability and improved living standards. The VNR highlights the importance of increasing energy efficiency and expanding renewable energy use in line with sustainable development priorities. Energy reforms are also closely linked to Serbia’s broader environmental protection and climate-related commitments.
Challenges	The energy sector continues to face challenges related to outdated infrastructure, inefficient energy consumption and environmental pressures from fossil fuel dependency. The report notes that many public and residential buildings remain energy inefficient, resulting in high energy consumption and financial burdens for households. Serbia also faces difficulties in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability within the energy sector.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia implemented legislative and policy reforms aimed at improving energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy production. The VNR identifies ongoing investments in energy infrastructure modernisation and harmonisation with European Union energy standards. Young people participating in consultations proposed wider use of renewable energy sources, stronger environmental responsibility and greater investment in sustainable technologies. Public awareness regarding energy efficiency and environmental sustainability also increased during the reporting period.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite reforms, Serbia continues to depend heavily on conventional energy sources and faces persistent infrastructure inefficiencies. Renewable energy capacity remains limited relative to long-term sustainability goals. Financial and institutional constraints continue to affect the pace of energy transition and implementation of energy efficiency measures, particularly at local government level.

Decent Work

Score: 3
Justification	SDG 8 is a major priority for Serbia because employment and economic opportunities are central to social inclusion and youth development. Serbia achieved notable labour market improvements between 2014 and 2018. The unemployment rate for the population aged 15 and above declined from 17.7% in 2015 to 12.7% in 2018. Youth, however, continued to face disproportionately high unemployment and insecurity in the labour market.
Challenges	The VNR identifies youth unemployment, regional disparities and informal employment as major economic challenges. Young people in rural areas have fewer employment opportunities and limited access to labour market programmes. Many young people also lack practical work experience and entrepreneurial support. Gender disparities remain visible in employment rates, while vulnerable groups such as Roma communities and persons with disabilities continue to experience exclusion from the labour market.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia implemented labour market reforms and youth employment measures aimed at improving employability and economic participation. Dual education within vocational education and training was introduced to strengthen practical skills and labour market alignment. Economic growth and labour market recovery contributed to rising employment rates and declining unemployment. Young people participating in consultations proposed greater investment in entrepreneurship, innovation and practical education to improve employment opportunities.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite labour market improvements, youth unemployment and insecure employment remain major concerns. Regional inequalities continue to affect access to decent work, particularly in rural and less developed areas. Vulnerable groups still face barriers to employment and social inclusion. The VNR also highlights continuing concerns regarding low wages, limited career development opportunities and the emigration of young skilled workers.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 3
Justification	Serbia recognises industrial development, innovation and infrastructure modernisation as key drivers of sustainable economic growth and competitiveness. The VNR highlights the importance of digital transformation, technological innovation and transport connectivity for national development. Information and communication technology usage among young people was particularly high in 2018, with 97% of young women and 95% of young men using ICT, demonstrating the growing role of digitalisation in society and the economy.
Challenges	The report identifies uneven regional development, outdated infrastructure and insufficient innovation capacity as major challenges. Rural and less developed areas continue to experience weaker transport connectivity and limited access to modern infrastructure. Insufficient investment in research, innovation and technological modernisation also constrains productivity and competitiveness. Local governments frequently face financial and institutional limitations in implementing infrastructure projects.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia continued implementing reforms aimed at improving transport infrastructure, digitalisation and technological development. The VNR notes increased policy focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and ICT development. Dual education and vocational training reforms were introduced to strengthen links between education and labour market needs in technologically evolving sectors. Young people participating in consultations also stressed the importance of innovation, digital skills and stronger support for entrepreneurship.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, regional disparities in infrastructure and innovation remain significant. Research and development capacities continue to require further strengthening, while financial limitations slow the pace of infrastructure modernisation. Rural communities and vulnerable populations still face unequal access to technological and digital opportunities. Serbia also continues to face challenges in aligning industrial growth with environmental sustainability objectives.

Inequality

Score: 3
Justification	Reducing inequalities is identified in Serbia’s VNR as essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development. The report highlights persistent disparities affecting children, youth, Roma communities, persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons. In 2017, the at-risk-of-poverty rate for children was 30.5%, significantly above the national average of 25.7%, demonstrating continuing social and economic inequalities.
Challenges	The VNR identifies discrimination, poverty and unequal access to services as continuing barriers for vulnerable groups. Roma communities experience particularly severe disadvantages in education, employment, healthcare and housing. Young people from rural areas face reduced access to employment opportunities and social services, while persons with disabilities continue to encounter obstacles to inclusion. Migrants and asylum seekers also face integration difficulties due to institutional and financial constraints.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia strengthened its commitment to the “Leaving No One Behind” principle through policies promoting social inclusion and human rights protection. Legislative reforms were implemented to improve protection against discrimination and strengthen minority rights. The Government also enhanced institutional coordination relating to migration, asylum and refugee support. Local governments, supported by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, improved planning mechanisms for inclusive social policies and protection services.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite policy improvements, substantial inequalities persist across Serbian society. Roma communities remain disproportionately affected by poverty and exclusion, while regional inequalities continue to limit equal opportunities. Vulnerable groups still experience barriers to quality services, employment and social participation. Institutional capacities at local level remain uneven, affecting the effectiveness of inclusive policies and long-term social integration.

Sustainable Cities

Score: 3
Justification	Serbia considers sustainable urban and community development important for improving quality of life, environmental protection and social inclusion. The VNR highlights the importance of local governments in implementing sustainable development policies and ensuring inclusive access to services. Urban development challenges are closely linked with infrastructure quality, environmental sustainability and equal access to public services.
Challenges	The report identifies significant disparities between urban and rural areas in infrastructure, environmental conditions and public services. Many schools in remote and less developed areas lack safe drinking water, toilets and hand-washing facilities. Informal settlements and marginalised communities also face poorer housing conditions and weaker access to municipal services. Local governments frequently experience financial and administrative limitations in implementing sustainable urban planning measures.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia strengthened cooperation with local governments through the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities in order to improve local development planning and implementation of SDG-related policies. Environmental awareness and sustainable community development received greater policy attention during the reporting period. Young people participating in consultations advocated stronger environmental protection, improved recycling systems and greener urban development policies.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite institutional efforts, infrastructure inequalities between urban and rural communities remain unresolved. Environmental pollution, inadequate waste management systems and uneven access to public services continue to affect sustainable community development. Informal settlements and vulnerable groups still experience inadequate housing and infrastructure conditions. Local institutional capacities and financial resources remain insufficient for fully sustainable urban and community development.

Responsible Consumption

Score: 2
Justification	Serbia recognises responsible consumption and production as important for environmental sustainability and long-term economic development. The VNR highlights increasing public awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable resource management. Environmental protection and waste reduction are also linked to Serbia’s broader alignment with European Union environmental standards.
Challenges	The report identifies insufficient waste management systems, environmental pollution and low levels of recycling as major challenges. Unsustainable consumption patterns and limited public awareness regarding responsible resource use continue to affect environmental sustainability. Local governments also face institutional and financial constraints in implementing modern waste management and recycling systems.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia strengthened policy frameworks relating to environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Young people participating in consultations proposed stronger recycling systems, food redistribution mechanisms, reduction of food waste and increased ecological awareness campaigns. The Government continued aligning environmental policies with European Union standards while promoting sustainable environmental practices and public awareness initiatives.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite increased policy attention, Serbia continues to face inadequate waste management infrastructure and insufficient recycling capacities. Environmental pollution and unsustainable resource use remain persistent concerns. Local implementation capacities are uneven, particularly in rural and less developed areas, slowing progress towards sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Climate Action

Score: 2
Justification	Climate action is recognised in Serbia’s VNR as increasingly important due to the country’s exposure to environmental degradation, extreme weather events and climate-related economic risks. Serbia aligned its sustainable development priorities with environmental protection and European Union climate obligations. The VNR highlights the significance of strengthening energy efficiency, sustainable consumption and environmental awareness as part of national climate-related efforts. Young people participating in consultations identified climate change and environmental protection as major concerns for the future and stressed the importance of ecological responsibility and renewable energy expansion.
Challenges	Serbia continues to face significant environmental and climate-related challenges associated with industrial pollution, inefficient energy use and dependence on fossil fuels. The report identifies weak environmental infrastructure, insufficient wastewater treatment and poor waste management systems as major obstacles to sustainable climate action. Local governments often lack adequate financial and institutional capacities to implement climate-related environmental measures effectively. Rural and less developed regions remain particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation due to weaker infrastructure and limited ecological investment.
Progress/ Solution	The Government strengthened legislative and institutional alignment with European Union environmental and climate standards during the reporting period. Serbia continued implementing reforms related to environmental protection, energy efficiency and sustainable resource management. Public awareness regarding climate and environmental sustainability also increased through educational initiatives and youth engagement activities. Young people proposed wider adoption of renewable energy, stronger environmental education and improved recycling systems. The VNR additionally highlights increasing integration of sustainability principles within public policies and local development planning.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite policy reforms, Serbia continues to face serious environmental pressures from pollution, inefficient energy systems and limited renewable energy capacity. Waste management and wastewater treatment infrastructure remain underdeveloped, slowing progress towards climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Financial limitations and uneven local institutional capacities continue to constrain implementation of climate-related policies. The VNR also indicates that stronger long-term coordination and investment are still required to achieve effective climate adaptation and mitigation outcomes.

Life Below Water

Score: 2
Justification	Although Serbia is a landlocked country, the VNR recognises the importance of protecting rivers, freshwater ecosystems and water resources as part of sustainable environmental management. Sustainable water governance is directly linked to public health, biodiversity protection and economic sustainability. Serbia’s environmental reforms and alignment with European Union standards include measures related to water quality management, pollution reduction and ecosystem protection.
Challenges	The report identifies water pollution, insufficient wastewater treatment and weak environmental infrastructure as continuing challenges affecting freshwater ecosystems. Industrial discharge, inadequate waste management and limited treatment facilities contribute to declining water quality in certain areas. Local governments frequently lack technical and financial resources for effective water resource management and environmental monitoring. Vulnerable rural communities also face weaker sanitation systems, increasing pressure on freshwater resources.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia strengthened strategic planning and legislative alignment concerning environmental protection and water management during the reporting period. Access to improved drinking water remained high, with 99% of the general population using improved drinking water sources in 2014 according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. Young people participating in consultations advocated stronger environmental protection, ecological awareness and improved recycling systems to reduce pollution pressures on natural resources. The Government also continued harmonisation with European Union environmental directives relating to water quality and environmental sustainability.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite improvements in access to drinking water, wastewater treatment systems remain insufficiently developed and environmental pollution continues to threaten freshwater ecosystems. Rural and vulnerable communities still experience infrastructure limitations affecting sanitation and water quality management. Institutional and financial weaknesses at local level continue to slow implementation of comprehensive environmental protection measures. The VNR suggests that stronger investment and coordinated environmental governance are still needed to ensure sustainable protection of water resources.

Life on Land

Score: 2
Justification	Serbia recognises biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability and responsible land management as important components of sustainable development. The VNR links environmental protection with public health, economic sustainability and quality of life. Preservation of natural ecosystems and reduction of environmental degradation are identified as necessary for achieving long-term sustainability goals. Youth consultations additionally highlighted environmental protection and ecological responsibility as priorities for future national development.
Challenges	The report identifies environmental pollution, unsustainable waste management and inadequate environmental infrastructure as major pressures affecting ecosystems and land resources. Rural and less developed regions continue to face infrastructural weaknesses that hinder sustainable environmental management. Limited financial resources and insufficient institutional capacities at local level also constrain implementation of biodiversity and land protection measures. Industrial activities and inefficient resource management continue to place pressure on natural ecosystems.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia strengthened environmental legislation and strategic planning in line with European Union environmental standards during the reporting period. The Government continued promoting sustainable environmental management and ecological awareness through public policy reforms and educational initiatives. Young people proposed stronger recycling systems, improved environmental education and greater protection of natural resources. Increased integration of sustainability principles into local development planning also contributed to strengthening environmental governance mechanisms.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite institutional and legislative progress, Serbia continues to face environmental degradation, pollution and inadequate waste management systems. Local governments frequently lack sufficient financial and technical resources to implement effective environmental protection measures. Biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management remain constrained by infrastructural weaknesses and uneven policy implementation across regions. Long-term environmental sustainability therefore remains an ongoing challenge requiring stronger investment, coordination and enforcement.

Peace & Justice

Score: 3
Justification	Serbia identified SDG 16 as essential for democratic governance, social inclusion and sustainable development. The VNR emphasises strengthening the rule of law, human rights protection and institutional transparency. Young people participating in consultations highlighted corruption, political instability and weak institutional trust as major national concerns. Serbia also continued reforms linked to European Union accession processes and institutional modernisation during the reporting period.
Challenges	The report highlights continuing institutional weaknesses, uneven implementation of laws and limited administrative capacities at local level. Vulnerable groups, including Roma communities, migrants, refugees and persons with disabilities, still face barriers in accessing justice and public services. Corruption and insufficient public trust in institutions remain important governance concerns. Local governments additionally experience financial and human resource constraints affecting effective service delivery.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia strengthened institutional coordination for sustainable development through the Inter-Ministerial Working Group for implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Legislative reforms relating to anti-discrimination, asylum and migration protection were also advanced. The VNR notes improvements in data collection and monitoring systems for vulnerable populations. The Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities supported local governments in strengthening governance capacities and SDG implementation mechanisms.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite institutional reforms, implementation gaps remain significant across different regions and sectors. Public confidence in institutions and governance systems continues to require strengthening. Vulnerable groups still experience unequal access to justice, protection and public services. The VNR indicates that stronger institutional accountability, transparency and local administrative capacities remain necessary for long-term progress.

Partnerships

Score: 3
Justification	Serbia recognises partnerships, international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement as fundamental for implementing the 2030 Agenda. The VNR highlights that preparation of the national review involved government institutions, local authorities, civil society organisations, international organisations, academia and youth representatives. Serbia also aligned SDG implementation with the European Union accession framework and national development priorities.
Challenges	The report identifies coordination challenges between national and local institutions, uneven local capacities and limited financial resources for SDG implementation. Data availability and harmonisation with global SDG indicators also remain difficult in several sectors. Local governments often lack sufficient technical expertise and institutional capacities for comprehensive SDG monitoring and reporting.
Progress/ Solution	Serbia established the Inter-Ministerial Working Group for implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda in 2015. The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia strengthened SDG monitoring systems and developed a national SDG indicator framework. The VNR preparation process included broad consultations with civil society, youth organisations and development partners. International cooperation with the United Nations system, the Swiss Government and German development cooperation additionally supported SDG implementation and reporting activities.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite strengthened partnerships, Serbia continues to face financial, institutional and technical limitations affecting SDG implementation. Coordination between local and national levels remains uneven, while some SDG indicators still lack sufficient statistical data. Long-term financing, institutional continuity and stronger stakeholder cooperation remain necessary to ensure full implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

Country Challenges

High poverty and social exclusion rates remained a major challenge, particularly among vulnerable groups. In 2017, the at-risk-of-poverty rate was 25.7% for the total population, 30.5% for children and 29.7% for young people.
Roma communities continued to experience severe inequalities in education, healthcare, nutrition, housing and employment. In 2014, stunting among Roma children reached 18.5%, compared to 6% nationally.
Youth unemployment and labour market insecurity remained significant concerns despite improvements in employment indicators. Young people in rural areas faced limited access to employment opportunities and social services.
Serbia continued facing institutional and regional disparities, with weaker infrastructure and public services in rural and less developed regions.
Environmental challenges persisted due to pollution, inadequate wastewater treatment systems, low recycling rates and inefficient waste management infrastructure.
Gender inequalities remained visible in employment and economic participation. In 2018, the employment rate for women aged 15–64 years was 50.9%, compared to 65.9% for men.
Public health concerns included declining immunisation coverage, adolescent mental health problems and high levels of smoking and alcohol consumption among youth.
Local governments frequently lacked sufficient financial, technical and administrative capacities for effective SDG implementation and monitoring.

Country Lessons Learned

Establishing inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms can improve integration of SDGs into national planning and policy implementation.
Gender responsive budgeting provides an effective approach for mainstreaming gender equality across public finance systems.
Broad participation of youth, civil society and local governments strengthens national ownership of SDG implementation processes.
Integration of vocational and dual education systems can improve alignment between education and labour market needs.
Strengthening national statistical systems and SDG indicator frameworks improves monitoring and evidence-based policymaking.
Applying the “Leaving No One Behind” principle helps prioritise vulnerable populations within national sustainable development strategies.
Cooperation with international organisations and development partners can strengthen institutional capacities and technical expertise for SDG implementation.

Country Contribution

Serbia established the Inter-Ministerial Working Group for implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda in 2015, strengthening national SDG coordination mechanisms.
Gender responsive budgeting was introduced in 2015, with full implementation planned by the end of 2020.
The unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above declined from 17.7% in 2015 to 12.7% in 2018, demonstrating labour market recovery.
Serbia achieved major reductions in child mortality, with the under-five mortality rate decreasing from 18 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 5.8 per 1,000 in 2017.
ICT usage among youth reached very high levels in 2018, with 97% of young women and 95% of young men using information and communication technologies.
Access to improved drinking water remained high. According to the 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 99% of the general population used improved drinking water sources.
Serbia strengthened inclusion of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers through legislative reforms and institutional coordination mechanisms during the reporting period.
Broad stakeholder consultations involving youth, civil society organisations, local governments and international partners contributed to preparation of the 2019 VNR.