Montenegro today launched the second integrated training workshop on Climate Finance Programming and Water-sector Resilience, continuing the national capacity building programme under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project “Building Technical and Institutional Capacity in the Water Sector in Montenegro to Facilitate Inclusive Climate Resilience Initiatives.”
The three-day workshop, held from 10–12 March 2026 in Kolašin, brings together representatives of national institutions, technical agencies, and development partners to deepen knowledge and strengthen practical skills in climate finance programming, climate risk assessment, and the development of GCF concept notes for water-sector investments.
The training is organized by the GWP-Mediterranean and Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), and supported by by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Manamgent, forms part of a broader capacity development programme designed to support Montenegro in building a pipeline of climate-resilient water investments and accessing international climate finance.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Climate Resilience
Opening the workshop, Mr. Zoran Dabetić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, and National Focal Point for the Green Climate Fund, reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to strengthening climate resilience and institutional capacity in the water sector.
“We will continue to provide strong and dedicated support to projects that address climate resilience and improve the water sector in Montenegro,” said Dabetić. “Initiatives such as this training contribute directly to strengthening institutional capacities and developing strong project concepts that can attract climate finance.”
Mr. Dabetić also emphasized the importance of cooperation with international partners and highlighted the role of the project implemented by the Global Water Partnership in Montenegro, as an example of effective collaboration supporting Montenegro’s climate policy and EU integration efforts.
Building Knowledge for Climate Action
Ms. Ivana Grujić, Director General of the Directorate for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the Ministry, stressed that strengthening capacity and partnerships is essential for translating national climate commitments into practical action.
“Climate change is no longer a matter of the future — it is a reality of the present moment. It requires timely strengthening of capacities and the integration of adaptation measures into both water resource management and broader climate policies,” said Grujić.
She added that the project represents a strategic investment in a safer and more resilient future, helping Montenegro connect water management with climate policy and implement adaptation measures in practice.
“The results of this project will lay the foundations for broader interventions in the water sector and strengthen climate resilience while encouraging all actors in society to work together to protect our natural resources,” Grujić noted.
From Training to Climate Investment
The second training workshop builds on the foundations established during the first workshop held in Petrovac in October 2025. It focuses on advancing technical skills and translating knowledge into concrete project development.
Participants will review the Draft Rapid Climate Risk Assessment for the water sector, discuss the development of Montenegro’s Climate-Resilient Water Investment Plan, and engage in hands-on training on Green Climate Fund concept note preparation and prioritization of adaptation interventions.
The workshop also supports the work of the Expert Working Group on Water and Climate Resilience, strengthening collaboration among key institutions involved in water management, climate policy, and investment planning.
Towards a Climate-Resilient Water Future
The GCF Readiness Project implemented by GWPO and GWP-Mediterranean, with funding of nearly USD 800,000 from the Green Climate Fund, aims to strengthen Montenegro’s capacity to plan, prioritize, and mobilize resources for climate adaptation in the water sector.
The initiative will help develop Montenegro’s first Climate-Resilient Water Investment Plan, introduce screening tools for climate-resilient water investments, and support the preparation of at least one GCF Concept Note for adaptation financing.
“This training continues an integrated learning process that connects technical training, stakeholder collaboration and practical project development,” said Mr. Novak Čađenović, Head of the GWP-Med Office in Podgorica. “By strengthening knowledge and cooperation across institutions, Montenegro is building the foundation for long-term climate resilience and sustainable water management.”
About the Project:
Building Technical and Institutional Capacity in the Water Sector in Montenegro to Facilitate Inclusive Climate Resilience Initiatives is a 24-month Readiness Project (2024–2026) funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) and GWP-Mediterranean in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro.
Media contact:
maria.livanou@gwpmed.org