Remarks of Ms. Vana Vojinovic, representing the Montenegrin 2026 Presidency of the Western Balkans Fund, at the kick-off of the second stage of cooperation between WBF and Swiss Government. AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY
Ambassador Ruth, donors & partners
Distinguished colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a distinct honour to address you today on behalf of the Presidency of Montenegro of the Western Balkans Fund and to thank our Swiss partners for organising this important event.
We highly appreciate Switzerland’s continued and principled support to the Western Balkans Fund. As one of the first partners to recognize the value of this regional initiative, Switzerland has made a lasting contribution to its credibility, visibility and development across the region.
Our cooperation was further reaffirmed at the Kick-off event marking the beginning of Montenegro’s Presidency, held in Podgorica on 20 February, through the signing of the respective agreement. This was an important expression of trust and a solid foundation for the work we continue together.
The Western Balkans Fund holds particular significance for our region. As the only regional mechanism established by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Western Balkans, it reflects a shared political commitment to regional cooperation, trust-building we have and good neighbourly relations.
During its Presidency, Montenegro has been fully committed to the institutional and operational strengthening of the Fund as a results-oriented platform that brings our societies closer together and delivers tangible results. We remain determined to further support its development and consolidation, working closely with the Secretariat, Contracting Parties, as well as our partners and donors.
At the same time, we are placing strong emphasis on enhancing the visibility and relevance of the Fund. Initiatives such today’s event makes an important contribution to that goal, as they help further consolidate the WBF’s role within the regional and donor community.
We are particularly grateful to all donors, and especially to Switzerland, for recognizing the importance of this mechanism and for supporting its mission. Your engagement is essential to its sustainability, effectiveness and impact.
At the end, as you heard from Dr. Murra, allow me to briefly refer to the latest example of our cooperation with Switzerland – the launch of the jointly financed first call for proposals under the Gender Equality Fund on 5 May. This Fund was established following the conclusions of the Berlin Process Summit in 2025, which recognized the important role of the Western Balkans Fund in engaging civil society and strengthening regional cooperation. Given that Montenegro holds the Presidency of both initiatives in 2026, we will use this opportunity to further enhance the Fund’s visibility and support efforts to attract additional donors.
Let me conclude by reaffirming Montenegro’s readiness, as Presidency, to continue contributing actively and constructively to this joint endeavor, in the spirit of partnership, trust and a shared vision for Western Balkan region.
Thank you.
