The first integrated training program on Climate Finance Programming and Water-sector Resilience held in Petrovac, Montenegro from 7–9 October 2025, marked the official start of the country’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) Capacity Building Training Programme under the project “Building Technical and Institutional Capacity in the Water Sector in Montenegro to Facilitate Inclusive Climate Resilience Initiatives.”
Approximately 40 participants attended the first integrated training on Climate Finance to Strengthen National Capacity for Water Sector Resilience in Petrovac Montenegro.
The three-day training, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Global Water Partnership Organisation(GWPO) and GWP-Mediterranean.
It gathered representatives of public institutions and private companies to strengthen national understanding of climate change impacts on the water sector and build practical skills to design, finance, and implement gender-responsive and inclusive adaptation projects.
Government Commitment to Climate Resilience
Opening the event, Mr. Zoran Dabetić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development , emphasized the urgency of addressing climate risks in Montenegro’s water sector and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacities and partnerships to access finance for climate action.
Mr. Zoran Dabetić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development highlighted the project's contribution to the country's resilience and long-term development.
“Climate change is not a challenge of the future—it is a challenge of the present. Droughts, floods, and unpredictable hydrological patterns directly threaten our people, agriculture, biodiversity, and economy,” said Mr. Dabetić. “This project is not only financial support, but an investment in a safer and more sustainable future. Strengthening our capacities in the water sector is crucial for the resilience of our communities and the country’s long-term development.”
The State Secretary also noted Montenegro’s recent progress in aligning its climate policy framework with international and EU standards — including the adoption of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2025–2035) and the new Law on Climate Change — underlining that initiatives like this training are essential to turning these frameworks into action on the ground.
Kicking off National Capacity Building Journey
This first integrated training represents the kick-off of Montenegro’s structured capacity building programme on climate finance and water resilience, developed through a detailed assessment of national institutional and technical needs.
The training series is a core part of the GCF Readiness Project, which aims to build the country’s ability to plan, prioritize, and access international climate finance. The programme follows a phased learning approach, beginning with foundational understanding of climate impacts and finance mechanisms, and progressing to hands-on development of GCF concept notes and investment plans.
According to the project’s Capacity Building Action Plan, this approach will ensure that Montenegro’s public and private sector stakeholders can work together to develop bankable, gender-responsive projects, contributing directly to national adaptation and development priorities.
Towards a Climate-Resilient Water Future
The GCF Readiness Project implemented by the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) and GWP-Mediterranean with funding of just under USD 800,000 from the Green Climate Fund is to develop Montenegro’s capacity to mobilize and implement climate finance that will build the country’s resilience to climate change – particularly in the water sector.
It will produce Montenegro’s first Climate-Resilient Water Investment Plan, develop screening tools for public and private sector investments, and support the preparation of at least one GCF concept note for water-related adaptation financing.
Trainings are an integral part of the Project aiming at building technical capacity on mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation throughout the water sector.
“This workshop represents the beginning of an integrated learning process—one that combines training, collaboration, and practical project development,” said Mr. Novak Čađenović, Head of the GWP-Med Office in Podgorica. “By investing in people and institutions, Montenegro is building the foundations 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. For more see here.