Partnership between UNDP and EPAM to Advance Digital Skills and Innovation in Montenegro

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and EPAM Systems Montenegro D.O.O. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth in Montenegro. 

The MoU was signed by Ekaterina Panikova, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, and Pavel Chagoiko, VP General Manager of EPAM Systems Montenegro, marking the beginning of a strategic cooperation focused on digital transformation, human capital development, and improving the overall business environment for the IT sector. 

The partnership brings together EPAM’s global technological expertise and UNDP’s development mandate to support digital inclusion, enhance future-ready skills, and increase access to employment opportunities for young people and vulnerable groups. By working jointly, the two organizations aim to boost Montenegro’s competitiveness and accelerate progress towards a resilient, knowledge-based society. 

The MoU provides a framework for joint initiatives to improve the business environment and support digital transformation, enhance digital and IT skills among youth and vulnerable groups, promote volunteerism through the engagement of EPAM employees and their dependents, and encourage innovative approaches that connect private sector expertise with development priorities. 

UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Panikova, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership: “Digital transformation is not only about technology — it is about people, opportunities, and empowered futures. Through this partnership with EPAM, we are investing in Montenegro’s most valuable resource: its human capital. Together, we will create pathways for young people and those at risk of exclusion to access digital skills, meaningful work, and a place in tomorrow’s economy. This collaboration reflects our shared vision for a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient Montenegro where the promise of the digital era advances the Sustainable Development Goals and truly leaves no one behind.” 

EPAM Systems Montenegro D.O.O. VP General Manager, Pavel Chagoiko, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering digital talent and innovation: 

“EPAM is a global company that believes technology can be a driver of positive change. Our partnership with UNDP gives us the opportunity to jointly contribute to the development of digital talent, support innovation, and empower the community through knowledge, collaboration, and volunteerism. We believe that Montenegro has great potential to become a center of digital excellence in the region, and we are proud to be building the foundations for such a future together.” 

Founded in 1993 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, EPAM Systems is a leading global digital engineering and technology consulting company, employing more than 61,000 people across 55 countries. EPAM has operated in Montenegro since 2021, where it employs 230 professionals. 

The Memorandum has been signed for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension, demonstrating the commitment of UNDP and EPAM to advancing shared development goals and unlocking opportunities for Montenegro’s digital future.