Encouraging young people to be “Informed, motivated and active” focus of OSCE-supported seminar in Montenegro
Digital and media literacy, gender equality and human rights of persons with disabilities were the main topics of the seminar “Informed, motivated and active youth”, organized in Budva from 22 to 24 November by the NGO Centre for Youth Education, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, for 20 young people aged 18 to 30 from across Montenegro.
Marija Đukanović, a participant, found the seminar was an opportunity to gain new insights into media literacy, gender equality and hate speech, and make new professional connections. “The information about legal regulations, but also statistical data in these fields, will help improve my and the work of my colleagues, with whom I will certainly share the knowledge I’ve gained. Of particular importance to me was the engaging discussion encouraged by the lecturers,” said Marija.
Opening the event, Dominique Waag, Head of OSCE Mission, said that the OSCE has adopted a number of commitments, explicitly recognizing the importance of the role of youth. She introduced the participants with the Mission’s activities and its work for the benefits of youth, who, as she said, are active citizens, committed to building a better country.
In thanking for the Mission’s continuous support, Jugoslav Radović, executive director of the NGO Centre for Youth Education, said that the fact that there were more than 170 applications for the seminar shows that these activities are necessary. “Together with our colleagues from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, we will continue to strive to create a way to represent the interests of young people,” said Radović.
Snežana Ivanović, from the Ministry of Sports and Youth noted that the youth Strategy 2023-2027 is adopted and includes an inter-ministerial coordinating body for youth policy. She also announced that a national youth council is in process of being formed and will serve as an expert and advisory body to monitor and make recommendations to improve youth policy.
The Mission will continue to support youth organizations and services in Montenegro, strengthening their capacities for successful work.