Truth and scientifically established facts are the foundation of constructive intergenerational dialogue and the development of a culture of remembrance that enables society to critically reflect on the past, show empathy towards victims, and act responsibly in the future. This was the key message of the first intergenerational dialogue organised today by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) at the Europe House in Podgorica.
Participants from the younger generation pointed out that they lack systematic knowledge about the period of the 1990s, and that their perceptions are often shaped through family conversations, media content, and popular culture, rather than through the formal education system. Members of older generations emphasised the strong influence of propaganda and political interests during the 1990s, stressing the importance of fact-checking, critical learning, and building a culture of remembrance that should serve as a warning and a lesson to prevent the repetition of similar mistakes in the future.
The dialogue gathered young people born after 2000, who did not personally experience the war conflicts but live with their long-term consequences, and members of generations who were witnesses to or participants in the social and political processes of the 1990s. Through a very dynamic discussion, participants had the opportunity to exchange personal experiences, views, and perceptions, while jointly re-examining dominant narratives, myths, and prejudices related to this period.
During the discussion, particular attention was given to the fact that the topic of the 1990s is often avoided or addressed only superficially within the education system, usually at the very end of the school year. Representatives of the older generation from the field of education stressed that the problem is not the volume of material, but rather the approach and the willingness to address this topic critically and responsibly. They pointed out that, due to the lack of systematic education, young people too often rely on personal narratives and interpretations obtained from family or their surroundings. They also expressed the belief that the strong interest shown by young people in such discussions offers hope that the process of confronting the past in Montenegro has a future.
It was emphasised that education about this period must be based on sources grounded in judicially and scientifically established facts and directed towards the development of critical thinking. The need to build a sustainable culture of remembrance was also highlighted, one that would transform public space towards empathy for victims and understanding of different experiences.
A separate segment focused on the role of the media during the 1990s. Participants in the intergenerational dialogue recalled that a large part of the media scene at the time was integrated into the propaganda apparatus, while professional and critical voices remained marginalised. It was also stressed that responsibility for the consequences of such actions still exists today and must not be shifted onto younger generations.
The discussion also underscored the importance of distinguishing facts from manipulative messages that target citizens’ emotions and fears. Representatives of the older generation reminded that many people in the 1990s made decisions under the influence of propaganda and a lack of information, which is why it is crucial today for young people to develop critical thinking and the readiness to question imposed narratives.
Participants agreed that young people today have access to significantly more information than the generations of the 1990s, but that this also entails greater responsibility to verify sources. Information must not be accepted without scrutiny, and ethical standards must form the foundation of public action, particularly in combating manipulation and narratives that generate hatred and division.
Younger participants assessed that perceptions of the 1990s are often inherited within families and the broader social environment, influencing how “others” and “enemies” are perceived today. They noted that they often feel trapped between inherited attitudes and contemporary social challenges, without sufficient space for open dialogue and critical reflection. It was additionally pointed out that activism and critical thinking are still frequently perceived as undesirable, and that those who engage socially are often labelled. Nationally coloured narratives remain dominant, while there is little space for open discussion about the responsibility of all sides.
Young participants agreed that history must not be forgotten, but that new generations should not bear the burden of hatred and conflicts they did not create themselves. This further highlights the need for open intergenerational dialogue, free from fear and idealisation of the past.
A particularly serious lack of systematic knowledge about the 1990s was emphasised. Younger participants stated that they most often learn about this period through TV series, music, and popular culture, while the education system remains insufficiently present. Such content, they explained, often simplifies or distorts the image of events and actors, neglecting the broader social context and the real consequences of the wars.
The aim of this meeting was to contribute to a critical understanding of the past, clearer differentiation between historical facts and politically instrumentalized narratives, as well as to strengthening intergenerational communication and trust.Participants agreed that direct dialogue between generations enables better understanding of different experiences, clarification of ambiguities related to the past, and the building of knowledge as a foundation for more responsible social action.
The first intergenerational dialogue gathered more than 40 participants aged between 17 and 75.
The intergenerational dialogue was organised within the CCE project “Understanding the Past to Build Trust and Transitional Justice”. The project is implemented through the regional programme “EU Support to Confidence-Building in the Western Balkans”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Itana Gogić, Programme Assistant