Young people must have more space to actively participate in decision-making processes that directly concern them, rather than being only formally included, was the message from today’s Youth Café in Podgorica, organised by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE).
As part of this event, held within the Action Day of the Union of Secondary School Students of Montenegro, more than 20 secondary school students visited the CCE, where they had the opportunity to learn about the concept of civil society, as well as the work of the CCE itself.
“I would emphasise that we start from the premise that young people are not just our future – you are already among those who can influence economic development, democratic reforms, and European integration of Montenegro. We want to, as much as possible, provide space and support, include you and empower you, so that you become the most important resource of our society,” said Nikola Đurašević, Programme Associate at the CCE, opening the event. He also presented in detail the project “SYNERGY Montenegro – strengthening youth networks and empowering resilient groups and young people in Montenegro”, which focuses on empowering youth, connecting them, and increasing their involvement in social processes.
The speakers at the Youth Café were Magdalena Joksimović, member of the Council of Youth Initiatives and representative of the Network for Youth Activism (MOACG), and Enes Pućurica, Programme Associate at the CCE.
“It is important to work on opening youth clubs in all municipalities in Montenegro, as well as on clearer recognition of youth organisations through the Law on Youth,” emphasised Magdalena Joksimović. She explained that only through the direct involvement of young people in processes and activities that concern them can progress be made in improving their position. She also reminded that MOACG has already worked on this through the project “Member by Member: strengthening institutional support for youth”, implemented in cooperation with the CCE within the programme “Synergy Montenegro”.
“Young people should not be seen only as beneficiaries of youth policies, but also as their active creators. No one recognises the problems and needs of their generation better than young people themselves,” said Enes Pućurica. He pointed out that young people cannot bear this responsibility alone, and that institutions must open concrete and effective mechanisms for their inclusion. “The voice of youth must be recognised in budgets, laws, and decisions, because every exclusion of young people from these processes leads to a loss of trust and further encourages their departure,” he added.
Through the discussion, students highlighted that they want to be more active and involved, but lack real opportunities to do so.
“What I miss the most is the feeling that the voice of young people is truly heard and respected, as well as more concrete opportunities for development, and spaces where young people can gather, create, and progress. Without that, it is difficult to build a sense of belonging and see a clear perspective in one’s own community,” said Elena Šćepanović, a student of the Secondary School of Economics “Mirko Vešović”. She pointed out that although certain content for young people exists, it is often not diverse enough nor sufficiently visible. “Initiatives and events exist, but they do not always reach all young people, nor do they fully correspond to their interests. That is why it is important to work on their improvement, as well as on better accessibility and information,” she added.
“Young people are heard today, but still not enough, and their needs are often not recognised or taken seriously enough. It is necessary to ensure more space for their active participation in decision-making, as well as more opportunities to freely express their opinions and influence processes that concern them,” believes Milena Delibašić, a student of the Secondary School of Economics “Mirko Vešović”.
“I believe that young people are active, but still not sufficiently involved in decision-making processes. We need more space so that their voice can truly be heard and respected,” said Anastasija Vlahović, a student of the Secondary School of Economics “Mirko Vešović”.
“Youth programmes today have been significantly improved, their content is thematically close to young people and recognises their interests. At the same time, the method of implementation is dynamic and interactive, which further contributes to greater youth participation,” said Andrea Čurović, a student of the Secondary School of Economics “Mirko Vešović”.
The project “SYNERGY Montenegro” is implemented by the CCE in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and NGO Multimedial Montenegro, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, with financial support from the European Union and co-financing from the Ministry of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation with NGOs.
Jovana Radulović, Programme Assistant