Throughout its history, Montenegro has always been a bridge between different cultures, religions and peoples, conveying the voice of an example of a country where harmonious coexistence represents the historical vertical of one society, it was said at the International Conference on Interculturalism.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in cooperation with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and the North-South Center of the Council of Europe (CE), organized today in Kotor the International Conference on Interculturalism, with the aim of developing digital resilience and a strategy for young people in the fight against racism and xenophobia in the online space.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović emphasized, opening the conference, that Montenegro has incorporated the protection of human rights into its foundations.
"Throughout its history, Montenegro has always been a bridge between different cultures, religions and peoples, conveying the voice of an example of a state where harmonious coexistence represents the historical vertical of one society," said Ibrahimović.
As reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he pointed out that the priority foreign policy goal of Montenegro is membership in the European Union (EU), in accordance with which the state is actively working to raise awareness of the importance of strengthening democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Ibrahimović added that Montenegro is preparing to chair the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for the period 2026-2027, with full commitment to European values and strengthening intercultural dialogue.
Recalling the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, as the most relevant legally binding mechanism today for the fight against digital violence and crime, he said that Montenegro is proud of its commitment to respecting international norms that contribute to the standardization and success of that fight.
However, according to Ibrahimović, additional efforts must be made in the education and training of young people, as future protectors of democratic values.
"Therefore, we continuously work to strengthen media literacy and digital resilience, providing young people with tools to fight against dangers in the online space," said Ibrahimović.
Minister of Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Đeka stated that, in the modern digital age, young people in Montenegro represent a force that can significantly contribute to the preservation and promotion of human rights.
As he said, through education, engagement and cooperation, a society can be built in which there is no place for discrimination or hatred.
"That's why interculturalism is extremely important for us. The better we understand each other, the less discrimination and intolerance there will be, and diversity will be celebrated," said Đeka.
He welcomed initiatives that encourage young people to actively participate in international platforms for dialogue, democracy and global citizenship.
Đeka said that Montenegro is ready to take an active role in regional and international initiatives concerning human rights, especially in the field of fighting against discrimination, promoting equal opportunities and strengthening interculturalism.
"Montenegro, through proactive actions aimed at the promotion of universal human rights, will continue to strengthen social cohesion for a more peaceful, stable and sustainable Montenegrin society, as well as for the region of the Western Balkans," said Đeka.
Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Bjorn Berg emphasized the role of young people in finding solutions, as well as the importance of education, counter-narratives and active participation in national policies, as a way to fight against all forms of hatred.
He emphasized the need to encourage young people to participate in building more inclusive societies through the design of policies, programs and projects that, on the one hand, incorporate diversity and on the other ensure an adequate framework for monitoring and fighting against discrimination, violence and exclusion.
"Together we must build digital resilience in the fight against hate in the online space for the benefit of future generations - it's all about dialogue," Berg pointed out.
The conference brought together participants from thirty countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as representatives of civil society and young people.
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