True social development is possible only if it is based on poverty eradication, social inclusion and dignified work, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, stating that these must be the fundamental values on which Montenegro builds its future.
Milatović is participating in the Second United Nations (UN) World Summit on Human Development, which is being held in Doha, under the patronage of the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Milatović's office announced that he called for the restoration of trust and social solidarity through equal opportunities for all.
"In his address to the plenary session, Milatović said that true social development is possible only if it is based on poverty eradication, social inclusion and dignified work, emphasizing that these must be the fundamental values on which Montenegro builds its future," the statement said.
Milatović said that sustainable development is not only an economic goal, but also a moral choice.
"We believe that dignity and equal opportunities do not come from privilege, but from work, knowledge and responsibility," said Milatović.
He recalled that Montenegro supported the Doha Political Declaration, which confirms the joint commitment to more just and inclusive social development.
The statement states that, speaking about reforms in Montenegro, Milatović highlighted progress in improving the living standards of citizens, increasing minimum wages and pensions, strengthening labor rights, and introducing social incentives, in order to ensure that economic development is fair and reaches every individual.
"Today, every child in Montenegro has a child allowance and free textbooks - these are concrete steps that mean greater social security and equal opportunities," said Milatović.
He emphasized that inequalities can only be reduced through cooperation between the state, international partners, and the private sector.
"For the second year in a row, in cooperation with the economy and the Red Cross, we have been implementing an initiative aimed at supporting socially vulnerable families. Together, we are showing that solidarity is not a slogan - but a deed," said Milatović.
He, as announced, recalled the importance of demographic policy and, in that context, recalled the initiative to establish a bond for the diaspora as a way for our people abroad to directly invest in development projects in Montenegro, strengthening the economy and ties with the homeland.
"He emphasized that although Montenegro is aware of numerous challenges - the departure of young people and experts, we will continue to face them by building partnerships with the UN and international organizations, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030," the statement said.
Milatović said that the goal is clear and that Montenegro must be a country that does not stand still, but moves forward.
"A society that believes in work, knowledge and honesty. This is our responsibility towards future generations and towards the world we belong to," said Milatović.
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