Shahman from the Beijing Forum: Montenegro needs international cooperation in the field of human rights

The President of the Bosniak Democratic Movement (BDP), Dr. Sead Šahman, was in Beijing for the 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance.

On the first day of the Forum, Shahman essentially stated that the modern international order faces complex challenges that transcend the borders of individual states, regardless of their size, economic and political strength.

"Geopolitical tensions, growing economic inequalities, climate change, migration flows and accelerated digital transformation require stronger international cooperation and more efficient global governance mechanisms. In such circumstances, the protection and promotion of human rights cannot be viewed separately from issues of peace, development and international security," said Shahman.

He recalled that the right to development, confirmed by the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development from 1986, has special significance in this process.

"Forty years after its adoption, it is still obvious that without economic progress, access to education, health care and technological innovation, it is not possible to achieve full protection of human dignity. The fight against poverty, reducing development disparities between countries and creating equal opportunities for all people are fundamental prerequisites for the realization of universal human rights," said the President of the BDP.

He adds that at the same time, the development of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, offers significant opportunities for improving the quality of life, but also raises new questions regarding the protection of privacy, human dignity, equality and freedom of expression. Therefore, he states, it is of particular importance to establish international standards and cooperation mechanisms to ensure that technological progress serves humanity, and not creates new forms of discrimination and social divisions.

"From the perspective of Montenegro, a European state that sees its future in further strengthening democracy, the rule of law and European integration, international cooperation in the field of human rights represents an important instrument of social development and institutional strengthening. Montenegro has made progress in harmonizing its legislation with international standards, as well as in improving the protection of minority rights and gender equality. However, the challenges related to strengthening citizens' trust in institutions, improving the efficiency of the judiciary and ensuring full social inclusion of all citizens remain priorities for the further democratic development of the country," Šahman emphasized.

He added that only through cooperation, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to universal values ​​is it possible to effectively respond to the challenges of the 21st century and ensure that human rights remain at the center of global development and governance.

During his presentation, he also said that the People's Republic of China believes that the right to development is the most fundamental human right, which focuses on people's basic sources of income and the right to development.

"Progress is visible in that direction, and we wish our Chinese friends much success in their further development. We believe that cooperation with them in many social areas is mutually important," concluded Šahman.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the Information Office of the State Council of that country, and Šahman was the only participant from Montenegro at this prestigious gathering that brought together participants from over a hundred countries around the world.