Montenegro signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Actions

The declaration is the first commitment of its kind to accelerate the implementation of inclusive climate policies and child-friendly actions at national and global levels

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From the event in Podgorica, Photo: Saša Matić/Government of Montenegro
From the event in Podgorica, Photo: Saša Matić/Government of Montenegro
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

Today, in response to the "growing and unique impact of the climate crisis on children", the Government of Montenegro joined more than 40 countries that signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Change.

The declaration was signed at an event with young people in Podgorica.

"We are aware of the risk that children suffer the most from the consequences of climate change and their voice must be heard. Only together can we develop solutions to face the challenges of climate change. The signing of the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Change is an indication that the problem is taken seriously and that the Government of Montenegro is taking steps to properly develop solutions to the challenges we face. In cooperation with UNICEF in Montenegro, we will work on the development of action plans for the implementation of measures from the Declaration itself", said Dragoslav Šćekić, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Council for the Rights of the Child after signing the declaration, on behalf of the executive authorities.

Declaration on children
photo: Saša Matić/Government of Montenegro

During the ceremony, young people from Montenegro shared their concerns regarding the climate crisis, as well as proposals for immediate actions that include policies that national and local governments can adopt, the statement said.

"Most older people don't think the problem of global warming is as urgent as young people do. It seems to me that people think that this problem will be solved at some other time, but there is no other time. The voices of young people are important, because it is young people who will have to solve most of these problems", said the eighteen-year-old Lejla Srdanović.

Declaration on children
photo: Saša Matić/Government of Montenegro

Her friend, seventeen years old Emir Alkovic he explained: "Although we, the youth, are not responsible for climate change, it will have a big impact on us. That is why we want to see more education on the topic of sustainable development in schools. We must save water and forests, because we need forests for clean air. And everyone has to contribute to save the planet.”

"By signing the Declaration, Montenegro undertook to work with children and young people to identify and undertake actions that will provide future generations with a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. We look forward to continued cooperation with the Government in order to support it to implement this Declaration and achieve real results for children", Ređina De Dominićis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia and Special Coordinator for Refugee and Migrant Response, said at this event. crisis in Europe.

Declaration on children
photo: Saša Matić/Government of Montenegro

"Humanity is at war with nature. The activities of our 'civilization' are, without a doubt, a crime against youth and life on Earth. The most important and urgent task in the history of mankind is the rapid transition (in less than 25, and probably in less than 20 years) from the current unsustainable society to a society that is organized in a sustainable way. My opinion is that the only solution is to improve and ennoble the current democratic system, based on legislative, executive and judicial power, by introducing the fourth power, which is the scientific or knowledge power," said Prof. Ph.D. Dragan Hajduković at today's signing of the Declaration.

Declaration on children
photo: Saša Matić/Government of Montenegro

The declaration, as explained, is the first commitment of its kind to accelerate the implementation of inclusive climate policies and child-friendly actions at the national and global level. As one of the guardians of the Declaration, UNICEF works with governments, including the Government of Montenegro, to support its adoption and implementation. All member states of the United Nations are invited to sign it.

In Europe, Montenegro joined the governments of Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia and Spain in adopting this Declaration.

Declaration on children
photo: Saša Matić/Government of Montenegro

"To support the implementation of the Declaration, UNICEF is working with governments and partners to adapt and strengthen the existing systems on which children rely, including education, health and social protection systems, to ensure that services can withstand and respond to the effects of climate change and mitigates the risks," the announcement concludes.

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