Today is International Youth Day.
On that occasion, several politicians and public officials sent congratulations.
Borovinić Bojović: Podgorica is applying for the status of European Youth Capital in 2028.
The President of the Assembly of the Capital City, Jelena Borovinić Bojović, stated in her congratulatory message that International Youth Day represents "an extraordinary opportunity to express gratitude for their invaluable contribution to society and to renew our support for their aspirations and needs."
"This day is a reminder of the importance of young people in shaping the future, both locally and globally. Through continuous communication with young people, I had the opportunity to see for myself their real challenges and aspirations. Young people in Montenegro face numerous obstacles , which require our urgent attention and engagement.Creating a sustainable, youth-friendly community is key to building a stable and prosperous society.
"Given the importance we attach to the needs and potential of young people, this year Podgorica will apply for the status of European Youth Capital in 2028. This initiative will allow us to create an environment in which young people can progress freely, express their ideas and contribute to the community. Also , will give us the opportunity to improve infrastructure, support innovation and promote social engagement of young people at the European level.
"Our vision is to create a dynamic and inclusive environment through this project that will motivate young people to be active agents of change. We are proud of their potential and look forward to working together to build a better future for all of us," said Borovinić Bojović.
Vujović: The goal is to increase access to culture and encourage greater interest and participation of young people
"The Ministry of Culture and Media supports the creativity and innovation of young people by improving the conditions for access to culture and participation in it, encourages the production of cultural content for young people through numerous competitions, and through the synergy of public policies for culture and media works to support the talent and entrepreneurial skills of young people in culture and creative industries", stated the Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović in her message to young people on the occasion of Youth Day.
"Connecting young people with culture and cultural heritage that we can be proud of is one of the most important tasks of the department I manage. Appreciating young people, recognizing their needs, talents and skills, is the cornerstone for creating an active cultural audience and a new cultural stamp of our Montenegro. You are the ones who in your best years create a new culture and a new heritage for future generations, and it is up to us to ensure the conditions for that and solve the challenges that limit you from making your full contribution to culture," Vujović said.
She added that numerous contests that finance the cultural sector, through creative industries and animal husbandry, are the most important tools for awakening the sector that affirms young people both as an audience and as creators.
"We need more young people who visit our cultural institutions and take part in the programs. Sectoral analysis showed us that there is an insufficient supply of quality content for children and young people in the field of culture. I announce that a competition worth 150.000 euros will be announced soon, which will finance the creation of contents intended exclusively for children and young people, and which aim to empower children and young people through the release of their creative potential. On the other hand, with media policies, we encourage the production of media content of public interest, which, among other things, should educate about cultural heritage as well as creative industries. .
Vujković also pointed out that the sector of creative industries is a powerful tool when it comes to modern educational practices aimed at children and young people, which create the conditions for young people to create their economic independence and sustainability.
"The state of Montenegro has clearly shown its commitment to the development of creative industries, both by the implementation of competitions in this area by the Ministry of Culture and Media, and by investing in the development of creative hubs. Cultural hubs in Kotor, Savnik and Bar must become places where young people can to develop their creativity, that's why in the coming period we will work on creating policies that will allow them easier access to these places".
Vujović said that she is proud of the contribution that young people make to the success of the administration.
Paunović: Legal involvement of young people in all spheres is absolutely necessary
President of the Youth Democrats Mitar Paunović congratulated the International Youth Day.
"This day is an opportunity to strongly affirm and respect the voices, actions and initiatives of young people, but also to remind decision-makers and the system as a whole that the equal engagement of young people in all spheres is necessary for Montenegro, because young people are the future only as much as they are the present. Every day, but especially today, the historical importance of the current dynamization of the European integration process should be emphasized, because the removal of barriers and the connection with the most developed countries in the world is an ideal opportunity for our young people to finally go to those countries not for bread, but to gain the best knowledge and practices, which, with the necessary evaluation of quality, they would apply in their country, all for the benefit of its more successful future," said Paunović.
He pointed out that young people must be motivated to become more involved, to build initiatives of importance for their position, but also to organize and join forces at all levels.
Milatović: young people are the backbone of this country
Member of Parliament and president of the DPS Youth Council, Sonja Milatović, congratulated August 12 - International Youth Day.
"Instead of congratulations on the International Youth Day, I want to say thank you to the young people in Montenegro, because, despite everything bad at all levels, thanks to the post-August 30th liberators, who wanted to free us from the right to freedom of thought and speech, you are not giving up on our I know that many of them, who hold the most important positions today, did not want this state, but I also know that when we were still children, many of us sang in honor of Montenegro and in a childish way defied those who wanted deny us the right to grow up in our own house," said Milatović.
As she stated, she also knows that it is not pleasant "to live in an atmosphere of persecution of dissidents, and yet decide not to remain silent and continue to oppose a strange system of values".
"I know that it is devastating to witness that state enterprises do not employ the best that this country has, who would improve the system with their knowledge and abilities, but those who are the best at listening and nodding, and yet clearly show that your dignity is not for sale. I know and that what the educational systems in European countries offer is better than what the Montenegrin education system offers. I also know that the increase in VAT on books does not support the thesis that this country creates a favorable environment for educational and cultural development life is not easy, especially when you study outside your hometown, and what life looks like in a student dormitory, where the conditions are far from ideal promised, we only got prices higher than those of Luxembourg".
Milatović also said that peers from other countries are connected to the world, unlike those in Montenegro, "because the authorities are purposefully destroying Montenegrin airports, just as they have purposefully destroyed Montenegro Airlines, so today instead of Podgorica, due to the lack of an airline line, most often forced to fly from Tirana".
"Yet, on the other hand, I know that young people are the backbone of this country, which those who, while shamelessly spoiling good neighborly relations, gamble with our European future, will never break. In conclusion, when young people remember August 12, they usually don't miss opportunity to say that young people are the future of Montenegro. Today, for the umpteenth time, I inform them that, fortunately for her, the youth are the present of this country, and that we will not allow hypocrites from the comfortable armchairs to put our country and our future at risk "That's why we don't even accept congratulations from fraudsters and gamblers, self-proclaimed conciliators and liars," said Milatoivć.
Youth of the European Union: Decision makers pay too little attention to young people
On the International Youth Day, the youth of the European Union drew attention to the serious challenges facing the youth of the country.
They state that in Montenegro the voice of young people often remains unheard, and their problems are ignored.
"Decision-makers pay too little attention to young people, and the consequences are increasingly pronounced - mass emigration, a sense of hopelessness and a retreat into apathy. Unemployment among young people is alarmingly high - almost every third young person in Montenegro is unemployed. The unemployment rate among young people up to 24 years old is as much as 40,3 percent, which is far above the European average. Even more devastating is the fact that 26,8 percent of young people, aged 18 to 24, live at risk of poverty," the announcement reads.
The youth of the European Union add that the education system does not meet the needs of the modern labor market.
"Young people in Montenegro feel that education does not adequately prepare them for future challenges. The lack of practical teaching, modern technologies and teaching methods based on critical thinking, prevents them from acquiring the skills necessary for competitiveness. A reformed and modernized education system must be a priority so that young people had a chance to realize their potential. The trend of young people leaving the country is particularly worrying. Montenegro is losing its most promising people, who are in the process of education, and who are looking for a better life, security and opportunities abroad. This mass emigration has disastrous consequences for our country , and urgently requires changes that will give young people reasons to stay".
In the statement of the youth of the European Union, it is written that young people in Montenegro are less and less interested in politics, because they believe that their voice has no weight.
"This is the result of long-term ignoring of their needs and opinions by political elites. However, in order for society to progress, we must restore the trust of young people in institutions and involve them in decision-making processes. Therefore, we call for urgent and effective reforms in the field of education and employment, as and to create a space where the voice of young people will be heard and respected," the announcement reads, among other things.
Šćekić: The young force that shapes a better future for all of us
Youth are the initiators of change, bearers of innovation and the force that shapes a better future, said the Minister of Sports and Youth Dragoslav Šćekić.
As announced by the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Šćekić congratulated August 12, International Youth Day.
In his congratulatory message, he stated that August 12 is the day to celebrate the strength, energy and immense potential of young people, who are the initiators of change, bearers of innovation and the force that shapes a better future for everyone.
According to Šćekić, the imagination, creativity and persistence of young people in facing challenges make them key actors in building a better world.
"The world is faced with numerous challenges, from climate change to social inequalities, but your courage and determination show that there is no obstacle you cannot overcome," said Šćekić.
He pointed out that the ideas, dreams and visions of young people are not only an inspiration, but also a driving force that can reshape society and create a fairer and more sustainable world.
"On this special day, I wish you to stay true to yourself, to continue to believe in your abilities and to always fight for what you believe in. May the challenges on your way not discourage you, but may they motivate you to be even better, stronger and more determined," said Šćekić.
He said that young people are the future, but also the present, and that every step they take today shapes the world in which everyone will live together.
"For this reason, may you be accompanied not only by luck, but also by the wisdom to direct your talents towards creating a better world for everyone. May your dreams be big, your hearts full of hope, and your path to success bright and filled with joy", emphasized Šćekić. He told the young people to continue to be brave, creative and unstoppable because, as he pointed out, the world needs their voice and energy.
Marković: Young people are an inspiration for a better future
The leader of the Party of European Progress, Duško Marković, congratulated the International Youth Day.
"Young people are our inspiration for a better future. Only by working together can we contribute to the development and progress of our Montenegro," said Marković.
He stated that the potential of new generations is the motivation to work for the goals set by the Party of European Progress.
"This is a date that indicates that the voice, action and initiative of young people should be respected, including their involvement in all spheres of life. Unfortunately, young people face many challenges, which in Montenegro are expressed through the lack of resources for their basic needs such as are education, care for health and education and employment. The energy of the youth is the wheel of change, and the Party of European Progress will do everything for your success and advancement. In this name, I congratulate the youth of Montenegro and the youth in the diaspora once again," concluded Marković .
NGO Mladiinfo Montenegro launched a Viber channel
On the occasion of August 12, Youth Day, the non-governmental organization Mladiinfo Montenegro launched a Viber channel dedicated to young people throughout Montenegro. As they stated, the channel will serve as a central place for sharing information about various opportunities that will help young people in their professional and personal development.
"Mladiinfo Montenegro is an organization dedicated to improving the status of young people through education, support and providing information on opportunities for improvement. Through our activities, we strive to provide young people with easier access to the resources they need to achieve their goals and realize their full potential," he says. in the press release of the NGO Mladiinfo Montenegro.
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