Young people have an indispensable and key role in the future development of the country and Montenegro's European path, it was stated at the "Ask the Minister!" Forum.
On the occasion of Student Day, the Ministry of European Affairs (MEA) organized the eighth "Ask the Minister!" Forum, as part of the EU4ME project.
The government department said that the Forum brought together around 60 students from Montenegrin universities, who had the opportunity to talk with the Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić, the Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas and the Head of the Ministry of Energy, Admir Šahmanović.
"The goal of the forum is to encourage greater youth participation in the EU accession process, allowing students to discuss important topics with ministers and present their ideas and problems," the statement said.
Opening the Forum, Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy, Aleksa Bečić, emphasized the importance of dialogue with young people, who, according to him, are key actors in the process of transforming society and building a European future.
"I congratulate you on Students' Day. You are the force that pulls this country forward, and a reminder to us older people that no reform is worth it if it does not serve you. Today, through your gaze, I see the future that this country can have, if we do not let you down," said Bečić.
He told the students that if anyone had ever told them they were too young to understand or make decisions, it was a trick and an attempt to distance them from the truth.
"And the truth is that we have found a country in which those who were supposed to uphold the law have become a shelter for those who break it the most. And that is why I am speaking to you today as someone who knows that real upheavals do not happen when you change government, but when a generation awakens. And you are that generation," Bečić said.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević congratulated students on Students' Day and said that the ministry supports ideas and projects that give young people the space to actively participate in social processes.
She emphasized that it is important to listen to young people, because their opinions and criticism contribute to change, and that their voice must be present when decisions are made on important issues.
"The accession process implies the transformation of the entire society. I strongly believe that young people, and especially students, are key drivers of change and bearers of new ideas that are of immense importance for our future," said Gorčević.
As she said, the role of young people in the process of accession to the European Union (EU) is not only important, but also necessary.
"Young people should be given space to express their opinions and suggestions, because only through their active engagement can we ensure that our path towards the EU is truly inclusive, progressive and sustainable," said Gorčević.
The statement states that the students discussed with Ćulafić the importance of sustainable development for the future of Montenegro and the policies that need to be adopted in order to meet the criteria for closing Chapter 27 - Environment.
"Our future is you - students, carriers of change and hope for a better future. You are the ones who will shape the world we will live in, and your passion, knowledge and innovation play a major role in solving the challenges that await us," said Ćulafić.
He stated that he is pleased that, as the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, he can be part of this dialogue and support students in their efforts to jointly create a more sustainable and healthier planet for future generations.
Šahmanović presented energy projects to the students and discussed the importance of energy efficiency and the transition to renewable energy sources.
"It is a pleasure to talk to young people who are extremely informed, engaged and constructive in their discussions," said Šahmanović.
According to him, energy is a field that, in itself, but also through the direction of development it faces, represents a strong source of inspiration.
"Through today's conversation, I wanted to show our academics how important it is for Montenegro to valorize its exceptional potential in the energy sector," said Šahmanović, adding that energy, along with tourism, can and should be one of the key pillars of the Montenegrin economy and one of the main sources of exports.
The MEP said that students responded in large numbers, and they had the opportunity to ask questions to ministers, express their views, dilemmas, and everything else that really interests them.
"An event like this represents a great opportunity for direct dialogue between students and decision-makers in our country," said Vladimir Grujić, a student at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montenegro.
Ivana Popović, a student at the Faculty of Law at the University of Montenegro, said that it is necessary to organize more such events throughout the year so that the student voice is heard more clearly and respected in decision-making processes.
She emphasized that the impressions were very positive and that she was glad that students had the opportunity to directly discuss topics that were important to them.
"It was concluded that young people have an indispensable and key role in the future development and European path of Montenegro, and that their engagement must be recognized as the foundation for achieving long-term goals," the statement said.
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