Podgorica has been awarded the title of European Youth Capital for 2028, it was decided at a ceremony held in the Ukrainian city of Lviv.
This prestigious title represents one of the most important European recognitions in the field of youth policies, awarded to cities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to young people, their development, participation and the creation of inclusive urban policies, the Capital City announced.
Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović said that this title is a recognition of their city's development strategy that sees its youth as a driving force.
"Podgorica has proven that it has the vision, energy and capacity to become a regional center of youth, innovation and creativity. This success belongs to all the young people who believed in our city and actively contributed to its development," Mujović emphasized.
The President of the Capital City Assembly, Jelena Borovinić, Bojović, said that she was proud that Podgorica had once again shown that it was boldly taking steps towards European standards.
"This title is an important step forward and confirmation that our city is ready to provide young people with more space, more opportunities and more opportunities to shape the community. I thank all the partners and participants who contributed to this great success," she added.
The Capital City announced that it will soon present a detailed plan of activities and projects that will be implemented during 2028, inviting all young people to participate in further shaping the European Youth Capital program.
A video was posted on the social network Instagram showing Mayor Saša Mujović, President of the Capital City Assembly Jelena Borovinić Bojović, Secretary for Local Self-Government and Cooperation with Civil Society Slađana Anđušić, Secretary for Social Welfare Stefan Vešović, Head of the Mayor's Cabinet Vesna Brajović, Danilo Vučinić from the Youth Office and Vladimir Perazić, Secretary General of the Youth Network of Montenegro, watching the live broadcast in the premises of the Podgorica Assembly and then celebrating the title.
Also in the running for this title were the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, the Cypriot city of Paralimni, the Bulgarian city of Pernik, and the Dutch city of Leeuwarden.
"I believe we have convinced the international jury that our city is ready to be the center of European youth policy in 2028. Without young people, there is no development, and this candidacy is our clearest proof that we want to build Podgorica to their measure," said Mujović after presenting the final candidacy on November 19.
The European Youth Capital is an annual title awarded by the European Youth Forum, and its aim is to enable young people to actively shape life in their city, through innovative programs, cultural events, community development and new models of participation. By winning the title for 2028, Podgorica has joined a network of European cities that recognize young people as key drivers of social change, the Capital announced.
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