OSCE Mission supports capacity of NGOs and high school teachers on Youth, Peace and Security Agenda

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro, in partnership with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) Local Branch Office (LBO), organized a capacity-building training for NGONGO
non-governmental organization representatives and high school teachers from 28 to 30 November in Budva, focused on the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda. The training session discussed how local communities can engage young people as active agents of peace and inclusive decision-making, adapting international principles to the Montenegrin context. 

Twenty participants explored key concepts of the YPS Agenda and practical approaches to empower youth. Sessions addressed combatting prejudices and stereotypes, enhancing youth participation, empowering young people, and building partnerships. Participants were also introduced to approaches, methods, and tools to support their daily work with young people. 

The Mission’s co-operation with RYCO LBO has previously resulted in the signing of the Declaration of Commitment to Youth Regional Cooperation, Intercultural Dialogue and Reconciliation by 12 members of the Montenegrin Parliament. The lawmakers pledged to maintain regular dialogue with youth and youth-focused organizations, ensuring their active role in decision-making and peacebuilding. 

The Mission’s Democratization Programme Manager Bernd Burwitz stated that “civil society leaders and high-school teachers are essential partners in this process, shaping young people’s choices and fostering active engagement in society.”

Bojana Lalatović, RYCO Programme Coordinator, highlighted the crucial role that high schools and NGOs play in engaging young people from marginalized communities. “We truly see you as partners, we appreciate you, and we want to work even more closely with you to build a better society,” said Lalatović.

Darko Stojanović, Director of the Directorate for Youth and Cooperation with NGOs in the Ministry noted that, despite existing divisions, Montenegro maintains a strong and unified commitment to future EU membership, with young people and those who work with them at the center of these efforts. “The Western Balkans has gone through a turbulent period, and it is crucial that we build bridges of trust, free of prejudice and the weight of past events,” said Stojanović.

The training session strengthened the capacity of educators and civil society actors to engage young people as active contributors to peacebuilding and inclusive decision-making.