Head of OSCE Mission visits Pljevlja for its traditional football tournament for girls

On 5 and 6 December, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Jan Haukaas, visited Pljevlja to attend the 12th International Friendship Tournament for Girls, traditionally organized by the “Breznica” football club.

As an organization that prioritizes youth and their empowerment, the Mission has recognized the work and achievements of this club, providing continuous support since 2019 for the event that gathers diverse people from Montenegro and the region.

This year, in addition to Montenegrin, teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia participated in the tournament.

“This gathering is a testament to the strength found in diversity – when people from different backgrounds come together, we all grow stronger.,” said Ambassador Haukaas. He added that “Our presence here goes beyond enjoying football; we are here to celebrate the empowerment of girls and women and their efforts to advance equality in sports.” 

During the visit to Pljevlja, Ambassador Haukaas also met with Mayor Dario Vraneš, who presented municipality’s challenges and opportunities. Moreover, he met with local civic activists Vaso Knežević from the NGONGO
non-governmental organization “Let the Village Live”, and Milorad Mitrović from the NGO “Breznica”, with whom he discussed the most pressing environmental issues in Pljevlja and its surrounding.

The Mission will continue to provide support to initiatives that promote youth and women engagement, as well as broader social inclusivity.