5.6 Supporting youth organisations
At the heart of the formal support system is the Ministry of Sports and Youth. This government body is responsible for implementing the Law on Youth and the national Youth Strategy. These documents provide the legal basis for financing youth projects and establishing infrastructure, such as local youth centers. A significant current focus of the Ministry is the reform of the legal framework to better recognize and support national youth organizations, ensuring they have a sustainable voice in policy-making.
The Ministry of Sports and Youth plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation by fostering an environment where young people can thrive both personally and professionally. Through a comprehensive approach that integrates financial support, policy advancement, and infrastructural development, the Ministry actively works to address the multifaceted needs of the younger generation. By prioritizing strategic initiatives, the Ministry ensures that youth are not merely passive recipients of aid but active participants in the country’s social and economic progress.
Central to this mission is the provision of robust institutional and project-based support. By regularly issuing public calls for funding, the Ministry empowers non-governmental organizations to implement programs focused on non-formal education, civic activism, and youth policy. Furthermore, the establishment and maintenance of youth services, such as local youth centers and clubs, provide essential spaces for networking and skill-building. These efforts are complemented by initiatives like "Youth for Youth," which promote mobility and guarantee that young voices are meaningfully integrated into national decision-making processes.
Parallel to social empowerment, the Ministry places significant emphasis on athletic development and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Recognizing that sports are a vital tool for youth development, the Ministry provides scholarships and financial awards to promising young talents, enabling them to pursue professional excellence. This commitment extends to the grassroots level through substantial investments in school and university sports infrastructure. By modernizing sports halls and local fields, the Ministry ensures that all young people have access to high-quality facilities, thereby fostering a culture of physical activity and discipline.
The Ministry recognizes the importance of economic integration and international cooperation in a globalized world. In partnership with international organizations such as the European Union and the UNDP, it implements targeted programs designed to enhance digital literacy and bridge the gap between formal education and the labor market. Additionally, by supporting local municipalities in their bids for prestigious titles like the European Youth Capital, the Ministry promotes regional innovation and cultural exchange. Through these diverse yet interconnected pillars, the Ministry of Sports and Youth continues to serve as a cornerstone of support, dedicated to unlocking the full potential of every young individual.
While the state provides the framework, civil society drives the energy. The Youth Network of Montenegro (MMCG) serves as the primary umbrella organization, uniting numerous NGOs to advocate for youth interests at the highest levels. By maintaining an Address Book of Youth Policy Actors, they bridge the gap between small local initiatives and national stakeholders.
Complementing this is the Network for Youth Activism of Montenegro (MOACG), which focuses heavily on the grassroots level. Their work is centered on non-formal education and volunteerism, providing young individuals with the skills necessary to lead their own organizations and community projects.
Financial sustainability remains one of the greatest challenges for youth work. Support often comes through competitive grant schemes. A notable example is the "SYNERGY Montenegro" program, implemented by the Centre for Civic Education (CGO). This initiative specifically targets the strengthening of youth networks, providing the resources needed for long-term impact rather than one-off activities.
Furthermore, international partners like the UNDP play a crucial role in localizing support. Success stories, such as the Youth Club Kotor, demonstrate how collaboration between local municipalities and international organizations can create safe spaces for youth to organize, learn, and influence local government budgets and priorities.
Support to young people in Montenegro is also provided by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), which promotes youth cooperation, dialogue, and exchange programs across the Western Balkans.
In Montenegro, RYCO supports youth through various exchange programs, regional projects, and training opportunities that encourage active participation and intercultural dialogue. These initiatives enable young people to connect with their peers from neighboring countries, develop new skills, and engage in collaborative learning experiences.
Through its work, Regional Youth Cooperation Office contributes to strengthening regional ties and empowering young people to become active contributors to social cohesion and long-term stability in the region.