Information providers / counselling structures

In Montenegro, several institutions and organizations provide information and counselling to young people regarding democratic rights, political participation, and youth policies. Key actors include the Ministry of Sports and Youth, local youth services, civil society organizations, and international organizations such as the OSCE, UNICEF, and the EU Delegation to Montenegro.

The Youth Strategy 2023–2027 emphasizes the importance of timely and transparent information for young people, as well as their active participation in public policy-making processes.

In addition, non-governmental organizations play an important role in political education and counselling for youth. Organizations such as the Centre for Civic Education (CCE), Juventas, Forum MNE and others organize workshops, mentoring programmes, and civic education activities that help young people better understand democratic institutions and their rights as citizens.

International organizations such as the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and UNICEF Montenegro also support training programmes and youth consultations focused on democratic participation and social inclusion.

For example, the “Youth Dialogue” campaign, organized by the EU Delegation to Montenegro, the EU Info Centre, and partner organizations, enabled young people to directly communicate with decision-makers through workshops, public discussions, and online consultations. The initiative aimed to strengthen institutional dialogue between youth and public authorities.

In addition, the OSCE and RYCO support youth networks and training programmes for young political leaders in order to increase youth participation in democratic processes.

Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

Montenegro has implemented several campaigns aimed at raising awareness among young people about democratic values, human rights, and political participation.

One of the most significant initiatives was the “Youth Dialogue” campaign, which promoted youth participation in decision-making and encouraged young people to express their views on issues directly affecting them. The campaign included public events, online surveys, and meetings between young people and institutions.

UNICEF Montenegro also organized the initiative “YouthAskingPoliticians”, through which young people asked political leaders questions on youth-related issues ahead of parliamentary elections. This initiative promoted political participation and democratic dialogue among youth.

In 2025, the OSCE and RYCO organized training sessions for young representatives of political parties with the aim of strengthening their role in political processes and promoting a democratic culture of dialogue and cooperation.

Promoting intercultural dialogue among young people

As a multicultural and multi-ethnic country, Montenegro places importance on promoting intercultural dialogue among youth from different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds.

The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) supports regional exchange programmes, youth mobility projects, and intercultural workshops that bring together young people from Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries. These programmes focus on reconciliation, tolerance, and regional cooperation.

Civil society organizations also organize intercultural learning activities. For example, the NGO UZOR implemented projects focused on diversity, anti-discrimination, and dialogue through youth camps, discussions, and digital media initiatives.

Schools and youth organizations additionally participate in projects promoting inclusion of minority groups and combating hate speech, prejudice, and stereotypes among young people.

Montenegro has adopted its first National Strategy for Interculturalism and Social Cohesion 2025–2028, establishing this concept as an important public policy priority. The strategy aims to improve intercultural dialogue, strengthen social cohesion, and promote the values of tolerance, solidarity, and mutual respect among all communities in the country. Developed by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, the document seeks to contribute to a more stable, inclusive, and sustainable social development of Montenegro by affirming interculturalism as a foundation for shared life in a diverse society.

Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

Montenegro has increasingly focused on adapting public communication to the needs and communication habits of young people. Public institutions and youth organizations use social media, online platforms, and digital campaigns to make information more accessible and understandable for youth audiences.

The Youth Strategy 2023–2027 emphasizes the importance of transparent communication between institutions and young people, especially regarding education, employment opportunities, participation mechanisms, and youth-related policies.

Many municipalities have introduced youth-focused communication channels through youth offices and local information portals where young people can access information about public consultations, volunteering opportunities, cultural events, and support programmes.

At the same time, civil society organizations advocate for more open and two-way communication between institutions and youth, encouraging authorities to involve young people more directly in policy discussions and decision-making processes.