Podgorica, July 5, 2021 - The fourteenth iteration of the "Gavro Vuković" Summer School for Young Diplomats, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been organizing since 2008, entitled "Strengthening Trust and Cooperation for Shaping a Secure and Prosperous Future," was officially opened online today.

The health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic did not break the tradition, but rather caused to move the young diplomats program to the online world. Using the internet platform, in the coming days, more than 70 of them will follow the lectures every day and discuss the topics that connect them, even though they come from 30 different countries around the world. In this way, they will acquire diplomacy skills, while making contacts and friendships, which represent an important part of their future careers.

Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media Tamara Srzentić reminded that so far more than 500 alumni from almost 80 countries have attended the Summer School, and that this initiative represents a unique international event that, in addition to connecting Montenegro with the world, improves the knowledge of young diplomats who will shape our future tomorrow.

Speaking about the challenges of the pandemic, Minister Srzentić pointed out that "no country is capable of facing it on its own". In this context, the Summer School will allow us to share knowledge related to more digital transformation and the ways in which we can connect. At the same time, it will be a space for a debate on whether we have the appropriate knowledge and skills to face new challenges".

UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Daniela Gašparikova, told the participants of the Summer School that they were ambassadors of a better future, who will create a healthier and safer world by trying to build resilient societies, already participating in solving common challenges.

"The solid foundation can be found in 2030 Agenda and 17 Sustainable Development Goals – the only universal plan that connects all countries and citizens around the planet, and I am convinced that the young diplomats gathered by this school will contribute to success and strengthen the commitment of their respective countries to these goals." As the pandemic has caused a social and economic crisis, we must encourage and inspire a new generation of international leaders who have a positive attitude towards the world. "The world needs to be strengthened and enriched with trust and cooperation, which will bring us security, progress and understanding among the people," Gašparikova said.

Addressing the participants of the Summer School, the President of the Municipality of Berane, Tihomir Bogavac, spoke about Gavro Vuković, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, after whom the school is named. "He is an example of how the glorious name of Montenegro is preserved and spread, respecting statehood and everything it represents," he said, calling on students to embrace values ​​that will enable them to be worthy representatives of their countries and peoples. "I am proud that there will be a trace in your biographies that you have made steps in our Montenegro on the path of adopting the standards of modern diplomacy," he pointed out.

At the opening of the XIV "Gavro Vuković" Summer School for Young Diplomats, Ambassador Mirsad Bibović also spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reminding of the importance of the Summer School project, which is an investment for the future, while Prince Nikola Petrović Njegoš emphasized the role of diplomacy in environmental protection.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Montenegro has been a partner in the organization of this event since 2008. Since this year, the organization of the School has been supported by the NATO Department of Public Diplomacy. The Summer School program, which covers various topics in the field of diplomacy and international relations, will last until July 9.

*Press release was originally published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs