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The eighteenth edition of the “Gavro Vuković” Summer School for Young Diplomats opened

Gathered 70 participants from over 50 countries

June 23, 2025
A large group of people poses together in front of a tall, stone pyramid structure, surrounded by trees.
UNDP/Željko Bracanović

The eighteenth international “Gavro Vuković” Summer School for Young Diplomats, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has opened in Berane, in Jasikovac Park. This year’s school has brought together 70 participants from 53 countries, marking the highest number of participating countries so far.

UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, emphasized that this School is an example of the kind of diplomacy that should always prevail—a meeting of minds, a bridge between cultures, and a space where trust is built.

“In a world marked by uncertainty and divisions, diplomacy connects us. It transforms conflicts into cooperation, and differences into dialogue—bringing together people, cultures, and governments in the pursuit of peace and human development,” said Resident Representative Paniklova. She highlighted that it is precisely young diplomats who play a crucial role in shaping today’s world through their commitment to cooperation, equality, and building a more inclusive and resilient future.

A woman in a dark suit speaks into a microphone, holding notes, against a textured stone wall.
A crowd of people attentively listening to a speaker outdoors, surrounded by trees.
A man in a suit stands at a microphone, addressing an audience, with a camera focused nearby.
A diverse group of people in formal attire, attending an outdoor event.
A man in a blue suit speaks into a microphone against a textured stone wall.
A crowd of people in formal attire stands outdoors among trees, facing a memorial structure.
Two smiling individuals stand together outdoors, surrounded by a casual gathering of people.
A diverse group of people in formal attire engaging in conversation outdoors.
Aerial view of a cone-shaped structure surrounded by people and trees.

Welcoming the participants, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović emphasized that this initiative, originally launched to foster regional cooperation among young diplomats, has now grown into a globally recognized platform.

“To date, more than 1,000 international relations professionals from nearly 100 countries have had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expand their diplomatic networks through this school,” the Minister noted, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interaction at a time when communication is increasingly shifting to the digital space.

“This is the very essence of diplomacy—to understand, explore, convey information, and make decisions in the interest of those we represent. You will seek solutions where others see obstacles. You are the ones who will build bridges of cooperation and make decisions that connect people and ideas,” said Ibrahimović.

The President of the Municipality of Berane, Đole Lutovac, welcomed the participants to the hometown of Gavro Vuković, Montenegro’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs, stating that on this occasion, Berane is sending a message of openness, cooperation, and youth. “You are the future leaders, and your role in the world will be irreplaceable,” Lutovac said.

The program runs until June 27 and will continue in the coming days in Kolašin, Podgorica, Cetinje, and Kotor. Through dialogue and the exchange of experiences, participants will have the opportunity to connect, get to know Montenegro, and discuss contemporary global challenges.