Opening of the 12^th Montenegrin Summer School for Young Diplomats „Gavro Vuković“ 

Dear Minister Bogdanović, dear Mr. Šćekić,

Dear fellow diplomats,

It is a privilege to be here today, surrounded by young diplomats – you have the power to shape the future of our countries and our shared planet. But that power also comes with responsibility. In order to change the world tomorrow, we must act today. But we cannot do it alone – in today’s interconnected world, strong, lasting partnerships and alliances are critical in defining and achieving the change.

This is why we gathered here – to give you an opportunity to create foundations of your potential future alliances around foreign policy issues and priorities of the countries you will represent. This year’s motto: “Get Together in Montenegro, Stay Connected to Shape a Better Future” – epitomises this goal.  And for the past twelve years, we’ve been turning  this principle into practice. When UNDP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined the forces to establish this Summer School for Young Diplomats, together with our partners from the Municipality of Berane – we had humble goals. But we can be more than proud of our results so far: the School gave birth to a strong alumni network of diplomats – with more than 550 young diplomats from more than 65 countries.  

You are our ambassadors for a better tomorrow which is anchored in peace, security and improving living standards equally for all. Your mission will be to place people at the heart of your country diplomacy and our development cooperation. You have the power to become advocates for people to actively engage in changing their own destiny, transforming their own societies, being in charge of their own development which is strongly anchored in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For the next 11 years, 193 countries committed to a joined plan that connects them and their citizens across the world – and that is the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. It’s the most ambitious and comprehensive development plan vision agreed to end poverty in the next decade. While the time is ticking, I am confident that you will go back from Montenegro with renewed commitment to help your countries achieve the SDGs and shape a better future.  

To conclude, I feel obliged to also point out to one prevailing deficiency across the world: women are still vastly outnumbered by men at senior levels, including in diplomacy. I pledge to you to make a collective behavioural change by emphasising the important role that women play in conflict resolution processes and peace negotiations.

I wish you a productive week in Montenegro, and I hope your careers will take off thanks to this School and the connections you make here.