At the very beginning, let me wish you a warm welcome. I am very pleased that today we have the opportunity to hear more about the needs and challenges of young people in Montenegro.

My colleagues are about to present research that identified the views of the youth, after a particularly challenging period caused by Covid-19.

This research was conducted in the context of the ReLOaD initiative, which exists in order to create a society that enables everyone, and leaves no one behind. Certainly, one of the priority goals is the involvement of young people in community development.

We were able to achieve significant results in the first phase of ReLOaD, which directly benefited numerous citizens, including the younger population. We are convinced that by strengthening the partnership between local self-governments and civil society, a stimulating environment can be created for the inclusion of the non-governmental sector in the social and economic development of municipalities. Finally, in this way, the participation of citizens in the management of the local community will be strengthened thus accelerating the process of integration of Montenegro into the EU.

We have already shown how inclusive, gender-responsive projects can be implemented in areas that the local communities recognise as key ones. By combining transparent mechanisms for the distribution of public funds with youth activism, we have a great chance to substantially improve the position of not only young people, but the entire community.

What does this mean in practice? The part of the programme dedicated to young women and men will allow them to learn about specific youth initiatives and improve their skills and work.

As we saw in the video at the beginning, young people are sometimes discouraged because of inadequate job opportunities and financial situation. We also see that they are often not satisfied with their municipalities' educational systems and cultural offer. On the other hand, we also discover what young people are interested in, their business ideas, and what skills they master...

This research also provides an insight into the perceptions of opportunities and barriers from both female and male perspectives – the perceptions of citizens living in different municipalities. I believe that the results we will hear today will serve decision-makers as a starting point in developing policies and programmes for young people and addressing the challenges they face.

This is the essence of the ReLOaD project – to hear recommendations and discuss solutions through an open discussion. In this process, we must not forget that young people are not a single and unified category. We must consider the different needs of young women and men, as well as the specific obstacles that young members of minority ethnic groups or other marginalised groups face.

I am convinced that we can improve local policies and programmes aimed at youth by working together. With the financial support of the European Union and in cooperation with 15 municipalities, UNDP continues to translate creative ideas into quality projects that non-governmental organisations will implement. We are particularly proud of the part of the funds directed specifically to the most creative ideas of non-governmental organisations that work with young people or have just been founded.

That is why the message to everyone, especially young women and men, is – we are here to provide you with additional opportunities so that you can use your capacities, so that you can be the creators not only of a better future, but also of a better present!

I would like to thank the Delegation of the European Union for their support through all phases of this project and the municipalities and non-governmental organisations for their strong partnership. I believe that we are ready to continue working together to translate the conclusions into action.