The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, organized a three-day training from 28 to 30 November, aimed at strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations and secondary schools to implement the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda.
The activity brought together 20 participants, representing secondary schools and non-governmental organizations from across the country.
The training was officially opened on 28 November with introductory remarks delivered by Bojana Lalatović, RYCO Program Coordinator, who emphasized:
“Working with young people requires not only knowledge but also sensitivity, commitment and readiness to adapt to their needs. The YPS Agenda reminds us that youth are not merely beneficiaries of peacebuilding efforts, but essential partners. This training is designed to equip educators and civil society actors with practical tools to empower young people and help them become active contributors to peaceful and cohesive communities.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Darko Stojanović, Director General of the Directorate for Cooperation with Youth and NGOs, stated:
“As institutions, we have a responsibility to create an environment in which young people feel safe, heard and supported. By strengthening cooperation between schools, civil society and the state, we can ensure that the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda becomes a living framework that guides our work with young people. Initiatives like this training show how much can be achieved when we invest in the capacities of those who work directly with youth.”
Addressing the participants on behalf of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Bernd Burwitz, Program Manager, noted:
“Peacebuilding begins in classrooms, youth clubs and local communities. When teachers and civil society organizations have the skills to engage young people meaningfully, we build the foundations for long-term stability and social cohesion. The OSCE Mission is proud to support initiatives that equip practitioners with knowledge, methods and confidence to integrate the YPS principles into their everyday work.”
Over the course of three days, participants deepened their understanding of the five pillars of the YPS Agenda and explored its relevance within school and community contexts. They worked on developing a shared vision for their schools and communities for the year 2030, and engaged in discussions on localizing the YPS Agenda through the analysis of key actors, institutional frameworks and the perspectives of young people on peace and security in Montenegro. The program also included practical sessions on tools and methods for working with youth, focusing on inclusive and participatory approaches, as well as strengthening facilitation skills. On the final day, participants were introduced to RYCO’s programs and initiatives supporting the promotion of the YPS Agenda and jointly formulated recommendations before completing the evaluation and officially closing the training.
This event forms part of broader efforts by RYCO and the OSCE Mission to further enhance dialogue, social cohesion and the role of young people in peacebuilding in Montenegro, while fostering stronger cooperation between the education and civil society sectors.
