The Fourth Forum “Youth for the Youth” was Held in Podgorica

he Fourth MOACG Forum 2025, titled “Youth for Youth”, was held in Podgorica, bringing together young people and representatives of institutions and civil society to discuss youth engagement and participation. As part of the panel “Youth Activism and Participation as a Tool for Strengthening Civil Society”, participants were addressed by Dragana Ćetković, Director General of the Directorate for Higher Education and Student Standard.

Speaking about the recently adopted Law on Higher Education, Ćetković highlighted that it introduces significant changes aimed at improving quality and strengthening autonomy in higher education. She stressed that the education system increasingly recognises the importance of fostering a democratic and participatory political culture among young people, noting that education should go beyond knowledge transfer and serve as a value-based framework that encourages young people to become active, responsible, and socially engaged citizens.

Ćetković explained that curricula at all levels include content related to democratic values, ranging from civic education in primary and secondary schools to the promotion of critical thinking, tolerance, respect for diversity, and human rights across most subjects. She also underlined the growing emphasis on active learning methods, such as project-based work, debates, student parliaments, volunteering initiatives, and simulations of democratic processes, which allow young people to gain practical experience in participation, decision-making, and responsibility.

In addition, she noted that the Ministry cooperates with civil society organisations, international partners, and schools through various programmes to promote models of schools as inclusive communities based on dialogue, partnership, and cooperation between students, teachers, and parents.

The panel also featured contributions on youth activism from Slađana Anđušić, Secretary of the Secretariat for Local Self-Government and Cooperation with Civil Society of the Capital City, Nevenka Vuksanović, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM), and Lepa Žunjić from the Parents Association.

Source: https://www.gov.me/clanak/odrzan-cetvrti-forum-moacg-2025-mladi-za-mlade