Podgorica, Montenegro, 16 October 2026What does the future of food look like? In Montenegro, the answer could be found in an unexpected combination of traditional cheeses from mountain farms, locally produced honey and fruit products, scientific discoveries under a microscope and dishes prepared by young culinary students.At the University of Donja Gorica, World Food Day 2026 became a meeting of generations, experiences and ideas, united by the belief that the future of food depends as much on the people who produce it as on the innovations that help them thrive.Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Montenegro in cooperation with the University of Donja Gorica, the event brought this year's global theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”, to life through interactive experiences connecting agriculture, science, education and responsible food choices. The people behind the foodAt the heart of the celebration were Montenegro's local producers, whose stands offered more than agricultural products. They provided an opportunity to discover the people, knowledge and dedication behind family farming.This human dimension was particularly visible in the photography exhibition “Women Who Feed Montenegro”, celebrating women whose daily work sustains family farms, preserves traditional food production and supports rural communities.From mountain pastures and traditional cheese-making to beekeeping and fruit processing, their stories reflected the richness of Montenegro's agricultural heritage and the determination required to keep it alive. They also carried an important message about the need for greater recognition and opportunities for rural women.“Behind the food we enjoy every day are people whose work often goes unseen. We wanted this celebration to recognize their contribution, particularly that of rural women, while showing how knowledge, innovation and partnerships can create new opportunities for the communities that feed us,” said Jovana Šuković, FAO National Programme Coordinator in Montenegro. Where tradition meets innovationJust a few steps away, the Food Science and Innovation Corner offered visitors a glimpse into the science behind food quality and safety through interactive demonstrations and microscope observations.The connection was clear. Traditional knowledge and modern science can complement each other, helping improve production, safeguard food quality and create new opportunities for farmers.For the University of Donja Gorica, hosting the celebration was also an opportunity to bring scientific knowledge closer to everyday life.“Food science has its greatest value when it reaches beyond the laboratory and contributes to people's lives. Bringing students, researchers and food producers together helps us connect education with real challenges and encourages young people to see themselves as part of the solutions,” said Professor Aleksandra Martinović, Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology, Food Safety and Ecology at the University of Donja Gorica.At the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Information Corner, visitors explored what European Union agricultural policies mean for Montenegro's farmers and how the country is preparing its agricultural sector for European integration. The activity reflected FAO's ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in strengthening institutional capacities and supporting farmers through this transition. Young minds, fresh ideasChildren and young people brought their own energy and creativity to the celebration.In the Children's Corner, educational games and hands-on activities encouraged younger visitors to explore where food comes from and why reducing food waste matters.Students from the “Sergije Stanić” Secondary Vocational School added another dimension, presenting dishes they had prepared using familiar ingredients, culinary skills and imagination.Their contribution showed that innovation does not always require sophisticated technology. Sometimes it begins with a different way of thinking about ingredients, resources and the value of food.For the young participants, the event offered an opportunity to see how their knowledge and creativity could contribute to more sustainable agrifood systems. A shared responsibility for the futureThe celebration reflected the importance of partnerships in addressing interconnected food and environmental challenges.FAO's longstanding cooperation with Montenegro's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, its growing engagement with environmental institutions and its collaboration with academia demonstrate the importance of bringing different sectors together.Representing the Ministry, Mirsad Spahić, Head of the Department for Economic Analysis and Markets, emphasized the importance of supporting domestic producers, introducing new knowledge and technologies and creating opportunities for young people in agriculture.Yet perhaps the most meaningful moments of the day were the simplest. Conversations between farmers and students, children discovering food through science and women seeing their work and stories recognized.From mountain farms to university laboratories, from traditional recipes to new culinary ideas, World Food Day in Montenegro demonstrated how innovation and heritage can reinforce one another.Better agrifood systems are built through cooperation, shared knowledge and respect for the people who feed us.And sometimes, the first step towards a better food future is simply bringing those people together.   

26 August 2026 Over the past months, more than 220 students and 30 mentors from 14 elementary schools across 9 municipalities in Montenegro took part in a unique learning and creative journey. Through artistic work, heritage interpretation, and intergenerational exchange, they explored identity, memory, belonging, and cultural heritage – translating these themes into contemporary and deeply personal expressions. Implemented by UNESCO and the National Museum of Montenegro, the “Culture in Movement” project connected students across the country through a series of local events in April. The gatherings offered students a space to present their research and examine how arts education can contribute to more inclusive societies.Held in Cetinje, Pljevlja, and Ulcinj, the showcases convened young people from different communities to exchange experiences, reflect on local traditions, and recognise the richness of Montenegro’s diverse cultural landscape and heritage. Through mentorship and collaborative work, students were encouraged to critically reinterpret heritage and connect it to contemporary social realities.  Learning through creativity and connectionThe project culminated in a national closing celebration in Podgorica where students had the opportunity to meet peers who had been working on similar themes in different local contexts. The event showed how culture and arts education spark empathy, curiosity, and dialogue – essential values for resilient societies. “I would particularly highlight the exceptional dedication, creativity, and energy of our students and their mentors, who brought forgotten worlds, characters, and customs back to life, reminding us how schools can become inspiring and motivating spaces when students are given the freedom to create, imagine, and actively participate in the process, instead of being passive recipients of information,” said Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation. The project “Culture in Movement” also encouraged young people to engage with heritage through their own creativity and experiences. As Tamara Vujović, Minister of Culture and Media noted: “At the conclusion of the project, we feel proud of everything this initiative has set in motion – not only through workshops, presentations, and joint work, but above all through encounters, new experiences, and different ways of understanding culture and cultural heritage.” Bringing young people together through cultureMarking the 130th anniversary of the National Museum of Montenegro, the initiative also spotlighted the evolving role of museums and cultural institutions as spaces for participation, creativity, and dialogue. By opening their doors to students and communities, museums became active partners in education, showing how cultural institutions can contribute to social cohesion and community engagement.“Culture cannot exist without education, just as education cannot exist without culture,” affirmed Raba Hodžić, Director of the Bureau for Education Services. For her, the project sent a strong message: learning is most effective when knowledge is connected with experience and when culture is brought closer to children and young people in ways that engage, encourage, and inspire them.Addressing participants, Siniša Šešum, Head of UNESCO Antenna in Sarajevo, emphasised the broader significance of the initiative for both Montenegro and the region. “The event is not only an opportunity to present the outstanding work of students and mentors. It is also a confirmation that culture and education together can play a key role in strengthening social cohesion, mutual understanding, and lasting peace,” he said. Keeping heritage aliveReflecting on the partnership with the National Museum of Montenegro, Šešum noted that museums can bring young people together and become active contributors to cultural life and creativity. By placing students at the centre as active creators, interpreters, and carriers of cultural knowledge, “Culture in Movement” demonstrated how creativity can transform education systems.As the project concludes, its legacy continues through new partnerships, shared experiences, and a message from its young participants: culture is not static heritage; it is a living process shaped through participation, dialogue, and creativity.This project was implemented within the framework of the Joint UN Programme “Enhancing citizens’ trust in institutions and building resilient communities” and financed by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and jointly implemented by UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNDP in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro. 

 As Montenegro works to realize its climate ambitions and build greater resilience, strengthening institutional capacity to access international climate finance is becoming increasingly important. Building a common understanding of climate finance mechanisms across institutions is a key step in translating national priorities into high-quality investment projects.To support this process, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, implemented the Month of climate finance learning, a unique six-week awareness-raising initiative under the Readiness Project of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).Between 26 May and 30 June 2026, the initiative brought together 95 representatives from 32 institutions across Montenegro, including government ministries, public agencies, local authorities, academia, civil society organizations, international organizations and development partners. Through six consecutive online workshops, participants explored the climate finance cycle, from the fundamentals of climate finance and the Green Climate Fund to financing modalities, project development and Direct Access Accreditation to the GCF.The learning programme followed a progressive structure, allowing participants to gradually build their understanding of climate finance. Each workshop introduced a new layer of knowledge, moving from global climate finance architecture to increasingly practical topics such as financing instruments, the GCF Readiness Programme, preparation of funding proposals and institutional accreditation.Opening the initiative, Zoran Dabetić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation and developing national capacities needed to transform climate priorities into high-quality investment projects."Strengthening institutional capacities and cooperation is essential if Montenegro is to successfully translate its climate priorities into concrete investment opportunities. Building knowledge across institutions today creates stronger foundations for climate action tomorrow," Dabetić stated.Throughout the programme, FAO climate finance experts Igor Slavkoski, Martina Duncan, Jeremy Schlickenrieder and Rachel Silbert, together with Jovana Šuković, FAO National Programme Coordinator in Montenegro, guided participants through the rapidly evolving landscape of international climate finance while linking global good practices with Montenegro's national priorities.According to Jovana Šuković, the initiative represents an important first step in a broader capacity development process under the GCF Readiness Project."Building institutional capacity for climate finance is a long-term investment,” said Šuković. “Through this learning initiative, we aimed to establish a common understanding of climate finance across institutions and create a strong foundation for the more practical capacity-building activities that will follow under the GCF Readiness Project."Knowledge, partnerships and dialogueParticipant feedback demonstrated strong interest in the topics covered and confirmed the importance of continued institutional learning in this area. Participants particularly valued the combination of international expertise and national perspectives, and expressed strong interest in continuing the learning process through more practical, in-person capacity-building activities.The workshop series also provided a valuable platform for dialogue among institutions working across different sectors. By bringing together representatives involved in climate policy, agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, sustainable development and public administration, the initiative contributed to strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation and fostering a shared understanding of climate finance opportunities.Closing the workshop series, Ivana Grujić, Director General of the Directorate for Climate Change and Sustainable Development and representative of the National Designated Authority to the GCF, emphasized the strategic importance of continued institutional capacity development."Developing national capacities is one of the key prerequisites for increasing Montenegro's readiness to access international climate finance,” noted Grujić. “Initiatives such as this strengthen the knowledge, partnerships and institutional foundations needed to prepare and implement future climate investments."Building on the momentum generated through the online workshop series, FAO and the Ministry will continue supporting Montenegro through a new phase of in-person capacity-building workshops planned for autumn 2026. These workshops will focus on practical project development, institutional cooperation and strengthening national readiness to access international climate finance. More on this topic:In Montenegro, women sustain agriculture but hold little landPassing the baton of knowledge and opportunityFAO Regional Priority Programme: Advancing natural resources management, environmental protection and climate resilience  

 Interview with the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Caroline Tissot, in daily Vijesti13 July 2026 This year marks the twentieth anniversary of Montenegro's membership in the United Nations. How do you assess the partnership between the UN and Montenegro today and what are its most important values ​​in the coming period?Twenty years of partnership between Montenegro and the United Nations is, above all, a story of working together to make people’s lives better. In just two decades, Montenegro has advanced human-friendly development, strengthened institutions and implemented important reforms in education, healthcare, social protection, digitalization of public services and environmental protection. The United Nations team has had the privilege of being a partner in these processes, but none of these results would have been possible without a strong partnership with state institutions, local communities, civil society, international partners and, above all, citizens. It is the trust that we have built together over decades of cooperation that has enabled shared ideas to grow into concrete changes that benefit people today. These results would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of the UN team in Montenegro, which works every day with institutions and partners to achieve common development goals.At the same time, Montenegro can also be proud of its role in the United Nations. Although small in size and with only two decades of membership, it has built a reputation as an active and respected member of the international community, which through its constructive actions contributes to the strengthening of multilateralism, the protection of human rights, sustainable development and the response to global challenges. This is confirmed by its dual membership in the UN Human Rights Council, membership in ECOSOC and active participation in numerous global processes. It is precisely the focus on national development priorities, with a strong reliance on partnerships and multilateral cooperation, that has managed to achieve such a reputation.What makes this cooperation special is mutual trust and a shared vision for the future. As Montenegro accelerates its path towards the European Union and enters the final phase of implementing the 2030 Agenda, I am convinced that partnership will remain our greatest asset. Because behind every reform and every indicator of success are people, their quality of life, their rights and their hope for a better future. The UN often emphasizes that Agenda 2030 and European integration are two complementary processes. What does achieving the Sustainable Development Goals specifically mean for the citizens of Montenegro and in which areas (which SDGs) is the country lagging behind today?The 2030 Agenda is much more than a list of international goals - it is a transformative development agenda that encompasses almost everything that is important for the quality of people's lives. When we talk about the Sustainable Development Goals, we are talking about quality education for every child, accessible health care, decent jobs, equal opportunities for women and men, a cleaner environment, effective institutions and a society in which no one is left behind. That is why the 2030 Agenda and European integration are two complementary processes - both leading to the same goal: a better life for citizens, greater protection of human rights and freedoms, and stronger institutions.Progress is visible in many areas, but development is not uniform. Challenges remain in reducing inequality, improving the quality of education, gender equality, protecting the environment and climate resilience, as well as strengthening institutions and citizens' trust. None of these challenges can be seen in isolation, as they are all interconnected.Montenegro has a clear goal of becoming a member of the European Union by 2028, as well as its own Sustainable Development Strategy by 2030. The UN team is supporting the country in achieving these national development priorities. In the period ahead, success will not be measured by the number of strategies adopted or indicators met, but by whether the people of Montenegro live better lives, have more opportunities and have more confidence in the future of their country.Montenegro has a large number of strategies and reform plans. What are the biggest challenges in their implementation and what steps would you recommend to more effectively translate development policies into concrete benefits for citizens?Strategies and reform plans are important because they help define a common direction for development, set priorities and coordinate the work of different institutions. However, experience shows that the biggest challenge is not their development, but their consistent implementation and monitoring of results. This is not specific to Montenegro - many countries face this.For development policies to bring concrete benefits to citizens, several things are crucial: clearly defined responsibility for implementation, decision-making based on reliable data, and cooperation between institutions, so that reforms are not the responsibility of just one department, but a joint effort of the entire administration, local communities, civil society, academia, and development partners.I am encouraged that Montenegro is making efforts in this direction. With the support of the United Nations, digital tools have been developed that enable more efficient monitoring of public policies and reforms, contributing to greater transparency and better decision-making. However, for citizens, the most important thing is not how many strategies exist, but that they experience concrete changes, better quality public services, better employment opportunities, a cleaner environment and greater trust in institutions. This is the true measure of the success of any development policy. Who is at greatest risk of being left out of development in Montenegro today? Which groups remain most exposed to poverty, discrimination or social exclusion, and do existing policies sufficiently address their needs?One of the fundamental principles of the 2030 Agenda is that no one should be left behind in development. This means that we should always ask ourselves who has the most difficulty in accessing quality education, healthcare, employment and other public services, and how we can remove these barriers.In Montenegro, there are still marked differences between north and south, urban and rural areas, and demographic changes are further exacerbating some of these challenges. Older people in less developed areas, young people who have difficulty finding their first job and are considering leaving, people with disabilities, members of the Roma and Egyptian communities, as well as migrants and refugees, are still among those most likely to face poverty or social exclusion.Montenegro is developing policies to address these challenges, and positive developments are already visible. Their long-term success, however, will depend on how well they are tailored to the real needs of people and equally accessible to all. This includes quality public services, stronger local communities, the active participation of civil society organizations that understand the needs of different population groups, and decision-making based on reliable data. Development only makes sense if it reaches every person and every community, regardless of where they live or what their life circumstances are.Despite a developed legislative framework, violence against women remains a serious problem, while women are still not equally represented in decision-making positions. How much is gender equality in Montenegro today real, and how much is still formal?Montenegro has made important strides in recent years in improving the legislative and institutional framework for gender equality. This is a good foundation, but we know that laws alone are not enough. True equality only exists when women can live free from violence, have equal opportunities for employment and advancement, and participate equally in decision-making.Research shows that every second woman in Montenegro has experienced some form of violence after the age of 15, while the gender equality index is still below the European Union average. Women in Montenegro are still underrepresented in the highest positions in politics, the economy and other areas of decision-making. This clearly shows that there is still a gap between the law and its implementation, but also between formal equality and the everyday experience of many women.Gender equality is not only a human rights issue, it is also an issue of economic and social development. Montenegro today faces the paradox that the economy in many sectors lacks a workforce, while many women continue to bear a disproportionately large burden of caring for the family and household, which often limits their opportunities in the labor market. Therefore, in addition to good laws, changing social norms and stereotypes, a more equal division of family responsibilities, greater participation of women in decision-making and their economic empowerment are equally important. The essence of gender equality is that every woman has the freedom to make her own life choices, whether she chooses a career, a family or both - without obstacles and discrimination. When women have equal opportunities to work, advance, start businesses and participate in shaping policies, everyone benefits, families, communities and the economy as a whole.What are the biggest challenges of the health system in Montenegro from the UN perspective, access to services, prevention, mental health, aging population or lack of staff? Does Montenegro invest enough in disease prevention, or does the system mainly deal with the consequences?The healthcare system in Montenegro, like those in most European countries, faces simultaneous challenges: an aging population, a growing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases, the need to strengthen mental health, and a shortage of healthcare workers. These are complex challenges that require long-term solutions and ongoing investments.I believe that one of the most important priorities is to strengthen prevention. The majority of diseases that currently burden the health system can be largely prevented or postponed through healthier lifestyles, early diagnosis and stronger primary health care. At the same time, mental health must become an integral part of health care, especially when it comes to children and young people. Non-communicable diseases today cause the majority of premature deaths and represent the greatest burden on the health system.Montenegro is already taking important steps in this direction through health system reforms and strengthening digital solutions, but success will depend on how much we view health as a shared responsibility of the entire society, not just the health sector. The best health system is not the one that best treats disease, but the one that helps people stay healthy for as long as possible.Montenegro presents itself as an ecological state. To what extent has this vision been realized today and what are the biggest challenges for sustainable development - from climate change and waste management to water and spatial protection?The fact that Montenegro declared itself an ecological state more than three decades ago still represents a strong and inspiring vision today. There are few countries that have incorporated environmental protection into their identity in this way, and it is very important that this vision is confirmed by concrete actions. Over the past year, I have personally witnessed how attached people in Montenegro are to the nature and cultural heritage of their country and how much they perceive them as part of their own identity.Climate change is already affecting everyday life through more frequent droughts, floods, heat waves and risks to biodiversity. At the same time, waste management, water protection, air quality, planned land use and conservation of natural resources remain among the greatest development challenges. These are also areas that will be among Montenegro's key priorities on its path to the European Union.The good news is that environmental protection and economic development are not conflicting goals. On the contrary, a green transition can create new jobs, stimulate innovation, improve the quality of life and further strengthen Montenegro's tourism competitiveness. This vision can only be realized with the awareness that nature is not only our greatest asset, but also a shared responsibility towards future generations. Montenegro is facing an exodus of young people, but at the same time it is becoming a country where new residents and migrants are coming in. How do these changes affect the country's development and how important is it to build an inclusive society?Human mobility is a global phenomenon today, and Montenegro is no exception. The departure of young people for education or work poses a challenge, especially when the country loses the knowledge and skills it needs for development. At the same time, Montenegro is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for people who want to live and work here, but also a country that, in accordance with international obligations, provides protection to people forced to leave their homes. Such changes change society, but they can also be a new development opportunity if they are well managed.That is why it is important to build an inclusive society in which everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the community and realize their rights and potential. This includes quality public services, access to education and the labor market, language learning, but also a sense of belonging and mutual respect. Experience shows that communities that invest in the integration of people are more resilient, successful and ready to respond to demographic and economic changes.At the same time, it is important to create conditions that will make young people want to build their future in Montenegro. This means quality education, decent jobs, opportunities for professional development and the feeling that their voice and ideas can contribute to change. A society that manages to retain its young people, while at the same time being open and inclusive towards people coming, builds stronger foundations for sustainable development.After almost a year in Montenegro, what surprised you the most positively, and what did you learn about this country beyond official reports?What perhaps surprised me most positively is the quality of life that Montenegro offers. I'm not just thinking about its extraordinary natural beauty, but also about the sense of safety, the closeness of the people, and the fact that in a relatively small space it is possible to experience so much diversity - from mountains to the sea, from dynamic cities to peaceful villages. Weekends are an opportunity for me to discover new places and at the same time take a break from the intense work rhythm.I especially appreciate that everyday life is simpler than in many other capital cities. Podgorica is a city where I often walk or cycle, and time spent in traffic does not determine the rhythm of the day. It may seem like a small thing, but it is precisely such things that significantly contribute to the quality of life.The longer I live in Montenegro, the more I am convinced that its greatest value is not only its natural resources, but also its people. I have met many people who genuinely care about their communities and invest their time, knowledge and energy every day to make them a better place to live. When I think of Montenegro, the first words that come to mind are beauty, solidarity, closeness between people and a sense of security. I think these are values ​​that are worth nurturing as carefully as the natural resources of this country.When you return from that personal impression to your professional role, where do you see the biggest gap between Montenegro's potential and the reality in which its citizens live?It is precisely because I see Montenegro's enormous potential that the gap between possibilities and reality sometimes seems even more noticeable. This country has many advantages - natural resources, quality of life, a European perspective and people who are educated, creative and enterprising. The key will be to turn this potential into sustainable and inclusive development.This means continuing to invest in education and healthcare, but also developing an economy that will offer young people more opportunities for quality jobs and professional development. Montenegro, like many other countries, faces a paradox because it simultaneously has people who have difficulty finding work and employers who lack the appropriate workforce. This shows how important it is to better connect education with the needs of the labor market, encourage innovation, and create conditions for the development of new industries that will create quality jobs.I would also like to highlight one challenge that often remains in the shadow of other topics, and that is traffic safety. The number of fatal traffic accidents is too high and each one represents an irreparable loss. It is precisely issues like these that remind us that development is not just a matter of economics, but also of quality of life and safety.If you had to send one message to the citizens of Montenegro, not a diplomatic one but a human one, what would it be?I would like to tell you to preserve what makes Montenegro special. I believe you have heard this before, but I must say that the wealth of this country is diversity. Preserve it. Cultivate mutual trust and solidarity and do not let divisions become stronger than what unites you. Over the past year, I have met many people who are ready to help each other and sincerely believe that they can make their community better. This is a value that cannot be measured by statistics, but it can be felt.Take care of the nature that surrounds you. You live in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and that is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. What we lose once is difficult to get back, so it is important to think long-term and about what kind of Montenegro we leave for generations to come.And finally, believe in the potential of your country. Montenegro may be small, but it has everything it needs to be successful: people, knowledge, natural resources and a clear European perspective. That is why I am very optimistic about Montenegro.Investing in children - investing in the countryWhat are the biggest challenges for children and youth in Montenegro today? Are the education system and investments in mental health keeping up with the needs of generations growing up in a completely different world?Today's children and young people are growing up in a world that is changing faster than ever. In addition to the knowledge they acquire in school, they are expected to develop resilience, critical thinking, digital skills and the ability to cope with the pressures of social media, uncertainty and rapid social change. Therefore, education is not just about transferring knowledge, but also about preparing for life.Important strides have been made in recent years, especially when it comes to increasing the coverage of children with preschool education and reforms of the education system. At the same time, it is necessary to continue investing in the quality and inclusiveness of education, so that every child, regardless of their place of residence or family circumstances, has an equal chance to develop their potential. The mental health of children and young people also deserves special attention. More and more research shows that anxiety, stress and feelings of loneliness are becoming a serious challenge, which is why support should not be limited to the health system alone, but should include schools, families and local communities.I believe that the best investment a society can make is investing in its children. When we provide children with quality education, support and the opportunity to develop their talents, we are not only investing in their future, but also in the future of all of Montenegro.We don't need to think alike, but we need to be able to talk respectfully.How do you assess the state of public dialogue in Montenegro? To what extent do hate speech, disinformation, and narratives that deepen social divisions represent an obstacle to democracy and social cohesion, and what needs to be done to build more trust and constructive dialogue?Montenegro is no exception - like many European countries, it is facing an increase in hate speech, disinformation and narratives that deepen divisions. Research by the Institution of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms shows that a significant number of citizens recognize hate speech as an increasingly present problem in public space, especially on the Internet and social networks. Such trends make dialogue difficult, weaken trust between people and in institutions and can slow down processes that require broad social consensus. Therefore, cultivating a culture of dialogue is one of the key prerequisites for sustainable development.It is important that there is awareness of this challenge in Montenegro and that institutions, civil society organizations, media and international partners are making joint efforts to address it. The United Nations team, together with institutions and social actors, supports initiatives that promote media and information literacy, strengthen resilience to disinformation and encourage dialogue between communities. Through the joint program for strengthening social cohesion, we have supported local dialogue platforms, an innovation laboratory for social cohesion and activities in schools that develop empathy, mutual respect and non-violent communication.No single measure is enough. Trust is built through quality education, responsible media, open institutions and more space for dialogue between people of different views. Social cohesion does not mean that we all think the same, but that we know how to talk respectfully, accept different opinions and seek solutions together, even when we disagree.