Tissot: "The success of a country is measured by the quality of life of its citizens"

Interview with the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Caroline Tissot, in daily Vijesti

13 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 country

What 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.