Bringing SDGs to all primary schools in Montenegro

It is a pleasure to host an occasion to mark such an important initiative.  One that encourages children to think and articulate their perspectives about the world they grow up in.  I am particularly pleased that this initiative organised with the Post Office of Montenegro brought word of the Global Agenda of the Sustainable Development to every classroom in Montenegro.

I’d like to start my remarks today by addressing you with a question: How often do we ask young people about the future? And, if we do, how seriously do we take the views they express?

Whatever your response to this question is, I would probably say – “not enough”.

Children may not have all the information for decision making, but they surely have a unique, innocent and unspoiled perspective of how the world should be. Often a perspective of an ideal world,  too often neglected by decision makers, leaders, corporations… by us grown-ups.

“We do not have a spare planet,” says Nikolina in her message to the UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierres. Our winner, a brilliant girl from Danilovgrad warns Mr. Gutierres that Venice, New York and the Netherlands could be completely wiped out and that the collapse of food chain would heavily affect mankind. “Does it have to be that way?” she asks him, wondering if humankind will lose out in the battle against the pursue of profit and greedy use of resources causing irreversible damage. “Are we going to wait or are we are going to do something about it? That is why I am writing to you,” says Nikolina to the UN Secretary General.

Let me ask you all – is the perspective of this bright 14-year old girl something that we can afford to neglect?

I don’t think so.

The message we read in letters sent by schoolchildren from all parts of the country – the feelings they articulate and the hopes they express for such as preserved environment, peace and security, respecting differences ... that’s nothing less than hopes for a certain, sustainable future.

Their vision is presented through these 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This vision of a better world - the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is the first global development plan in history created jointly by people and governments of all the UN member states. The Sustainable Development Goals represent clear direction to the mankind for advancement of quality of life by 2030. And how is that? Well simply - this architecture for a better future aims to direct countries' development towards – to name a few - eradication of poverty and hunger, reduction of inequalities, improvement of education, gender equality, addressing climate change, responsible consumption, preservation of biodiversity, economic empowerment and towards strengthening institutions essential for human rights protection, peace and justice.

In a nutshell - Sustainable Development Goals are the global guidance – with targets, indicators and facts to measure – that will lead us to a better and sustainable future.  A vision that is shared by the Montenegrin children who participated if we are to listen to their letters to the UN Secretary General.

In reading some of the letters I was touched by how profound and thoughtful some of the children were and the clear way they expressed concerns for the world.

I am particularly proud partnering in this initiative with Post Office of Montenegro and the Ministry of Education. Drawing attention of children throughout Montenegro to the Sustainable Development Goals and encouraging them to share their own views seems an important thing today, and something achieved through this competition. Nikolina will be 26 years old in 2030, what will the world look like then?

And dear Nikolina, Neda, Nevena, Ognjen and all of you who took part in this unusual endeavour, let me tell you this – one of the greatest hopes for such sustainable future are children like yourself!

Thank you so much.