Montenegro signs the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action

PODGORICA, Montenegro, APRIL 19, 2024 – In response to the growing impact of the climate crisis and its unique impact on children, the Government of Montenegro, together with more than 40 countries worldwide, has Declaration on children, youth and climate action at an event in Podgorica today.

“We are aware of the risk that children will suffer the most from the effects of climate change and therefore their voices must be heard. Only together can we develop solutions to meet the challenges arising from climate change. The signing of the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action shows that we take this issue seriously and that the Government of Montenegro is taking steps to find the best solutions to the problems we face. In cooperation with UNICEF in Montenegro, we will work to develop action plans for the implementation of the measures contained in this declaration,” the spokesperson said Dragoslav Šćekić, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro and President of the Council for the Rights of the Child, after signing the declaration on behalf of the Government of Montenegro.

During the ceremony, young people from Montenegro shared their concerns about the climate crisis and their proposals for urgent action, including policies that national and local authorities could adopt.

“Most older people don’t feel the urgency that young people feel when it comes to global warming. People seem to think this is a problem that can be solved at another time, but there is no other time. And the voice of young people is important because young people are the ones who will have to solve most of these problems,” said 18-year-old Lejla Srdanović.

Her friend, 17 year old Emir Alković, explained that “although we, the youth, are not responsible for climate change, it will have a greater impact on us. That is why we would like to see more information about sustainability in schools. We need to save water and preserve the forests. We need the forests to preserve the air. And we need everyone to do their part to save the planet.”

“By signing the declaration, Montenegro has committed to working with children and youth to identify and take actions that provide a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for future generations. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the government and supporting them in operationalizing the declaration to achieve real results for children,” the spokesperson said Reginia De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asiain her remarks at the event.

“Humanity is at war with nature; the activities of our ‘civilization’ are undoubtedly a crime against young people and life on earth. The most important and urgent task in human history is a rapid transition (in less than 25 years, probably less than 20 years) from the current unsustainable society to one organized in a sustainable way. In my opinion, the only solution is to improve and ennoble the existing democratic system, based on the legislative, executive and judiciary, by introducing a fourth power, the power of science (or the power of knowledge). Prof. Dragan Hajdukovic, PhD, said today at the signing of the statement.

The declaration is a unique commitment to accelerate inclusive, child- and youth-focused climate policy and action at national and global levels. As one of the custodians of the declaration, UNICEF is working with governments, including that of Montenegro, to support its adoption and implementation. All Member States of the United Nations are invited to sign it.

Montenegro joins the governments of Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia and Spain in adopting the declaration.

To support the implementation of the Declaration, UNICEF is working with governments and partners to adapt and strengthen the existing systems on which children depend – including education, social protection and health care – to ensure that services address the impact of to withstand and respond to climate change. and limit risks.