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Capacity-Building Training for Local Councillors on Social Cohesion and Trust in Institutions
A two-day capacity-building training was held in Podgorica on 11-12 November 2025 for 13 councillors from all five pilot municipalities - Pljevlja, Bijelo Polje, Podgorica, Bar and Ulcinj. The training was organized within the Joint UN Programme “Together for the Common Good”, implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and UNESCO, with the support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.
The training addressed key societal challenges in Montenegro, including declining public trust, social fragmentation, gender inequalities, hate speech and polarising narratives, with a particular focus on the role of local parliaments as the level of governance closest to citizens. Through expert presentations, peer exchange and interactive discussions, councillors strengthened their understanding of social cohesion and explored practical approaches to inclusive, transparent and participatory local governance.
Participants were presented with key findings from five local dialogues on social cohesion conducted in five municipalities, providing direct insight into citizens’ concerns and expectations related to institutional trust, inclusion and social cohesion. Building on these findings, discussions focused on the role of local parliaments in translating citizens’ voices into concrete local policies, decisions and institutional practices. A dedicated session further examined the responsibilities of local parliaments in fostering cooperation between municipalities, civil society and citizens, highlighting transparency, accountability and participatory mechanisms as essential tools for building trust at the local level.
The second day focused on addressing harmful narratives and hate speech, including legal and institutional responses, as well as on children and youth, with an emphasis on education, digital safety, prevention of peer violence and the role of young people as agents of positive change. The training also encouraged peer learning and the identification of initial follow-up actions within local parliaments, such as integrating social cohesion priorities into municipal agendas and strengthening citizen engagement mechanisms.
