The non-governmental organization (NGO) Center for the Affirmation of RE Population (CAREP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights – Directorate for Interculturalism, hosted the Interculturalism Festival in Nikšić. This event united representatives from institutions, local governments, civil sectors, and youth from across Montenegro, as part of the project “InterCultura: Youth against Barriers in Montenegro.”

The Festival aimed to promote the values of interculturality, mutual respect, and understanding through dialogue, art, and collaborative efforts. During two thematic panels, speakers addressed crucial topics concerning the legal framework, the status of minority communities, the involvement of youth in intercultural processes, and the significance of education, culture, and art in fostering connections among people, as stated by CAREP.

The opening of the festival featured Nardi Ahmetović, Director of CAREP, alongside Dr. Ljudmila Mila Popović, Director of the Directorate for Interculturalism. The panels focused on themes such as “Together in Diversity – From Law to Responsibility” and “Different, but Connected – Interculturality in the Hands of Youth.”

On behalf of the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, Sokolj Beganaj stressed that not knowing another side does not imply it is of lesser value compared to what we are familiar with.

“We need to provide individuals the opportunity to become acquainted with one another. Laws alone cannot unify us; if we resolve these issues mentally, we will draw closer to others,” Beganaj expressed.

Ivana Šljukić, Secretary of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly, highlighted the establishment of the Youth Roma and Egyptian Parliament in Nikšić, the first of its kind in Montenegro, as an effective mechanism for generating ideas that will influence policymakers.

Senad Sejdović, a member of the Roma Council, noted that the Council serves as an advisory body facilitating interaction between civil society and residents of the RE population, addressing issues requiring institutional resolution.

Emina Skenderović from the Minority Fund mentioned that they support approximately 200 projects each year, commenting on the noticeable “gradual growth and interest of the RE community.” Last year, 21 projects aimed at enhancing the status of the RE population received support, compared to 18 projects the previous year.

Fana Delija, executive director of the Center for Roma Initiatives, reminded audiences that their organization has been addressing the challenges faced by Roma and Egyptian women across Montenegro for two decades, including issues surrounding child and arranged marriages, calling for more open discussions about these topics.

“We must tackle this problem at its roots, as arranged marriage is not a cultural trait of the Roma community, and substantial effort is needed to shift perceptions and recognize the seriousness of the issue. We are striving to encourage more girls to pursue education, although results remain below desirable levels,” Delija emphasized.

Dijana Anđelić, representing the German organization “Help,” reflected on their 25 years of active engagement in Nikšić, stating they have “survived and built trust” by being responsive to the population’s needs and working alongside them to address their challenges.

Dragan Brajović, from the Montenegrin-Macedonian Friendship Association “Kirjana,” noted the festival showcased “enthusiasm and strength that will pave the way for many future opportunities.”

Šejla Pepić, a Roma activist, emphasized that the RE population regularly faces stereotypes and prejudices that can shift through personal, positive examples, arguing that this is crucial for building a better society that embraces diverse cultures.

Miloš Nenezić, from Democratic Montenegro, mentioned that “we reside in a society where political parties significantly influence social processes, which includes empowering youth to engage in social events.” Milena Krivokapić, representing the Art Center, articulated that the contribution of art and culture fosters “a consciousness elevated beyond any form of identification, highlighting the commonalities in artistic expressions.”

“The Festival of Interculturalism symbolizes not only the Roma community but the entire society. For dialogue to flourish, for bridges to be built and cultures to be understood, we must all collaborate. Interculturalism is about taking an interest in communities beyond our own; there should be no distinction,” stated Nardi Ahmetović.

The panels were moderated by Irena Rašović and Aleksandra Božović, with Tijana Krunić serving as the host for the Festival.

During the Festival, awards were presented to young participants for photographic works that capture the essence of interculturalism and mutual understanding. Gordana Đurović secured first place, followed by Aleksa Minić in second, and Nikola Mihailović in third, with Ivan Bakić receiving a special award.

The audience enjoyed a vibrant cultural and artistic program featuring performances from the folklore ensemble “Podgorica,” the dance group “Romano drom – Roma Path,” the first dance troupe of young Roma and Egyptians, and recreational performers from the “Zahumlje” public institution.

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