DPM Simović meets with UNICEF’s Perks

Podgorica, Montenegro (31 January 2017) -- Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Financial System Milutin Simović hosted today the Head of the UNICEF Office in Montenegro Benjamin Perks.

Deputy Prime Minister thanked for the constant support that the UNICEF Office in Montenegro offers in the field of protection and promotion of children’s rights, development and reform of the education, health, justice and social work, which allows children to realise their full human potential, resulting in a higher quality of life for all citizens.

Noting the progress achieved so far, the two officials put a special emphasis on the development of a new UN Programme for Montenegro 2017-2021, jointly implemented by the Government of Montenegro and UNICEF, and which will further contribute to improving equitable system for the progressive realisation of children’s rights, with particular attention to children affected by poverty, violence and social exclusion.

It was stressed at the meeting that one of the key macroeconomic problems we face today is a high youth unemployment rate in Montenegro. In this regard, the officials expressed their readiness to launch initiatives that will further promote the entrepreneurial spirit and productivity, and at the same time impact on reducing the gap between the education system and labor market needs.

Mr Simović said that we need to be especially sensitive when making policy in the field of social and child protection. Therefore, support that UNICEF offers in this field is of great importance. In addition, we should pay special attention to children who grow up in rural areas, as well as raise their awareness about the importance of preschool education.

The two officials concluded that they will continue to launch initiatives in order to build national capacities for protection, promotion and realisation of children’s rights in Montenegro.