From September 18 to 20, 2025, the towns of Plav and Gusinje in Montenegro hosted an educational youth camp on identity values, organized by the NGO Horizonti i Ri (New Horizon) from Ulcinj, with the support of the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro.
The project aims to empower Albanian youth with skills for greater participation in integration processes, while preparing future leaders to actively engage in the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms, both locally and nationally.
The central activity of the camp took place in the Assembly Hall of the Municipality of Gusinje, where an educational session was held with young participants from Ulcinj, Tuzi, Plav, and Gusinje.
The event brought together local and state officials, civil society activists, and media representatives. Discussions focused on:
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The fundamental concepts of minority rights and freedoms.
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Mechanisms for preservation and protection of these rights.
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The importance of educating youth from minority groups to promote their cultural identity.
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Advancing programs that foster public participation.
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Preparing young people to play an active role in integration processes.
Key Speakers and Panelists
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Asdren Çelaj – Deputy Mayor of Gusinje
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Arben Xhurreta – Director General of the Directorate for Minority Rights
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Vediha Gjoni – Albanian literature researcher
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Jetmir Lajçi – History professor
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Nazif Veliqi – Director of NGO Horizonti i Ri
This activity is part of the wider project “Youth, Identity, and Belonging in the Integration Process”, implemented within the public competition “Integration with Identity”, funded by the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro.
The initiative highlights the role of youth education, cultural identity, and leadership training in building inclusive societies and strengthening the rights of minorities in Montenegro.