The SHINE Promotional Event took place on 30 September 2026 at Moonlight House in Gusinje, Montenegro, bringing together 23 participants, including youth activists, civil society representatives, and officials from national and local institutions.
Held within the framework of the SHINE – Shaping the Future of Europe project, the event provided an opportunity to present the project’s objectives, activities and results, while highlighting the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in democratic life and contribute to the development of their communities.
The programme explored the European dimension of the SHINE project and its implementation in Montenegro, highlighting how knowledge and experiences gained through project activities can create opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in local communities.
Particular attention was given to the role of young people as active citizens and their involvement in decision-making processes. Discussions emphasised the importance of creating inclusive spaces where young people can express their views, share ideas and actively contribute to issues affecting their communities.
A dedicated dialogue session brought together young people and decision-makers to explore how youth voices can have a greater influence on local decision-making. The discussion underlined the value of open communication, mutual understanding and cooperation between young people and local institutions in building more participatory and inclusive communities.
An important part of the event was the presentation of educational resources developed within the SHINE project, including a board game, a training toolkit and a podcast series.
These tools offer engaging and accessible ways to explore topics such as active citizenship, media literacy and democratic participation. Through interactive learning and discussion, they aim to encourage young people to develop their knowledge, critical thinking skills and confidence to participate in civic life.
Participants were also introduced to youth-led awareness campaigns, demonstrating how young people can use communication and creative initiatives to raise awareness, share important messages and inspire greater civic engagement.
The event concluded with an informal networking session, giving participants the opportunity to exchange perspectives, establish new contacts and continue discussions on the role of young people in shaping their communities.
By combining project presentations, educational resources and dialogue with decision-makers, the SHINE Promotional Event in Vusanje highlighted the importance of involving young people in democratic processes and creating meaningful opportunities for their participation.
SHINE Project is an Erasmus + Project, funded by the European Union.
