Where is the Key for Trust?

The third workshop of the programme “Social Cohesion: Cooperation, Trust and Development” endeavored to shed additional light on the issue of trust between citizens and decision makers.

Hard to gain and easy to lose

Participants of the workshop had the chance to learn and discuss the pivotal role of citizen’s trust in institutions and decision makers in achieving cohesive societies. The panel discussion was focused on exchange of experiences and knowledge from 3 different perspectives: government institutions, academia and civil society.

Nada Vojvodić, Assistant to Secretary General of the Government of Montenegro for informing the public regarding EU integration pointed out that one can expect to be trusted and supported when he/she works professionally and responsibly, in the interest of the society, fulfill the given promises and deliver results. EU integration process is an excellent example of cohesive process that should enable synergy of different segments of society in order to achieve desired results.

“Integration in the EU is the most important foreign policy priority of Montenegro, but also the most comprehensive and complex reform process in which the country has embarked in its history. It is a process that permeates all aspects of life, from security, human rights protection to quality of life and economic standard. Therefore, it is necessary for every citizen to be thoroughly informed about the integration process, to know the reasons why Montenegro wants to become a member of the European Union and to have a clear picture of the benefits and obligations that will result from membership.”

The importance of social capital and trust in institutions was addressed by Olivera Komar, Researcher and Professor at the Faculty for Political Science of the University of Montenegro. Consensus on procedures and consensus on substance and key values are vital for cooperative and cohesive society emphasized professor Komar. She added that citizens need to feel secure that rules apply equally to everyone and access to rights is identical, while substantial consensus on key common values is of critical importance. In case of Montenegro, EU integration process might be the common value and cohesive factor concluded professor Komar.

“The year behind us has led to increase in citizens’ support for membership in the European Union and according to the results of a recent survey 77.6% of Montenegrin citizens have a positive view on the European Union.”

Leveraging on public opinion is especially important in policy design. Dina Bajramspahić, civil society activist and longtime public polices researcher stressed the importance of inclusion and dialogue in the early stages of making decisions of public interest. Citizens need to be engaged in a way that enables their feedback at all stages of policy design, so that policies reflect their need and respond to their priorities. She addressed the importance of dialogue, knowledge and evidence based public policies, as well as credibility and consistency of institutions.

Culture of competency and transparency

In conclusion, panelists agreed that credible institutions are key to building trust of citizens. Credibility includes integrity, expertise, transparency, clear and timely communication, professionalism. Moving forward, reform of public administration will be one of the major milestones on the Montenegrin path toward EU and, as our panelist agreed, it will be unambiguously important to work on culture of competency and transparency.

It is worth reminding – competent and professional young women and man, working in public administration, are invaluable asset and drivers of progressive and strong institutions.

“Never stop working on yourself, developing your skills and improving your knowledge. This way you will not only ensure the quality of your own life, but also the progress of Montenegrin society as a whole. “

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This workshop is part of the second edition of the programme for young diplomats and civil servants from Montenegro implemented within the regional initiative “Dialogue for the Future”. The regional initiative is funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, jointly implemented by UN teams and relevant institutions in Montenegro, the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and aims to create additional space for constructive dialogue between citizens, communities, as well as citizens and decision-makers by promoting social cohesion, trust and respect for diversity.

The first edition of the programme devoted to intercultural communication in the global world gathered the group of 30 young diplomats and civil servants from Montenegro during 2020. More about this program at the link: Dialogue for Tolerance and Cohesion | Young Diplomats