Podgorica, (MINA) – Climate change is one of the most significant challenges of modern society, and the role of parliaments is crucial in creating a responsible and long-term sustainable response to these challenges, it was heard at the Regional Seminar held on Monday in the Parliament of Montenegro.

Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic, opening the seminar, organized in cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the UNDP, said that climate change today is no longer a matter of the future, but a present-day challenge that requires responsibility, cooperation and joint action of all actors in society.

He pointed out that the parliaments paly a key role in shaping responsible and sustainable policies, building the trust of citizens, as well as ensuring democratic oversight of the implementation of environmental protection commitments.

The Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning Committee chair Dejan Djurovic pointed out that climate change represents a shared challenge and a common responsibility of the parliaments of the region, stressing the importance of international partnership and solidarity based on knowledge and experience exchange. 

He emphasized that parliaments, as holders of legislative functions and democratic oversight, are key actors in developing ambitious and fair policies that simultaneously protect the environment and strengthen the resilience of society.

The Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Martin Chungong, addressing participants via the online platform, pointed out the importance of timely and decisive climate action for the sustainable development and long-term stability of the region.

UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, pointed out that Montenegro has set ambitious climate goals aligned with its EU integration gaols, especially within the complex requirements of Chapter 27, as well as with Sustainable Development Goal 13.

She emphasized that at this moment the priority is the consistent and efficient implementation of those goals.

“Parliament plays a key role in translating commitments into laws, budgets and oversight mechanisms that encourage the use of clean energy, decent work and reducing inequality”, Paniklova said.