Nikola Đurašković, Mayor of Cetinje
From Classrooms to Competitiveness: How Montenegro Is Building Its Future Through Education and Innovation
The decision to host the World Congress of PEN Centres in 2027 represents one of the most significant international recognitions of the cultural and historical identity of the Royal Capital and of Montenegro. A city that, through the centuries, has been a symbol of free thought, dialogue, and the meeting of diverse ideas is once again positioning itself as a relevant player on the global cultural stage. In conversation with the Mayor of Cetinje, we discover how this initiative came about, what the event signifies for the city’s international image, and how Cetinje is today building its role as a contemporary cultural centre.
Cetinje will host the World Congress of PEN Centres in 2027, one of the most significant international literary events. How important is this decision for Cetinje and for Montenegro?
Throughout its history, Cetinje has been a place of the meeting of ideas, culture, and free thought, and we therefore view the decision to host the World Congress of PEN Centres in 2027 as a great recognition and confirmation of its cultural and historical significance. This is one of the most important international literary gatherings, bringing together writers, intellectuals, and advocates for freedom of expression from across the world, lending this event special significance not only for Cetinje but for Montenegro as a whole. For our city, this represents an opportunity to affirm even more powerfully the role of Cetinje as a space where culture, dialogue, and free thought are cultivated. At the same time, it will contribute to the international visibility of Cetinje and Montenegro. It will further affirm our rich cultural tradition before the global public.
How did the initiative arise for Cetinje to be the candidate for hosting this prestigious gathering, and what role did the local administration and the Montenegrin PEN Centre play in this?
The initiative to have Cetinje be a candidate to host the World Congress of PEN Centres originated with the Montenegrin PEN Centre, with the support of the Royal Capital of Cetinje, the Centre for Culture of the Royal Capital of Cetinje, and the Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature. From the very outset, we recognised the significance of this idea and its potential, and through the joint action of the city administration, the Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature, and the Centre for Culture of the Royal Capital of Cetinje, the conditions were created for Cetinje to be presented as a serious and worthy host of such an important international gathering. It was precisely this cooperation and clear vision that contributed to Cetinje being recognised as a place which, through its history, cultural heritage, and contemporary creativity, possesses all the prerequisites to host writers and intellectuals from across the world.
The arrival of hundreds of writers, journalists, publishers, and intellectuals from around the world is expected. What will this event mean for the international promotion of Cetinje as a cultural capital?
The arrival of a large number of writers, journalists, publishers, and intellectuals from around the world will represent an exceptional opportunity to present Cetinje to the international public even more powerfully. Such gatherings carry special significance because they bring together people who, through their work and activities, shape cultural and social currents. It is precisely through events of this kind that Cetinje has the opportunity to confirm its role as the cultural capital of Montenegro and to present itself as a city that cultivates dialogue, freedom of expression, and the exchange of ideas. I am certain that the participants of the congress will carry away powerful impressions of our city and its cultural tradition, which is the best recommendation for its further international promotion.
How important is it for the city that congresses of International PEN are traditionally held in major cultural centres of the world, and that they will now be held in Cetinje?
The decision to hold the congress of International PEN in Cetinje represents a great recognition for us, particularly given that these gatherings are traditionally held in major global cultural centres. This attests that our city, too, is recognised as a place with a strong cultural tradition and a significance that transcends its dimensions. At the same time, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that Cetinje has the capacity to host such an important international event and, through it, to further present the values for which the Royal Capital is known culture, history, and openness to ideas and dialogue.
What are the key activities and preparations that the Royal Capital of Cetinje will undertake in the coming period to ensure that the organisation of the congress proceeds at the highest level?
The organisation of an event of this kind demands serious and comprehensive preparations, particularly regarding the improvement of urban infrastructure and the overall conditions for the stay of a large number of international guests. In that sense, our goal is to improve multiple segments of the city’s life in the coming period, both through existing and through future infrastructure projects.
How important will cooperation with institutions such as the Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature and the Centre for Culture of the Royal Capital of Cetinje be in the organisation of the event?
In organising such a significant international event, cooperation with relevant cultural and educational institutions will be particularly important. The Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature and the Centre for Culture of the Royal Capital of Cetinje have extensive experience in organising cultural and literary programmes, which is why their role in the preparation and realisation of the congress will be of great importance. It is through the joint work of the city administration and these institutions that Cetinje possesses a vibrant cultural life and a tradition that naturally connects it with events of this kind. I believe that through sound cooperation among all structures, we will organise the congress at a high level and provide a worthy welcome to writers, journalists, and intellectuals from across the world.
The PEN Centres Congress promotes values such as freedom of expression, dialogue, and international cooperation. How important are these values for contemporary society and for the identity of Cetinje?
Throughout its history, Cetinje has always been a place of progressive thought, freedom of expression, and openness to different ideas – even in the most difficult times of the nineteen-nineties, when it demonstrated the capacity to preserve the spirit of tolerance and critical reflection. At the same time, as a historical capital and the former seat of numerous diplomatic missions, Cetinje was a space of the meeting of cultures, ideas, and international cooperation, through which the city built a reputation as a place that actively participates in the broader European and global cultural dialogue. Contemporary society faces numerous challenges that frequently test the fundamental values upon which the democratic order rests, which is why principles such as freedom of expression, open dialogue, and international cooperation are essential to preserving pluralism, mutual understanding, and social stability. Today, despite the numerous challenges of the contemporary age including attempts to suppress or relativise our identity Cetinje continues to cultivate these same values, and it is precisely for this reason that events such as the PEN Centres Congress hold special significance for our city, as they confirm that Cetinje remains a space where ideas are freely exchanged and where culture and dialogue form the foundation of social development.
Do you expect that the organisation of such an event will have long-term effects on cultural tourism and the international image of Cetinje?
I believe that organising such an event will have a significant and lasting impact on cultural tourism and the international recognition of Cetinje. The arrival of a large number of writers, journalists, publishers, and intellectuals from around the world represents an exceptional opportunity to showcase our city as a place of rich history, culture, and authentic traditions. At the same time, events of this kind strengthen the city’s cultural offering and further stimulate interest in Cetinje as a destination where culture, art, and contemporary international dialogue converge. I am certain that the International PEN Congress will contribute to making Cetinje still more visible on the international cultural and tourism map, and that its effects will be recognisable in the years to come.
In what way is Cetinje today building its position as a regional and international cultural centre?
Cetinje is building its position as a regional and international cultural centre above all through the continuity of cultural programmes, the strengthening of cultural institutions, and the organisation of events that transcend the local and national frame. Our city possesses a strong institutional foundation from national museums and cultural establishments to significant festivals and international events held in Cetinje throughout the year. It is precisely through such programmes that Cetinje remains a space of encounter for artists, creators, and audiences from the region and beyond. At the same time, we endeavour, through partnerships with international organisations and cultural networks, to further open space for cooperation, the exchange of ideas, and the realisation of projects that contribute to the contemporary cultural life of the city. In this way, Cetinje, drawing on its rich tradition and contemporary creativity, continues to strengthen its role as one of the most important cultural centres in the region.
What message would you send to the international cultural and literary community that will come to Cetinje in 2027?
To the international cultural and literary community, I wish to convey that in Cetinje awaits them a city of powerful history and a distinctive atmosphere, in which many important ideas and cultural currents have been shaped over the centuries. I am convinced that a stay in the Royal Capital will be an occasion not only for discussing the important themes of contemporary society, but also for becoming acquainted with a place deeply connected to freedom of thought and creativity. It will be a great pleasure for us to host writers, journalists, and intellectuals from across the world, and to be part of an important international event together. I believe that for many of them, Cetinje will remain a place to which they will gladly return.