Salvatore Nigro shares his vision on leadership and innovation,
inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. A conversation shaping
the future of Europe’s youth and economy
In a time when youth unemployment and talent gaps challenge economies across Europe, entrepreneurial education is emerging as a key solution – and JA Europe is at the forefront of that movement. As part of an international network recently nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize, JA Europe plays a vital role in equipping young people with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a fast-changing world. During his visit to Montenegro, Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe, shared his thoughts on the power of entrepreneurship to drive social stability, the potential he sees in Montenegrin youth, and the importance of embedding innovation into the country’s educational future. In this interview, Mr. Nigro reflects on JA’s impact, praises the role of local partners, and issues a compelling call for Montenegro to embrace entrepreneurial learning as a national priority.
Junior Achievement Worldwide has been nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize. In your opinion, what is the contribution of entrepreneurial programs to global cohesion and stability?
When you’re young, you aspire to change the world. However, without the right skills and opportunities, this enthusiasm can lead to frustration, especially when employment is scarce. Our programs at JA equip young people with the necessary skills to secure and retain jobs, build companies, and channel their creativity and innovation productively. Over our 106-year history, operating in 115 countries and providing nearly 20 million youth learning experiences annually, we’ve seen firsthand how such empowerment contributes to the stability of communities and fosters global peace.
Do you see entrepreneurial potential among young people in Montenegro? What experiences do you carry from your cooperation with our organizations?
Absolutely! In countries like Montenegro, with a smaller population and territory, innovation can occur swiftly. The economy here is predominantly service-oriented, especially in tourism, which relies heavily on the talent and creativity of its people. I’ve observed that young Montenegrins working in tourism are already demonstrating entrepreneurial mindsets by creating unique experiences for clients. This positions them at the forefront of entrepreneurship in the country.
What do you believe is the key to the success of an organization whose programs are considered among the most innovative by the European Commission?
Our longstanding collaboration with the European Commission has been instrumental. For instance, JA Montenegro was established through the EU-funded “By Leap” project, which initiated our activities here with great leaders such as Nikola Mićunović and the whole team. Even after the initial funding concluded, the organization continued to grow. Programs like the Entrepreneurial Skills Pass, which started in seven European countries and has expanded to over 60, assess and certify the entrepreneurial skills of young people. Recognized by both the European Commission and the World Economic Forum, these initiatives have been pivotal in our success.
How do you see the role of the Junior Achievement Montenegro organization in the process of educating and creating young leaders in Montenegro?
Collaboration with the public sector is crucial. For example, Albania recently integrated our program into all schools nationwide as part of their educational reform. Montenegro, being agile, has the opportunity to implement similar changes, perhaps even more efficiently. Making entrepreneurial education a mandatory subject, regardless of the academic focus, ensures that all students gain essential skills.
Additionally, addressing the youth unemployment rate, which stands at nearly 29%, requires direct involvement from the private sector in schools. By exposing students to various career paths early on, we can better align education with market needs, fostering a generation of young leaders equipped to drive economic growth.
And of course, none of this would be possible without strong local partners. I want to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the University of Donja Gorica, which has done a tremendous job supporting the development of JA Montenegro. A special thanks goes to the whole board who has believed in our mission from the start and continue to champion entrepreneurial education in the country. It’s this kind of local commitment that truly makes the difference.
To conclude, what are your thoughts on integrating entrepreneurship into Montenegro’s education system?
Introducing entrepreneurial education from primary school onwards is vital. In Finland, for instance, “business villages” allow young students to role-play various professions, helping them understand different roles in society. Implementing similar initiatives in Montenegro can open young minds to the possibilities of entrepreneurship, laying the foundation for a more innovative and resilient economy.