Spajić announces the establishment of the ISKRA National Academy: Empowering citizens with knowledge and skills for the 21st century

A bold vision for development, a strong commitment to investing in people, and new standards of international cooperation will make Montenegro an exceptional country of extraordinary opportunities and achievements, said Prime Minister Milojko Spajić at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai.

The Summit, which gathers over 30 heads of state and government, 140 government delegations, and more than 6,000 participants, analyzes the key challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

Speaking at the Government Services Forum, Prime Minister Spajić stated that every success starts with a bold vision and a firm commitment to investing in people.

One of our key initiatives is ISKRA – a revolutionary national programme aimed at raising the level of digital literacy throughout Montenegro. However, ISKRA is not just an educational endeavor. It symbolizes our dedication to connecting skills with opportunities. Our goal is for every citizen to not only have access to skills but also the means to explore opportunities that will help them reach their full potential, said Prime Minister Spajić.

This ambition, he added, transcends Montenegro’s borders and the project will be unique in this part of the world.

Mohammed Bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services of the United Arab Emirates Government, quoted the UAE Prime Minister, saying: "The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. The future does not wait. The future can be designed and built today."

These words, said Bin Taliah, perfectly reflect the mission of the Summit – a platform that serves as a catalyst for mutual interaction and experience exchange in the creation of public services.

These services are not only digital but smart, with a special emphasis on the user, designed to meet real human needs, emphasized Taliah.

Prime Minister Spajić said that Montenegro is making bold steps toward digital modernization, investing in systems that enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery, and added that our country is ready to test and implement innovative solutions.

Although small in population, we are rich in talent and ambition. Our creativity and determination allow us to turn new ideas into results. To unlock this potential, we must face the reality that our governmental systems often stifle innovation and adaptability. A shift in governance culture is needed – moving from processes that prioritize compliance to those that prioritize results. We must make our bureaucratic frameworks more agile, fostering collaboration between those who plan and implement public policies to enable effective change, said Prime Minister Spajić.

Unfortunately, as he added, we are witnessing how disinformation can undermine trust in our institutions.

The problem is not only disinformation but also that too many people feel disconnected from their governments. To counter this, we need efficient systems that work for the people, promoting transparency and accountability, while embracing the innovative spirit that drives progress, said Spajić.

He also reminded that Montenegro has faced certain challenges, including significant cyber threats.

This experience has highlighted the importance of cooperation in strengthening our infrastructure and cybersecurity capacities. With the support of the European Union, we have opened the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C) in Podgorica. Together, we can build a future that not only accepts excellence but encourages it in every part of the world, concluded Prime Minister Spajić.

The Government Services Forum gathered global leaders from both the public and private sectors to design the future of government services in light of new technologies, exploring the growing expectations of citizens.