Montenegro Strengthens Strategic Communication Capacities to Address Firearms-Related Risks with SEESAC’s Support

Two specialized trainings were held in Podgorica from 14 to 17 April 2025 designed to support the Montenegrin Ministry of Interion and police service in strengthening their capacities to communicate effectively  with the public on issues related to firearms and the prevention of their misuse. Organized by UNDP SEESAC with a particularly focused on communication related to awareness-raising campaigns and in crisis situations, the training brought together participants from various parts of the Ministry and the police, all of whom are involved in public safety and outreach.

The Training on Awareness-Raising Campaign Planning, Design and Implementation was held on 14–15 April at the UN Eco House.  It focused on building on the participants’ existing knowledge and tools for designing and implementing effective awareness campaigns. Over two days, participants explored the key stages of campaign development, including research, audience identification, message crafting, and engagement strategies. Practical exercises enabled them to develop tailored campaign messages and delivery strategies adapted to real-life scenarios.

On 16–17 April, participants from the MoI and the police attended the Training on Crisis Communication in Situations Involving Firearms, aimed at enhancing institutional preparedness to communicate effectively, both internally and externally, and restore calm and ensure the public confidence in crisis situations. Topics covered included the formation of crisis communication teams, risk assessment, message development before a crisis and under pressure, and coordination of public communication during emergencies. In-depth discussion of appropriate and realistic response to real-world crises, enabled identification of key team members, and management of information flow during a crisis to ensure clarity and consistency in public messaging.

The discussions and practical exercises were guided by the Draft Guidelines for Crisis Communication in Firearms-Related Incidents, currently being developed by UNDP SEESAC.

In addition to skills development, the trainings served as a platform for inter-institutional dialogue, contributing to a more proactive and coordinated approach to public communication on firearms-related issues across the Western Balkans.

These trainings are a part of SEESAC’s wider work to strengthen the response to factors fueling the demand for and misuse of firearms in the Western Balkans, done under the project Support for Enhancing the Fight Against the Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans project, funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA II) (2021/425-067).