Minister Gutić at the World Summit in Samarkand: Investing in New Generations through Sustainable Social Protection Systems

Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography Damir Gutić participated in a thematic plenary panel at the World Summit in Samarkand dedicated to developing modern social protection systems focused on children’s needs and the sustainable financing of support. The panel, “Investing in New Generations: Child-Sensitive Social Protection Systems,” examined how states can turn their policy commitments to children into long-term, financially sustainable reforms by linking cash benefits with accessible services. Minister Gutić presented Montenegro’s experience in expanding the child allowance, extending eligibility from limited categories of beneficiaries to all children up to the age of 18. He also highlighted the need for careful planning of multi-year costs, monitoring outcomes, and directing additional support toward children facing a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion. In this context, he presented preparations for the National Action Plan for the European Child Guarantee 2026–2030, aimed at strengthening links between social protection, education, healthcare, nutrition and housing policies, as well as improving intersectoral coordination. The discussion focused on financing children’s rights, setting priorities amid limited budgetary resources, and the importance of an integrated approach to achieving better outcomes.