At a time when diplomacy operates at the limits of what is feasible and global politics faces daily tests of resilience, the voices of those who combine professional firmness with humanity and empathy gain special weight. This is precisely the kind of diplomat that Montenegro’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Bojanka Simićević, is — a representative working under conditions of full‑scale war, while consistently strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Ukrainian society.
In an interview with Business Woman, the Ambassador speaks openly about the power of women’s leadership in modern diplomacy, the challenges of diplomatic service during wartime, and the experience of Montenegro that can prove valuable for Ukraine’s post‑war recovery. This is a conversation about resilience, partnership, and the women who are shaping the new quality of international relations today.
Madam Ambassador, as a woman diplomat and leader, how would you assess the role of women’s leadership in contemporary diplomacy? What challenges and opportunities do you see today for the development of women in international relations and in business?
First, I want to thank you for the invitation. It is a great honour for me, as an honoured member of the Women Business Club, to have the opportunity to speak with you. This invitation is a privilege, because I know how important it is to give space to women who, through their work and dedication, are changing the world around them.
I would like to greet all the members of this club, with whom I have had the pleasure to speak many times, exchange experience, and always listen with great interest to their efforts and the role they play in the progress of society and the state. Their courage, dedication, and vision of the future truly inspire me.
I have always believed in the significance of women’s participation in public life, and today, as a woman in diplomacy, I am delighted to see that the role of women in international relations and diplomacy is becoming increasingly important and visible. Observing global processes, I believe that throughout history women’s contribution to public life has often been unfairly overlooked — and this was true in my own country as well. Women were sidelined in many social processes, yet with their self‑sacrificing, often invisible and quiet roles, they shaped our society. Every woman in my country carries this historical connection with a woman who was strong, even if she was not seen at the time, yet whose actions left an indelible mark.
Today women in Montenegro hold key positions in politics, diplomacy, parliament, science, and culture, and many of them are the carriers of the most responsible and meaningful changes in society. I am especially pleased — and I want to emphasise this — that in April 2025, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, the Network of Women Diplomats was established. Through active improvement of women’s status in diplomatic posts, it advocates gender‑transformative policies that support gender equality and strengthen the country and its foreign policy on the international stage.
Although there were many obstacles in the past, in today’s society women, through their knowledge, education, experience, and courage, are increasingly contributing to the development of numerous spheres of life — from politics and diplomacy to science, business, and culture. This is the result not only of changing social values, but also of the reduction of prejudice toward women’s leadership. And what is even more important — women have won the right to participate in political and public life on an equal footing.
I am glad that here, in your country, I see numerous brave women who hold responsible positions and initiate social change. Women leaders and carriers of initiatives who are shaping the future. In this context, it is extremely important to emphasise that women’s leadership is today recognised and respected in many segments of society and is very often the driver and inspiration for many. This is something I can confirm personally through my presence and activities, through daily meetings with women leaders in different fields. To be honest, I am often struck by the strength with which women here overcome numerous challenges, and, even more importantly, by their readiness to take on roles traditionally considered “male,” especially in these extremely difficult times in Ukraine.
However, I cannot but mention the challenges that women still face today, including my own perspective on this. On the one hand, women in diplomacy and leadership are often forced to balance between traditional roles expected of them and the new challenges brought by the position of leader, in view of expectations on many fronts. I believe that, despite great difficulties, women find a way to combine these roles. Women truly carry emotional depth and understanding, which often allows us to grasp the essence of each societal challenge more deeply and more sensitively. It motivates us always to be devoted and passionate about what we do, and it strengthens our ability to recognise and understand complex interpersonal dynamics — an element that is very important in diplomacy, as well as in other areas of their professional activity. In my view, this emotional dimension actually adds extra depth and strong motivation to women’s leadership.
I would especially like to highlight the courage of women diplomats who, during periods of global instability and crises, serve on difficult missions with great determination and dedication. Women diplomats in Ukraine, who are bravely and selflessly carrying out their duties in these difficult times, are undoubtedly an inspiration and a true example of strength, dedication, and resilience. This is yet another proof that women’s strength lies not only in political and diplomatic power, but also in emotional and human courage, which is crucial for international relations.
I am glad that today we can say: women’s leadership is increasingly recognised and respected. But I am convinced that there is still much work ahead of us so that women are equal in all aspects of political and public life — in international diplomacy as well as in the world of business. Although we face challenges, I believe women will continue to fight for equality and for the role that belongs to them, along with all the qualities that make diplomacy and leadership richer and more successful.
Your diplomatic mission in Ukraine is taking place under extraordinary circumstances — in a country living under conditions of war. How do you manage to organise diplomatic work, support bilateral relations, and at the same time inspire other women?
Diplomatic service in Ukraine is extremely demanding, yet at the same time very meaningful. In many areas of public life, women, including women in business whom I have had the honour to meet, are becoming a genuine source of inspiration for progress and development of society. Their leadership, courage, and determination in difficult moments, as well as their contribution to the development of their communities, confirm not only their strength but also the importance of women’s role in society.
While we are witnessing women taking increasingly visible positions in various spheres, what is especially distinctive in this situation is women’s leadership both in Ukraine and among the many female colleagues who, together with me, are serving here. In this country, in these extremely difficult times, women’s leadership is not only an example to follow, but a real testimony of courage, determination, and commitment. I believe that all these women who today hold responsible roles in Ukrainian society or serve here — and there are many of them — truly represent inspiration in the field of women’s leadership.
Moreover, I cannot but emphasise that my role here, in Ukraine, has been for me an honour, an inspiration, and a great challenge. Undoubtedly, Ukraine is not only a place for the application of classic diplomacy, because working here means much more than performing standard diplomatic duties. It means understanding and supporting the country and its people, perhaps in one of the most difficult historical periods. And as a woman, as a diplomat, I believe that my mission here is important not only for strengthening bilateral relations, but also as a form of support for Ukraine and an understanding of its struggle for freedom, independence, and the preservation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, which Montenegro steadfastly supports.
Therefore, besides supporting our bilateral relations, I also see my role here as support for Ukraine in its just fight for survival within its internationally recognised borders.
Montenegro has a unique experience in the development of tourism, innovation and entrepreneurship. Which of these practices, in your opinion, could be particularly interesting for Ukraine in the process of its recovery, reconstruction and economic modernisation?
Montenegro has, for many years, been recognised as a popular tourist destination. Numerous air routes and the large number of Ukrainian tourists who visited Montenegro before the start of the Russian invasion testify to this success, as well as to the historical friendly ties that have only grown stronger over time. In addition, during my conversations with many Ukrainians, I have often heard warm words about my country, and almost everyone told me they had visited Montenegro at least once. When you hear such kind words about your state, it gives an extra incentive and belief that the day will come when we can again travel back and forth and enjoy this cooperation once more.
Montenegro has achieved significant results. Our country is successfully adhering to European values and standards and seeks to actively cooperate with many countries around the world in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. I am convinced that the exchange of our experience can especially manifest itself in the post‑war period, when reconstruction and the modernisation of the economy will become decisive.
Both Montenegro and Ukraine are making substantial efforts to further strengthen their capacities and opportunities in the field of digitalisation, the digital economy, and the creation of electronic services for citizens. I believe that, through the exchange of valuable and mutually complementary experience, both countries can further improve their digital services and, accordingly, their innovation potential. In February 2025, Montenegro was recognised as the third‑best destination worldwide for digital nomads (after Spain and the UAE) in the Digital Nomad Index 2025, published by VisaGuide.World. Ukrainian citizens, who came to Montenegro in large numbers after the Russian aggression against Ukraine, contributed significantly to this, and for that we are grateful. And, of course, Montenegro is ready to share its experience with Ukraine as well.
Montenegro aims for innovation to become an increasingly important factor in stimulating economic growth and improving competitiveness on the regional and European market in the near future. The Government of Montenegro is committed to investing further in the development of scientific and innovation infrastructure, primarily through the creation of data‑processing centres aimed at improving research, digitalisation, and knowledge transfer. These investments are intended to strengthen cooperation between the academic sector and the economy, thereby fostering the development of new technologies and innovations. Special attention will continue to be devoted to attracting domestic and foreign investment, including in high‑tech sectors. On this basis, we believe that Montenegro is on the right path toward building a dynamic and sustainable innovative future, as growing innovation potential and stronger support for small and medium‑sized enterprises contribute to creating a favourable business environment.
Furthermore, Montenegro is actively committed to the further development of the tourism sector, which supports the growth of the national economy. Infrastructure projects are being developed, including the construction of new resorts both along the coastline and in the mountainous parts of the country. Work is also underway to increase air connectivity, ensuring easier access to our tourist regions. After last year’s signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Transport and Wizz Air on the establishment of the airline’s base at Podgorica Airport, Montenegro will, within this year — which marks the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its independence, and, I want to emphasise, the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Ukraine — be connected to an additional, symbolically, 20 routes across Europe. We believe that the moment will come when we can, to our mutual joy, restore the very high‑quality air connectivity that was once established with Ukraine, and even further improve it. We highly value the fact that Ukrainian citizens, even in the current circumstances, strive to preserve their connection with Montenegro, and through their continued presence they are still supporting Montenegro’s tourism economy. I hope that this important fact will, in the future, motivate citizens of Montenegro to visit Ukraine directly in greater numbers after the restoration of air links and to experience Ukraine’s rich tourism potential and cultural‑historical heritage. Montenegro is ready to share its experience in this area with Ukraine in order to help revive the great potential of its tourism industry.
Therefore, I am convinced that the further development of cooperation between Montenegro and Ukraine, including in the above‑mentioned areas of tourism, innovation, and entrepreneurship, can support Ukraine’s recovery and economic modernisation.
Photo: from archive of Bojanka Simićević