29.02.2024 AESI Forum “Challenges for Peace: European Union Leadership in the Balkans”

The University of Mostar and the University of Sarajevo took part in the forum "Challenges for Peace: European Union Leadership in the Balkans.“ held in Rome from February 19th – 20th.

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The University of Mostar and the University of Sarajevo took part in the forum "Challenges for Peace: European Union Leadership in the Balkans.“ held in Rome from February 19th – 20th. The event was organized by the European Association of International Studies (AESI) in collaboration with the Centre for Defense Higher Studies (CASD), the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the European Union (Delegation of the European Commission in Italy and the European Parliament in Italy).

This year's forum centered around the theme of European Union leadership in the Balkans, aiming to promote dialogue and peace. The seminar underscored the integral role of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the broader European framework but also highlighted that the transformation of society and political leadership can only come through education based on human rights and shared values.

The University of Sarajevo, represented at the forum through Prof. Tarik Zaimović, the vice-rector on behalf of the rector, and Prof. Enita Nakaš, the vice-rector for international cooperation, has forged a strong partnership with Prof. Massimo Maria Caneva, the president of the AESI organization and organizer of the Rome International seminars for over two decades. This collaboration has seamlessly integrated students from the University of Sarajevo into the program for several years. 

The long-standing tradition of collaboration with Prof. Massimo and membership in the EUPeace Alliance demonstrates the University of Sarajevo's commitment to educating generations that will cherish human rights and values.

Prof. Sanja Bijakšić, Vice-Rector for International Relations, and Prof. Dražen Barbarić, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences represented the University of Mostar at the Forum and actively participated in the session dedicated to University Collaboration and the Peace Process in the Balkans, during which the importance of EUPeace was underlined. 

Vice-Rector Prof. Bijakšić, in her presentation, introduced the mission and vision of the EUPeace Alliance. She emphasized how the Alliance is dedicated to a key motive for founding the European Union, which is strengthening peace, solidarity and human rights within Europe and beyond. EUPeace adopts a socio-political approach, aiming to equip future Europeans with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the promotion of peace, justice, and inclusive societies in Europe and globally.

Among the distinguished participants at the seminar was Dr. Carlo Corazza - Director of the European Parliament in Italy Dr Antonio Parenti - Head of the Representation in Italy of the European Commission, Amb. Vincenzo Celeste - Italian Ambassador to the European Union (Bruxelles), Amb. Gabriele Checchia - AESI Scientific Committee and Former Ambassador to NATO, Gen. Franco Federici Military Advisor of the President of Council of Ministers and AESI Scientific Committee. Representatives of Universities from Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, University of Banja Luka, University of Dzemal Bijedic, as well as many students.