The joint declaration will be a means of mobilizing the sciences, technology and innovation (STI) for peace and sustainable development. It also highlighted the Venice Office’s role as a catalyst and neutral broker in the SEE Region in continuing to support and encourage the further development and implementation of effective regional research policies and infrastructures and collaborative networks for qualitative science communication.

Ms Kretchen Kalonji, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, attended the Ministerial Round Table and together with Bosnian Minister of Civil Affairs, Mr Sredoje Novic, chaired the encounter.

Four SEE Ministers of Science and Education from the countries of Croatia, Republic of Montenegro, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Srpska as well as the Deputy Minister from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the State Secretary from the Republic of Serbia took the floor. Senior Ministerial advisors and high level dignitaries representing Albania, Romania and Bulgaria as well as the Ambassadors from Greece and Turkey also spoke. Representatives from other European countries such as Austria, Italy and Switzerland as well as European and international organizations, such as the European Commission, participated in this event.

The Ministerial Round Table was financially supported by the Swiss Government, State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER); Italian Government; Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

Source: email by Rosanna Santesso, UNESCO