The conference “Dialogue on Alignment of Priorities in the Western Balkans - Vision 2030 - Digital/Green/Healthy Roads” being held today in Sarajevo

The Conference “Policy Dialogue on Aligning Priorities in the Western Balkans – Vision 2030 – Digital/Green/Health Pathways”, whose local organizer the University of Sarajevo is, is taking place today in Sarajevo.

The conference was opened by Mrs. Elke Dall, opening ceremony moderator and the Policy Answers project, Center for Social Innovation (ZSI) from Austria coordinator.

After the moderator’s introductory words, the audience was addressed by Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, University of Sarajevo Rector, pointing out that the University of Sarajevo, as the largest and oldest higher education institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the leading institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of the number of projects supported by EU funds, greatly contributes to the achievement of the goals of the Agenda. “That's why we are especially glad that as the local organizer of the conference we can extend a warm welcome to you in Sarajevo, so that in cooperation with other institutions from the EU and the countries of the region, we can jointly contribute to the modernization and development of the Western Balkans,” said Rector Škrijelj.

Conference participants were greeted by video message by Mrs. Signe Ratso, Deputy Director General of the Directorate for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and welcoming addresses were given by Mr. Samir Avdić, Deputy Mayor of Sarajevo, Mr. Suvad Džafić, Assistant Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Mr. Edin Forto. , Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After the opening of the conference, the first plenary session followed, entitled “Overview of the Western Balkan region on the way to the implementation of the Green and Digital Agenda and health policy.” The keynote speech at this session was given by Bernhard Fabianek, senior expert, Horizon Europe Association, DG RTD of the European Commission.

In order to discuss the situation in the Western Balkans and consider priorities for the next period, i.e. Vision 2030, the conference gathered representatives of governments from the Western Balkans and other key stakeholders, representatives of the European Commission as well as experts from primary fields. This conference is an opportunity for experts from different fields to engage in a constructive and progressive dialogue, and to propose effective solutions and instruments for harmonizing the priorities of the Western Balkans with those of the EU, and to work together to build greener, more digital and resilient economies, as well as healthier ones. societies.

The organization of this important event is part of the “Policy Answers” project, aiming to build bridges between national/regional priorities and EU priorities, as well as support the inclusion of the Western Balkans in relevant EU initiatives and platforms, such as European partnerships, mission and platform for smart specialization, towards a digital, green and healthy future in the Western Balkans.