Đorđe Milićević, minister without portfolio in charge of monitoring the situation, proposing measures and participating in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora, attended the Diaspora Youth Forum online conference organized by the office of the minister, which brought together more than a hundred of our students from more than twenty-five countries.

At the beginning, the minister presented the students his Office’s work and activities and plans for the coming period, while the students exchanged ideas with him, but also spoke about their status in the countries where they live, the challenges they face in the educational and social context, and their specific needs. Special attention was paid to the preservation of cultural identity, the connection with the Serbian language, tradition and values that play a key role in preserving our common heritage.

‘I want to tell you that Serbia sees you as an invaluable resource. Our goal is for Serbia to be part of your academic and professional path – through research projects, temporary programs, but also through creating conditions for your eventual return. We are working on developing a program that will allow you to connect with our institutions and jointly build bridges of knowledge and innovation. This forum is just one step in that direction,’ the minister said.

The minister added that this conference was a platform for dialogue.

‘Your ideas, needs and proposals are key to defining priorities and policies that will improve relations between the motherland and the countries where you live,’ he added.

‘As students pursuing top-notch education at prestigious universities around the world, you represent one of the most important connections between Serbia and the world. With your knowledge, experience, and energy, you build bridges between your home country and the academic, social, and professional communities in which you develop. Finally, I would like to encourage you to always stay in touch with Serbia, no matter where your professional path takes you. Serbia needs your creativity, knowledge and energy, whether through your return, cooperation projects, or your role as global ambassadors of our country’ – concluded the minister.

The minister told the young people to use the conference to connect mutually, as this was an opportunity to build a global community of young leaders from the diaspora, and this community, based on knowledge, innovation and a shared vision, could have a huge impact not only on Serbia, but also on the world as a whole.

Source: Office of the minister without portfolio in charge of monitoring the situation, proposing measures and participating in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora

Photo: Government of the Republic of Serbia