The First Expert and Policy Makers Gathering After Berlin and Wales
On the second day of the Belgrade Security Forum, on the behalf of the organisers, Ms. Sonja Licht, president of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, expressed her delight to the fact she was able to welcome guests to the Forum for the fourth year in a row. “This is the first gathering of experts and policy makers after the summit in Berlin and NATO summit in Wales”, she emphasized.
On the second day of the Belgrade Security Forum, on the behalf of the organisers, Ms. Sonja Licht, president of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, expressed her delight to the fact she was able to welcome guests to the Forum for the fourth year in a row. “This is the first gathering of experts and policy makers after the summit in Berlin and NATO summit in Wales”, she emphasized.
Ms. Licht explained the title of this year’s issue reflected the intention to observe the centennial of the First World War commencement through the prism of present state of international affairs. “We were hoping that we will talk about the end 20th century and celebrate new politically and security wiser Europe. However, we gathered to address the challenges rooted in the past still shaping the future”, Licht said.
Special tribute was made to three women in international politics. Firstly, to Chancellor Angela Merkel for daring to initiate the process of gathering officials from the Western Balkan region in order to make a move towards their countries’ full-fledged membership of the EU. Further on, she praised Lady Catherine Ashton’s dedicated efforts to bring together two communities, Serbian and Albanian, and advance the Belgrade-Pristina dialog. Lastly, Ms. Licht expressed conviction that newly appointed Ms. Federica Mogherini will do everything in her power to build better world having in mind her both transatlantic and European experience.
Ms. Licht expressed her gratitude to all of the participants, donors and friends of the Forum who extended their support to the Forum over the years, making it a most successful international event in the region.
