12 Dec Report / The inaugural day of the Liberté, Égalité, Solidarité Forum that gathered Serbiand and Ukranian CSOs at Palić Lake
The inaugural day of the Liberté, Égalité, Solidarité Forum, which brings together civil society organizations from Serbia and Ukraine, took place yesterday at Jelen Salaš by Lake Palić. Milena Berić from KROKODIL, who facilitated the program, reported that all activities were highly successful, characterized by an energetic work atmosphere, a positive spirit, and strong engagement among participants.
The forum commenced with speeches from Vladan Miladinović of the Canadian Embassy, and Dmytro Halchenko of the Ukrainian Embassy. This was followed by Milena’s presentation of the research titled Liberté, Égalité, Solidarité! which included proposals and recommendations for civil sector organizations to respond to aggression against Ukraine. This important work was authored by Srđan Hercigonja and Milena Berić.
The morning session included one-on-one meetings between representatives of the participating organizations, complemented by brief presentations showcasing their respective missions and activities. These meetings facilitated deeper connections between individuals, fostering trust and rapport, which are essential for collaboration and partnership.They provided a valuable opportunity to expand professional networks, as individuals could learn about each other’s work and explore potential collaboration. Finally, this exchange revealed a profound similarity in goals, a shared enthusiasm for collaboration, and ample opportunities for partnership.
In the afternoon, the program featured lectures by Olga Kavran and Olga Manojlović Pintar. Kavran addressed transitional justice and the imperative of holding war criminals accountable.
Olga Kavran also presented details on a consortium program dedicated to enhancing accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine. The project’s objectives center around strengthening institutions and addressing the capacity development needs of key stakeholders in Ukraine engaged in the pursuit of justice for international crimes. This includes prosecutors, police officers, judges, journalists, and civil society organizations.
Manojlović Pintar’s lecture focused on the role of historiography during wartime, examining the interplay between academic endeavors and activist contributions in Serbia during the tumultuous conflicts of the former Yugoslavia. Her insights illuminated both the prevailing and marginal discourses that shaped historical narratives and influenced contemporary perspectives amidst ongoing strife.
Participants engaged attentively throughout the lectures, fostering meaningful discussions and inquiries.
The interactions between organizations from Serbia and Ukraine underscored the mutual learning experienced on this first day of the forum. The success of the event highlights the critical role of such initiatives in forging valuable connections, exploring collaborative opportunities, and challenging preconceived notions.
photo creds Žofija Serda
