2nd International Alumni Seminar of the Council of Europe Schools of Political Studies
“Defending Democracy, Freedom and Human Dignity against Internal and External Threats” (Sarajevo, 25-26 June 2015)
Following the 2014 seminar which was dedicated to youth and the future of democracy, the 2015 International Alumni Seminar of the Council of Europe Schools of Political Studies took place in Sarajevo from 25-26 June and brought together alumni from the 21 Schools of Political Studies who have achieved high office in their field. It coincided with the Chairmanship of Bosnia and Herzegovina of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, holding it for the first time since the country became a member of the Council of Europe in 2002.
The seminar, which theme was “Defending Democracy, Freedom and Human Dignity against Internal and External Threats”, was organised in four thematic sessions:
Theme 1 ‘Protecting societies without undermining democracy’
Theme 2 ‘Addressing the root causes of radicalisation in democratic societies’
Theme 3 ‘Promoting women’s rights and countering domestic violence’
Theme 4 ‘Brainstorming Round Table on the development of the Schools’ Alumni Network’.
The findings of the seminar will provide input to the World Forum for Democracy which will take place in Strasbourg in November this year. Mr Ivo KOMSIC, Mayor of Sarajevo, made the opening address and also hosted a reception for the seminar participants at the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The encounter was concluded by an excursion to Mostar, with a special visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Old Mostar Bridge.
