Dubravka Bošnjak at the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans: Strengthening Cooperation in Education, Innovation, and Culture

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platform on Education and Training, Research, Innovation, and Culture, which is taking place from 29 September  to 1 October in Skopje, North Macedonia.

This meeting, bringing together ministers from Western Balkan countries, is dedicated to key topics of regional cooperation in the fields of education, innovation, and culture, all aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union and promoting sustainable development. The meeting was opened by Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth. Over three days of discussions, participants will exchange ideas and experiences on the importance of synergy between education and innovation, promoting cultural diversity, and enhancing cooperation with the EU in these sectors.

Minister Bošnjak addressed the conference on its first day, highlighting the potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the area of innovation, particularly in sectors such as information technology, sustainable energy, and agriculture. She emphasized the importance of connecting educational institutions with industry to create synergy between education and innovation.

"In order to develop synergy between education and innovation, we need two key elements: collaboration and adaptability. Educational institutions must establish strong connections with businesses and organizations, while the education system must be ready for rapid changes in the labour market and technology," Minister Bošnjak stated.

The meeting began on 29 September with a presentation of the report from the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, while the following days will focus on discussions about education, training, research, innovation, and culture. Special attention will be given to developing synergy between educational institutions and industry to promote employability and sustainable development, as well as strengthening creative industries and cultural diversity in the Western Balkans.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, with several successful projects within the Erasmus+ program, aims to further enhance these sectors through cooperation with the EU and regional partners, contributing to the strengthening of innovative capacity and cultural identity in the region.

The ministerial meeting will conclude on 1 October, and it is expected that they will adopt concrete recommendations for improving cooperation in the fields of education, research, innovation, and culture in the Western Balkans region.