The Summer School of Diplomacy officially kicked off today, Monday, September 16, 2024, at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), marking the beginning of an engaging five-day event. Organized by the Museum "Alija Izetbegović," Homework Hub, and the IUS Balkan Studies Centre, the summer school is set to offer an enriching platform for students and young professionals to explore the world of diplomacy.
This year’s event has brought together 16 participants, comprising bachelor’s and master’s students from diverse academic backgrounds, including political science, international relations, law, and English language studies. These participants hail from various higher education institutions in Sarajevo and across Bosnia and Herzegovina, fostering an environment of intellectual exchange and collaboration.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from key figures involved in organizing the event. Ms. Šejla Cakić-Rizvanović, Director of the Museum "Alija Izetbegović," welcomed the participants and set the tone for the week ahead. She was followed by Mr. Mirza Rastoder, CEO and Founder of Homework Hub, and Dr. Hamza Preljević, Director of the Balkan Studies Centre at IUS, both of whom emphasized the importance of this initiative for aspiring diplomats and international relations experts. All expressed hope for a fruitful week of learning, dialogue, and academic growth.
Following the opening remarks, the first session of the day was delivered by Prof. Dr. Nedžma Džananović Miraščija, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Sarajevo. Her insightful lecture focused on the EU integration process, examining both the benefits and drawbacks of the journey toward European Union membership.
The morning session continued with a reception at the Rectorate for H.E. Saeid Khatibzadeh, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Croatia, who was welcomed by the IUS Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım. During the lecture at the Summer School of Diplomacy, H.E. shared his extensive diplomatic experiences, offering a compelling analysis of contemporary global security challenges and diplomatic strategies from the viewpoint of Iranian diplomacy.
The day concluded with a presentation by H.E. Mr. Yasser Sorour, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He provided a detailed overview of the bilateral relations between Egypt and Bosnia and Herzegovina and reflected on Egypt’s role in current global events, particularly in the context of geopolitical challenges.
With a lineup of distinguished speakers and participants from various academic disciplines, the Summer School of Diplomacy at IUS promises to be a unique platform for dialogue and learning. The event continues throughout the week, offering a diverse range of topics related to diplomacy, global security, and international relations.
