In an effort to foster democratic education across the region, educators from Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia gathered at the conference "Schools as driving force for democracy" held under the joint European Union and Council of Europe action “Quality education for all” . The conference provided a platform for sharing regional experiences on fostering an environment of democracy, transparency, and integrity at schools.

Anđela Jakšić- Stojanović, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, who opened the conference, highlighted that education is serving to teach young people the values that will allow them to become bearers of change in the society tomorrow. “I invite all actors in education - decision makers, school directors, educators, teachers, parents, local communities, non-governmental organisations - that in the coming period we work intensively together to create an environment in schools in such a way that they truly become a bastion of democracy, ethics and knowledge“, concluded Minister Jakšić- Stojanović.

Lejla Dervišagić, Head of Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica, welcomed the participants and underlined the importance of co-operation between the European Union and the Council of Europe to ensure effective, equal, and inclusive access to mainstream quality education for all.

Vesna Atanasova, Head of Unit in the Council of Europe`s Education Department, spoke about the role of the Organisation: “The Council of Europe is best positioned to lead such regional gatherings due to our long and extensive track record in promoting diversity in the Balkans. Amid these tumultuous times, it is imperative that we unite to deliver adequate and cohesive responses to the rapidly emerging global challenges that pose a threat to our societies. The Council stands ready to assist the authorities and educators in countering these pressing issues together.“

The conference brought together around 80 participants, mostly representatives of primary and secondary schools and of relevant public authorities from the Western Balkans.

The action “Quality education for all” is part of the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye“. The conference was partially supported by the education project funded by Germany.