The 18th International Scientific Conference “Danube – River of Cooperation” – held on September 17 – 19 in Belgrade and Viminacium – was organized by the International Scientific Forum “Danube – River of Cooperation” and the Institute of International Politics and Economics, but also other research institutions were involved: Water-management Institute “Jaroslav Černi”, Institute of Forestry-management from Belgrade University.

The Conference was opened by Dr. Edita Stojić-Karanović, managing director of the Institute of International Politics and Economics and president of the ”International Scientific Forum “Danube – River of Cooperation”.

In the work of the Conference among other international participants were Dr. Eugen Scherer, Arbeitsgemeinschaft Donaulander, Arbeitskreis “Kultur und Wissenschaft” from Austria, Tamas Nadasi of “AquaProfit” Hungary, Laszlo Nagy, Consultancy „Posys” Hungary, Miroslav Dragičević of “Horwath Consulting” Croatia, Prof. Carmen Bulzan, „Forum Dunarean” & Asociatiei Culturale „Iuventus Traiani” Romania, Simon Johnston, Danube Project Serbia, H.E. Mr. Ion Macovei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania, H. E. Mr. Tadashi Nagai, Ambassador of Japan in Serbia, Mr. Teruhiko Shinada, Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in Belgrade, H.E. Mr. Ajay Swarup, Ambassador of India in Serbia, Arne Sven Hartig, Second Secretary (Cultural and Press Affairs), Embassy of Germany.

At the conference the results of the research project “Serbia and the modern world: Perspectives and ways of strengthening foreign policy, security and foreign economic position of Serbia in the contemporary processes in the international community.”
(Project number Project: 149002D).

Conclusions of the Conference

The Institute of International Politics and Economics and the Association of Scientific Workers International Scientific Forum “Danube – River of Cooperation” will continue mutual and joint international cooperation on the development of interdisciplinary research projects on sustainable use of the cultural-historical and natural resources for a complex economic and cultural development of Serbia, as well as on the popularization of the results of these studies.Also, they will jointly continue to advocate for the partnership of governmental and non-governmental sector in order to facilitate effective problem solving sustainable use of natural, cultural and historical resources, and cooperation with neighboring regions in this field.

At the same time they will be engaged in popularizing the recognition of the public interest related to the elements of heritage, giving due attention and recognition of the value of cultural heritage through the identification, study, interpretation, protection, conservation and presentation; promote heritage protection as a central factor in sustainable development, cultural diversity and contemporary creativity; strive to be treated without discrimination to any cultural heritage in whole area of the Danube region, South-Eastern Europe and the Balkans, regardless of its origin.

Due to the importance of this thematic area, and for meeting the above objectives of the conclusions that it is necessary to introduce the general public to the work and results of this conference, as well as with projects that were created and presented on the basis of the above conclusions in the aftermath of this conference, it was concluded to publish conference materials together with all subsequent works presented on CD.