Highlights from the Belgrade Security Conference 2024

The event came at a time marked by international crises, which shaped the conference agenda. From the war in Ukraine and the escalating conflict in the Middle East to the complex Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, the discussions addressed some of the most urgent and difficult topics facing the world today.

Opening Remarks: A Call to Confront Modern Challenges

The conference was inaugurated by Srđan Cvijić, President of the BCSP’s International Advisory Committee. In his passionate opening speech, Cvijić warned against the “monsters of our time”— Autocracy, Nationalism, and Polarisation—which sow uncertainty for future generations. He emphasised the BCSP’s enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights, values that were deeply reflected in the conference’s agenda.

 

 

The first day began with a high-profile panel featuring Federica Mogherini, among other eminent speakers, who addressed the global implications of upcoming U.S. and EU elections. The panel underscored how these events could reshape the international security landscape, already defined by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. A recurring theme emerged: the rise of the political right and its connection to global illiberalism.

 

 

The first day of the conference concluded with the Lighthouse award ceremony. Established last year by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, the award aims to recognise the exceptional courage of individuals who, through their professional work, uphold the true values of our society. This year’s Lighthouse award was presented to Police Major Katarina Petrović.

 

 

Day 2: Geopolitical Challenges and Historical Reflections

The second day was filled with difficult, yet insightful panels, focusing on the European Union’s role in the “new geopolitical age,” ongoing efforts for Ukraine’s victory, and the critical importance of fundamental human rights. A standout panel brought together experts from Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon, who discussed the possibility of peace through a two-state solution. Another session revisited the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement, with Croatian historian Tvrtko Jakovina providing a compelling commemorative lecture about Budimir Lončar, Yugoslavia’s last secretary for foreign affairs. The day concluded with a debate on Serbia’s role in the EU’s Green Deal, with discussions touching on controversial issues such as lithium mining and environmental protests.

 

 

Day 3: Democracy, Regional Cooperation, and Civil Society

The final day began with a discussion on democracy in Eastern Europe amidst Russian aggression. Panels explored a wide range of topics, including organised crime, violent extremism, bilateral disputes, human security, and cybersecurity threats, with experts offering nuanced insights.

 

 

A key highlight was the BSC Young Leaders panel, which fosters collaboration among promising young individuals from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. An all-female panel in this program stood out, as young leaders rejected past conflicts and advocated for a peaceful, united future for the region. The BSC Young Leaders, as an integral part of the conference, has a mission to empower young people in the Western Balkans and create new generations of decision-makers and opinion-dormers capable of bringing change.

 

 

The day concluded with three impactful panels. The first tackled the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, featuring a dynamic exchange between journalist Jeta Xharra and diplomat Borko Stefanović. The second addressed the shrinking space for civil society and the right to protest in the region. The final session, prefaced by remarks from EU Ambassador Giaufret on the importance of rule of law, centered on EU accession. The discussion featured notable figures such as Montenegro’s former Prime Minister, Dritan Abazović, and Serbia’s Minister for European Integration, Tanja Miščević, who urged citizens to support the path toward EU membership.

 

Closing Remarks

The conference concluded with a heartfelt speech by Igor Bandović, Director of the BCSP. He reflected on the three days of intense and meaningful discussions, emphasising the importance of creating spaces for challenging conversations. Referencing the difficulty in organising such a large and complicated event, he expressed great gratitude to the BCSP’s dedicated team, partners, and volunteers, whose efforts made the event a success.

 

 

The third Belgrade Security Conference BSC 2024 proved to be a crucial platform for addressing some of the most critical issues of our time. With its commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding, the BCSP continues to lead the way in advancing security policy in the region and beyond.