The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, participated in a conference dedicated to the “Nobel Prize Teacher Summit” program, organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade. In her opening remarks, Janković emphasized that education is a bridge between science and society, between the individual and the community, and that teachers, who must be granted the respect and the place in society that they rightfully deserve, play a key role.
The Commissioner stated that quality education is not only a right in itself, but also a prerequisite for the realization of other human rights. Education, she noted, is much more than the learning of already established knowledge. It is also critical thinking, creative action, and the development of a vision of the kind of society we wish to live in. Together with equality, tolerance, and humanity, quality education must form the foundation of every society that seeks to raise responsible people who will build a better world for future generations, Janković added.
The Commissioner also pointed out the challenges brought by the digital age, stressing that new channels of communication, while making the world more open, unfortunately are not open only to good things. For this reason, it is important that schools cultivate a culture of dialogue, exchange of ideas and good practices, and the open discussion of important social topics, so that young people can be empowered to become drivers of positive change, fighting against misogyny, sexism, ageism, and all forms of discrimination.
During the conference, participants discussed the similarities and challenges faced by the school systems in Serbia and Sweden, as well as opportunities for improving cooperation. Scholarship holders of the Nobel Committee Museum and the Swedish Institute, who had previously participated in the “Nobel Prize Teacher Summit Extended Program” in Stockholm, spoke about innovative approaches to education, the transmission of values through teaching, and their general experience in working with youth.
