Demography, migration and energy are among the main topics of the conference.
The 5th international scientific multidisciplinary conference "Mediterranean Islands Conference", jointly organized by VERN' University and the Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, was officially opened on the island of Vis.
The aim of this traditional gathering is to connect representatives of the international scientific and business community to discuss the main challenges in the Mediterranean and propose solutions for the development of Mediterranean countries from the perspective of pressing topics such as demography, migration, energy, education and tourism, but also other areas such as culture, media, communications, sports and other conference topics.
This year's edition of the conference, entitled "Mediterranean Islands Conference 2024", will run from September 18 to 21 , and will bring together more than 150 scientists from around the world, who were welcomed at the opening ceremony by the Director of the Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar , Prof. Dr. Sc. Željko Holjevac , Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia and Mayor of Komiža Tonka Ivčević, and Dr. Sc. Dinko Radić , Director of the Vis Regional Museum.
"This year's conference, like the previous four, addresses in different ways topics and challenges that are important for the Mediterranean area, such as maritime heritage, artificial intelligence, migration trends, climate change, smart tourism, sustainability, biodiversity, youth and activism, fisheries, communication challenges, creativity, etc. Taking into account the context of the environment in which the conference is taking place, given the historical and cultural heritage of Vis and the preserved nature, this very fact allows us to have a more comprehensive view of the problems and possible solutions to these challenges because we are facing them ourselves," said Prof. Dr. Sc. Željko Holjevac.
"Croatia has 52 permanently inhabited islands and the Pelješac peninsula, which together make up only 3.3 percent of the total population of Croatia, which means that every thirtieth inhabitant lives on an island. Sustainable development of islands is unthinkable without EU funds and the state budget, and although progress is visible, island communities still face challenges such as demographic decline and the need for additional investments in healthcare, transport connections, education, technology and energy self-sustainability," said Tonka Ivčević , Mayor of Komiža.
The conference is being held under the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia and the patronage of the town of Vis, and in partnership with the French Institute, the Croatian Tourist Board, the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, and the Canon company.
The cultural aspect of the conference is reflected in the international exhibition of student photographs on the theme "Colors of the Mediterranean" , which is set up in the premises of the Croatian House in the town of Vis, and will end with the selection of the best young authors.
