The first conference of the COST action CPP4ALL - Cultural Heritage for All, entitled "Protection of Cultural Heritage: A Holistic Approach to a Multifaceted Challenge", began on Tuesday at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro in Podgorica.
The event was attended by eighty scholars and researchers from various disciplines related to cultural heritage, including law, archaeology, museology, security, modern technologies and public policy, from thirty-five countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The conference was organized by the Center for Archaeology of the University of Montenegro.
The opening ceremony was addressed by Darko Kovačević from the Centre for Archaeology of the University of Montenegro, a member of the COST Action Steering Committee, Dante Abate, the Action Chair from the Centre of Excellence "Eratosthenes", and Donna Yates, Vice-President of the Action from Maastricht University. Introductory speeches were given by Martina Lukić from the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro, the National Coordinator for COST, and Lejla Jusić, Head of the Project Office of the University of Montenegro.
During the conference, the objectives and structure of the Cultural Heritage for All action were presented, which aims to build a pan-European network dedicated to improving the protection of cultural heritage through the harmonization of international and national legal frameworks, the application of modern technologies in combating illegal archaeological excavations and illicit trafficking, improving provenance and restitution practices, as well as the development of educational programs and strengthening institutional capacities. The action lasts four years, until 2029, and is funded by the European Union through the COST program - European Cooperation in Science and Technology, which supports the networking of researchers and the development of international scientific cooperation.
On the second day of the conference, on Wednesday, a meeting of the Steering Committee and working meetings of thematic groups were held at the Institute for Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies of the University of Montenegro, formally initiating the implementation of the planned activities.
By holding this conference, the University of Montenegro confirmed its role as a hub of international cooperation and contributed to strengthening the professional network that connects Europe, the Middle East and North Africa with the common goal of protecting cultural heritage - announced the Center for Archaeology of the University of Montenegro.
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