Welcome and Opening of the conference

Speakers

Prof. Aleksander Koj, Chairman of Villa Decius Association

Magdalena Sroka, Deputy Mayor of Krakow

Jacek Krupa, Member of the Board of Malopolska Region

Małgorzata Bywanis-Jodlińska, Director General of Malopolska Regional Officer

Opening the conference the Director of the Villa Decius Association Danuta Glondys outlined her expectations for the coming conference and what the event will establish. Thanking all those who are participating in the event, she thanked the support shown to the event by the representatives of the Malopolska region. Ms Glondys made a special effort to thank those guests of the conference who have travelled from all parts of the world to take part in this year’s conference. Concluding by thanking all the respective sponsors, students and volunteers who are attending this week’s conference, Ms Glondys emphasised the strong support this event has received since its opening staging and hoped this year’s conference will be remembered as fondly as past conferences.

Prof. Aleksander Koj was the next speaker to address the audience. Mr. Koj once again thanked all in attendance including; experts, guests, participants, sponsors and volunteers. However, the main focus of his address was to remember the person whom this conference is in memory of Sergio Vieira de Mello. Recalling the life of this wonderful man, he praised the bravery and courage he displayed throughout his life and remembered his tragic death in Iraq. He strongly urged all in attendance to evoke the spirit of Sergio Vieira de Mello in their lives and thanked all in attendance for their participation in this year’s event.

Magdalena Sroka, Deputy Mayor of Krakow spoke in a similar vein to the previous speakers once again thanking all those involved in the implementation of the conference. She outlined the importance of tolerance in society and expressed her hopes that thus year’s conference will celebrate this concept.

Jacek Krupa, Member of the Board of Malopolska Region and Małgorzata Bywanis-Jodlińska, Director General of Malopolska Regional Officer also spoke during the opening addresses speaking in a similar manner to the speakers gone before.