The session was headlined by former Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, founder of Historians Without Borders, who shared his vision on the importance of history as a tool for reconciliation and diplomatic engagement.
The conversation was enriched by insights from two prominent Macedonian historians:
Prof. Dr. Mitko Panov, President of the Institute of National History, who reflected on the responsibility of historians in shaping national narratives with integrity and openness.
Prof. Dalibor Jovanovski, who emphasized the importance of academic cooperation across borders to counter manipulation of historical facts and promote shared truths.
Together, the speakers underscored that history, when addressed transparently and collaboratively, can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier—helping nations move from conflict toward understanding.
This session reminded us that cultural diplomacy is not only about art and tradition—it’s also about the stories we tell and how we tell them.
