On Tuesday, 18th November 2025, a roundtable titled “Do We Need Young Experts and What Kind?” was held at the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, as part of the Advocacy campaign within the CultHeRit project. The event brought together representatives of institutions, media, and young people with the aim of identifying key challenges, needs, and potential of youth in the cultural heritage protection system.

The roundtable discussion was moderated by Tamara Ognjević, the National Coordinator of the Key Stakeholder Group. Vladimir Džamić, the project coordinator at the Republic Institute, presented the project activities focused on strengthening the competencies of young professionals through mentorship and practical work. Dorotea Ašćerić, a project participant, shared her experiences and the challenges of working within the Institute, particularly in the context of the significance of the mentorship programme being piloted within the CultHeRit project. Branislav Orlić, a lawyer with many years of experience in the field of cultural heritage protection, spoke about the legal and institutional limitations affecting the employment of young professionals, as well as opportunities for improving human resource policies.Culture journalist Suzana Sudar reminded those present of the important role of the media in presenting cultural heritage topics to the wider public and the need for more contemporary and accessible institutional communication. She also emphasized the importance of intergenerational solidarity in improving work within a modern environment. Prof. dr Milena Dragićević Šešić, an expert in cultural policy, highlighted the importance of a strategic approach to both formal and non-formal education and the inclusion of young people in cultural institutions, stressing that the future of the sector depends on systematic support for new generations.

During the discussion, participants highlighted the need for structured development of internship and mentorship programs, greater inclusion of various professional profiles, and more intensive cooperation between educational institutions and the cultural heritage protection system. It was emphasized that supporting young people is essential for the long-term development of the sector and that it is important to continue the dialogue initiated at this roundtable.

This project is supported by the Interreg Danube Region Programme co-funded by the European Union.