ZAGREB, March 25, 2019 - President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović on Monday attended a ceremony marking Zadar University Day at which she recalled that the city's Dominican college of philosophy and theology, established in 1396, had been the first tertiary institution in Croatia, adding that that tradition was part not only of Zadar University but of the overall national identity and the history of Croatian education and culture.
The president sees universities as important stakeholders in the restoration of dialogue on the political and social scene.
"Our society lacks dialogue and understanding, debates in which strength is measured by arguments and competence, and that's why I see universities as drivers and stakeholders in shaping a culture of dialogue and a more constructive social atmosphere," she added.
The president underscored that she "is following all the changes and recommendations related to education, which is the foundation of development of any country."
"As such, I welcome the initiative by the Rectors' Conference and its president, Rector Dijana Vican, who are highly motivated to use EU funds to improve university infrastructure and equipment, which is essential for the work of students, professors and researchers and for the overall development," she said.
She underscored that she expected the academic community "to be more actively involved in social changes and not just education reform so that our nation can actively participate in European academic and scientific development processes."
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