On Monday, November 17, 2025, Srđan Cvijić, President of the International Advisory Committee of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, has officially opened the latest edition of the Belgrade Security Conference.

In his speech, Mr. Cvijić reminded the audience about the largest and most enduring protest in Serbia, initiated one year ago, after the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy followed by the moment of silence for the victims. Moreover, he has stated that we live in grim times and that, around the globe, war has become a terrifying possibility, rather than a distant nightmare. Nevertheless, he concluded that we have “stubborn, undying hope — that peace and freedom can and will prevail”.

This year’s conference is titled Pathways to Freedom in order to pay respect to the struggles of all those who are searching for their paths toward liberty while resisting the oppression and seek dignity. Additionally, Mr. Cvijić has pointed out that “across the world, young people are leading movements for justice and freedom”.

After the opening remarks, the audience had the opportunity to watch documentary dedicated to Ksenija Atanasijević, Serbian philosopher and the first female professor at the University of Belgrade.