The second day of the Winter School was dedicated to cultural heritage, memory, and regional dynamics, with a special focus on the EU-Balkan Observatory. The first panel, “Global Intersections: Evolving and Preserving Cultural Heritage Across Borders,” explored the ways in which heritage is transformed through cross-border interactions, digital sharing, and shifting identities. Chaired by Anikó Magasházi (iASK, Hungary), the session featured discussions on authenticity, inclusivity, and the evolving meaning of cultural heritage. Panelists Tamás Fejérdy (iASK, UNESCO ICOMOS, Hungary), Cornelius Holtorf (UNESCO Chair of Heritage Futures, Linnaeus University, Sweden), Mónika Mátay (iASK, ELTE, Hungary), Gábor Soós (UNESCO, Hungary), Klaus Wölfer (Former Ambassador, Austria), and Anna Zeichner (ICCROM, Italy) engaged in a lively conversation on the tensions between preserving local traditions and fostering a sense of shared global heritage.

The EU-Balkan Observatory session in the afternoon was a crucial discussion on regional governance, historical legacies, and contemporary policy dilemmas. Chaired by Jody Jensen (iASK, Hungary) and Zala Pavšič (iASK, Hungary), the session featured keynote speeches from Stefano Bianchini (University of Bologna, Italy) and Ahmet Evin (Sabanci University, Turkey), who provided deep insights into the evolving political and economic landscapes of Central and Southeastern Europe. Panelists Elira Luli (iASK, Luarasi University, Albania), Delfin Pllana (Ambassador of Kosovo to Hungary – video address), Rubin Zemon (Institute of Advanced Research, North Macedonia), Dzenita Šiljak (iASK, Hungary), Caleb Waugh and Igor Markovic (Aktiv, Kosovo – online), and students from the Faculty of Drama Arts, Belgrade, Serbia (online), engaged in a nuanced discussion on direct democracy and student protests in Serbia, EU integration, historical memory, and identity formation in the Balkans.

Photos by: Gergely Lipi

more photos here:

https://photos.iask.hu/mo/sharing/wbkBqYMmx

https://photos.iask.hu/mo/sharing/9gj7H0Z5q

https://photos.iask.hu/mo/sharing/ZqTMvz8A0

The final session of the day, “Art, Creativity, and the Future: Exploring New Horizons,” underscored the transformative potential of artistic expression in shaping future imaginaries. The keynote was delivered by David Maggs (Metcalf Foundation, Canada), whose work bridges art and sustainability. The panel featured Ilan Chabay (University of Arizona, USA – online), Zoltán Mizsei (iASK, Hungary), and András Nagy (University of Pannonia, Hungary), who reflected on how creative practices inspire social change and innovation.

The day concluded with a gastronomy event featuring organic wines from UNGER, a local producer specializing in natural winemaking processes. This wine tasting was paired with regional culinary specialties, showcasing the rich gastronomic heritage of Kőszeg while providing a convivial setting for further intellectual exchange.