It is a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the ICOM SEE Regional Alliance and to build on years of dedicated work by colleagues from across South East Europe who have shaped this vibrant professional community. Over time, ICOM SEE has grown into an important platform for dialogue, collaboration and mutual support among museum and heritage professionals in a region marked by diversity, shared histories and common challenges.​

As Director of the Museums of Croatian Zagorje and a museum professional whose career has been closely linked with sites such as the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, I have seen first-hand how museums can connect communities, foster curiosity and strengthen a sense of belonging. I believe that our regional cooperation is essential for addressing key issues facing museums today, from digital transformation and climate-related risks to social inclusion, community engagement and the safeguarding of tangible and intangible heritage.

In the coming period, ICOM SEE will continue to support knowledge exchange, joint projects and capacity-building activities that respond to the specific needs of our member countries, while also contributing actively to broader ICOM priorities and global museum debates. We will work to make the voices and experiences of South East European museums more visible within the international arena, and to encourage cross-border initiatives that promote solidarity, innovation and professional ethics.

I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and in the new Board, and I look forward to working with you to further strengthen our network and its impact. Together, we can ensure that ICOM SEE remains an open, dynamic and supportive community for all museum and heritage professionals in our region.

Chair, ICOM SEE Regional Alliance