WHITE PALACE RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF WORLD UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS SUMMIT

Belgrade, 3 April 2009 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine hosted this evening a reception at the White Palace in honour of the participants of World University Presidents Summit. Present on this occasion were also by Mrs. Pet Fisher and Mr. Robert Valentine, great friends of the Royal Couple.

This event gathered over 500 rectors and representatives of the education Institutions from all around the world.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander, Prof. Dr Branko Kovacevic, President of Belgrade University and Mr. George Killian, President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) addressed the guests.

In his speech the Crown Prince mentioned:” We are very pleased to host so many distinguished guests at the White Palace for this wonderful occasion. Education is extremely close to my heart. Higher education is key for development of any country. I am very proud that this year’s World University President’s Summit is being held in Belgrade. I am sure that Belgrade University will be a good host to all the presidents of the universities from all over the world. I am also certain that Belgrade will be a good host to 25th summer student’s sport games in July. There is still much work to be done in ensuring that Serbia’s youth have every opportunity to achieve their educational goals.

This year’s World University President’s Summit will address important topics regarding the development of higher education, such as Universities as Leaders of Innovation Activities, Universities as Centres for Transfer of Technology, Role of the University in Solving Social, Economic and Health Problems, and many others items.