Report of the Regional Seminar on “The challenges facing history in the 21st Century in a regional context", Budapest, Hungary, 8-10 November 2001

Description

This seminar, jointly organized by the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Education in Hungary under the framework of the Stability Pact, brought together participants from 12 countries. These participants included history teachers, teacher trainers, inspectors, and Ministry officials. The event aimed to reflect on the teaching of common heritage and sensitive historical issues shared by these nations. During the seminar, the Council of Europe provided participants with publications related to its work in history and history teaching. Discussions highlighted the need to disseminate new ideas and approaches in history education beyond innovative educators and teacher trainers and bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality in implementing educational reforms. It was emphasized that systematic dissemination should target various stakeholders, including ministers of education, curriculum committees, textbook authors, university lecturers, teacher trainers, and history teachers. Strategic thinking and effective lobbying at the policy-making level were also stressed, with a recommendation to explore ways to bring completed projects to the attention of relevant bodies within the Council of Europe and ensure effective dissemination in future initiatives. The report also included an appendix on seeking funding for projects.

Keywords

Stability Pact

Council of Europe

Enhanced Graz Process

democratic stability

Balkans

Regional history

multiperspectivity