Preserving the Slovak language and culture within expatriate communities, integrating the younger generation, and effectively linking the diaspora with its homeland will be high on the agenda of the Slovak Republic and Slovaks Living Abroad Permanent Conference.
The two-day event is scheduled to begin at the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday (30 October).
Chair of the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad (USZZ) Dagmar Repčekova noted that the aim of the conference - which is expected to be attended by more than 100 guests from 21 countries - is to create space for an open dialogue on the current needs of Slovak communities abroad and on opportunities for further developing cooperation with the home country. "Slovaks living abroad are an important part of the Slovak national community. Our task is to create the conditions to ensure that future generations can also preserve the Slovak language, culture and connection to their homeland. At the same time, we want to strengthen mutual ties and seek ways in which cooperation between compatriots and Slovakia can be of benefit to both sides," said Repčekova.
The permanent conference has been held since 1999 and is one of the key platforms for dialogue between Slovakia and Slovak communities abroad. Every two years, it provides a forum for exchanging experiences, identifying current challenges and seeking solutions that support the preservation of Slovak identity and the development of life within the diaspora.
Source: TASR
