The exhibition was created as part of an international project in which young participants from various countries researched sensitive and demanding topics of war crimes and dark chapters of European history. In Slovenia, the research segment was co-created by our own Uroš Dokl, Maja Pegan, Nika Vrbek, and the Youth Council of Slovenia, while young people also conducted research in other countries in collaboration with partner organizations.

The opening event was inaugurated with a speech by the Director of the National Liberation Museum Maribor, Simona Tripkovič, who emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory and the role of young people in understanding the past and shaping a more responsible future.

The event was also attended by the Vice-Mayor of the City Municipality of Maribor, Ms. Davorka Pregl, Louis Mourier from the German Embassy in Ljubljana, and students from the First Grammar School Maribor (Prva gimnazija Maribor), whose presence further emphasized the importance of involving young people in reflections on history, society, and individual responsibility.

A special touch to the opening was given by Uroš Dokl and Domen Kodrič, who accompanied the event with an extraordinary musical performance on traditional Slovenian instruments. Their performance created a special atmosphere and connected visitors with the heritage, memory, and narratives that the exhibition brings to light.

Foto: M. Pigac.

The exhibition addresses various historical chapters, including the commemoration of Srebrenica, the tragic events in Hungary, the Camp des Milles concentration camp, the Nuremberg trials, deportations from Poland, and the fates and lives of resistance fighters. In addition to the visual exhibition, the young participants prepared a series of podcasts in which they reflected on their thoughts, feelings, and insights regarding these dark chapters of history.

The goal of the project is not only to preserve memory but also to actively prevent forgetting, encourage critical thinking, and strengthen the awareness that understanding the past is an important step in building a better future.

We invite you to view the exhibition at the National Liberation Museum Maribor and listen to the voices of young people looking into the past to help co-create a more responsible tomorrow.

Project partners:

@Obrazovanje gradi BiH – Jovan Divjak/Education builds B&H – Jovan Divjak
@Kolegium Europy Wschodniej
@MSS – Mladinski svet Slovenije
@Les Francas
@Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V.

The post Opening of the exhibition on memory, responsibility, and the perspective of young people on the past first appeared on MNOM.

Their goal is not only to preserve memory, but to actively prevent oblivion and encourage critical thinking among their peers.

Join us for the opening and support the voice of young people who look to the past to build a better future.

#AgainstForgetting #Remembrance #MNOM #MSS #VolksbundDeutscheKriegsgräberfürsorge

Foto: Maja Pegan.

‘The project is co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.’

The post We are opening the exhibition ‘Against Forgetting – For Peace and Solidarity in Europe’. first appeared on MNOM.

They learned about different aspects of perceiving history, the theme of human rights, and the basic concepts of international law.
They also listened to the testimonies of children and adults, compared events from the Slovenian area with occurrences in their home countries, critically evaluated the actions of that time, and connected them with current social issues.

They particularly questioned the importance of remembering the past and the individuals involved in the events that marked generations.

During their visit to Celje, they also met with the German Ambassador, who joined them and shared her perspective on the significance of remembrance and reconciliation.

Their findings will be presented in an exhibition and a podcast in 2026 at the Museum of National Liberation Maribor. The exhibition will feature the young people’s research on the topic of war crimes from Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Germany, Hungary, and Poland.

Foto: Maja Pegan.

‘The project is co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.’

The post End of exchange first appeared on MNOM.

On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, more than 110 young people from 17 countries participated in the introductory workshops and discussions. The opening address was given by the esteemed Ukrainian lawyer and human rights activist Dr. Tetiana Pechonchyk (ZMINA), who spoke about the role of civil society in prosecuting war crimes, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine.

An important part of the program was also a workshop co-led by Uroš Dokl from the National Liberation Museum Maribor (MNOM) and Sabina Belc from the National Youth Council of Slovenia (MSS). Under their mentorship, participants explored the complexity of individuals and their roles within wartime conditions. The workshop prompted reflection on the question: What does it mean to remain human in inhuman circumstances?

The youth rated the workshop as one of the best at the entire congress.

The peace congress in Berlin thus successfully laid the groundwork for further activities that will take place in various countries, including Slovenia.

The post The opening event of the “Against Forgetting” peace congress: Powerful starting points for reflection on memory, responsibility, and humanity.





first appeared on MNOM.