NGO Committee on Ageing, UN Vienna, met at the Comenius University in Bratislava
The members of the NGO Committee on Ageing, UN Vienna, had the privilege of holding for the first time ever a meeting outside Vienna – in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, on Friday, 22nd November 2024.
Dr. Nadežda Hrapková and Dr. Katarina Grunwald – both Slovak members of the NGO Committee on Ageing – had organised this event in the best possible way. The meeting took place in the prestigious „Scientific Board Room“ of the Comenius University, decorated with paintings of the former rectors of the University and a bronze statue of J.A. Comenius. Vice-Rector, PhDr. Radomír Masaryk, PhD, welcomed the members of the NGO Committee on Ageing Vienna and some Slovak guests very warmly. After the introductory speeches followed a visit of the impressive Ceremonial Hall of the Comenius University.
The Comenius University in Bratislava is the oldest and biggest national university in the Slovak Republic, dedicated to the famous Johann Amos Comenius. It comprises presently thirteen faculties with approximately 21.000 full time students, has a large network of international research cooperation and enjoys great popularity with students from 80 countries worldwide.
The meeting of the NGO Committee on Ageing in the “Scientific Board Room”, dealt with the preparation of the Committee’s main activities planned for 2025. Especially proposal for the content of events were discussed – for two side events at UN Commissions meetings as well as for the important conference to celebrate the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons, IDOP 2025, at the beginning of October 2025.
After a socialising lunch in a typical Slovak restaurant, the group was invited to a most interesting guided historical and sightseeing tour of Bratislava.
The opportunity to visit the Comenius University in Bratislava was very important for the members of the Committee on Ageing, as it enlarged the understanding of the way of thinking, the traditions and the customs of our Slovakian members and friends.
We are very grateful to our colleagues in Bratislava for having given to us this great opportunity!