In the period from January 26 to February 7, 2024, a delegation from the Faculty of Law of the University of Belgrade participated in a study visit to Cuba. Our delegation, that included many members, consisted of teaching and administrative staff. The 10-day visit had a rich and meaningful program, through which the participants got the opportunity to get to know the Cuban capital, Havana, but also numerous other cities rich in cultural heritage. A key part of the study trip was a visit to the University of Havana, which has a centuries-old tradition and reputation, and where thousands of students are currently studying.

After a detailed tour of the University, during which the members of our delegation had the opportunity to get a closer look at the magnificent buildings and their academic and scientific importance, a multi-day conference was held at the Faculty of Law of the University of Havana, which was opened by the dean of the Faculty of Law in Havana, Prof. Dr. Andry Matilla Correa and the dean of our faculty, Prof. Dr. Zoran Mirković. The speakers at this conference were the representatives of our faculty – Prof. Dr. Branko Rakić, Prof. Dr. Nebojša Jovanović, Ass. Prof. Dr. Nina Kršljanin, Asst. Marija Vlajković and Teaching Asst. Aleksa Škundrić, as well as representatives of the Cuban side – Dr. Abel Perdomo de Valles, Prof. Dr. Jorge Luis Cepero Aguilar, Prof. Dr. Gabriela González García, Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Valdés-Miranda Fernández and Prof. Dr. Ernesto Moreira Sardiñas, while all those who were not speakers actively participated in the fruitful discussion that followed the presentations. The topics that were the focus of discussion concerned the economic blockade of the United States of America towards Cuba, as well as the issue of 200 years of the Monroe Doctrine, and the repercussions in the context of international law and justice, while the discussion that followed the presentations opened up a number of other issues concerning social justice, the social security system, and (in)equality in the 21st century, as well as the (im)possibility of change. Moreover, we emphasize that the interesting and important conference that was held is only the beginning of future cooperation that will develop on the basis of the signed Memorandum of understanding (MOU), which the deans of both faculties signed in Havana. Also, our delegation visited the Higher Institute of International Relations “Raúl Roa García” (ISRI), where they also discussed a number of important issues, including opportunities for future cooperation. In addition to the abovementioned, there was also an opportunity for our delegation to meet representatives of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with Nations of the world (ICAP), both in Havana and Trinidad, as well as a charity organization that helps the most vulnerable in Cuba.

The visit to Cuba, in addition to the days spent in Havana, which were of great importance in the context of academic cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experiences, also included a visit to numerous smaller cities that are of exceptional cultural and historical significance. Namely, our delegation visited Trinidad, Santa Clara and Cienfuegos, the museums dedicated to the greatest Cuban heroes, as well as an important local sustainable development project.

Finally, it should be noted that prof. Dr. Branko Rakić and assist. Marija Vlajković participated at the International Congress Universidad 2024 that took place in Havana from 6-9 February 2024, where they had the opportunity to present the project “University in Nature of the University in Belgrade in the Golija – Studenica Biosphere Reserve”.