Plenary Panel: “The Roma Holocaust in European Narratives”
The ROMDIEM Symposium brings together leading experts and advocates to reflect on the Roma Holocaust and its place within European historical memory. This plenary panel aims to explore how the Roma experience during the Holocaust has been documented, remembered, and narrated across Europe — and how national narratives shape collective understanding today.
The panel features a diverse range of perspectives, including education, human rights, community activism, political science, and cultural communication. Together, the speakers will examine the challenges of historical documentation, the gaps in national narratives, and the importance of inclusive memory in shaping Europe’s future.
Speakers
Dr. Stefano Cobello
Teacher, Sociologist, Founder of European Pole of Knowledge – Polo Europeo della Conoscenza
Dr. Cobello brings over three decades of experience in intercultural education, inclusive pedagogy, and European project design. He will contribute an educational and sociological perspective on how the Roma Holocaust is integrated into teaching and collective memory.
Ms. Qamile Gishti
Ms. Gishti will explore Albania’s national narrative of “rescue and hospitality” during WWII and examine how the Roma Holocaust is documented — especially in the city of Berat — and whether it is acknowledged in national memory.
Saška Fetahi Jovanović
President of ROWNI ITALY APS
A Roma women’s rights advocate and EU project coordinator, Saška is the founder of the first national network of Roma and Sinti women in Italy. Her work bridges grassroots empowerment and policy advocacy across Europe.
Svetislav Jovanović
Roma Community Professional, Niš, Serbia
Svetislav is a community professional with extensive experience in project coordination and human rights work. He has led initiatives in migration management, anti-discrimination, education, housing, and local community development.
Magdaléna Rothová
Director of the Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC)
Ms. Rothová leads cultural and educational initiatives that promote dialogue, critical reflection, and inclusive approaches to memory and history.
Kristian Stefanov
PhD in Political Science, Assistant Professor at the Institute for the Population and Human Studies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
A political scientist with expertise in nationalism, political radicalization, Roma studies, and sociology of religion, Dr. Stefanov examines contemporary and historical narratives affecting Roma communities.
Moderator
Apostolina Tsaltampasi
CEO of OECON Group
A leading advocate for women’s entrepreneurship and innovation, Ms. Tsaltampasi holds key roles in international networks and has been recognized by the European Commission as a Women’s Entrepreneurship Ambassador. She will guide the panel’s discussion, ensuring a meaningful and inclusive dialogue.
