From 16 to 18 February 2026, the city of Trieste will host a three‑day international beginner training titled “The Holocaust as a Starting Point”, aimed at fostering Croatian–Italian–Slovenian dialogue on Holocaust education. The programme will take place at the University of Trieste (Università degli Studi di Trieste) and will bring together 45 educators from the three participating countries.
The training is organised by Mémorial de la Shoah (France), the Education and Teacher Training Agency (Croatia), the National Education Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, the University of Trieste, and the Istituto Nazionale Ferruccio Parri, with the financial support of the Claims Conference and the German Federal Ministry of Finance.
A Three-Day Programme of Lectures, Discussions, and Workshops
The programme will open on 16 February with introductory activities and a historical lecture on the fundamentals of the Holocaust, delivered by Laura Fontana from Mémorial de la Shoah. This will be followed by sessions addressing the challenges of Holocaust education in the region, historical and contemporary antisemitism, and methods for using Holocaust photographs in the classroom.
On 17 February, particular attention will be given to a historical lecture by Dr Borut Klabjan from the Science and Research Centre Koper, who will speak about the shaping of the Northern Adriatic in the 20th century. In the afternoon, participants will take part in a guided visit to the former Nazi camp Risiera di San Sabba, led by Tullia Catalan and Matteo Perissinotto from the University of Trieste.
The final day will deepen participants’ understanding of terminology related to mass atrocities and introduce historical insights into collection centres for refugees from the Julian March and Dalmatia. Educators will also collaborate on the development of a joint learning activity. The seminar will conclude with evaluations and a closing session at midday on 18 February.
Strengthening Professional Competences and Cross-Border Cooperation
The training aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to approach the history of the Holocaust and mass atrocities with pedagogical sensitivity, responsibility, and critical reflection. At the same time, it creates a valuable platform for cross‑border cooperation, exchange of good practices, and deeper understanding of the shared histories that connect Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia.
