Friends and associates said farewell to Professor Mićunović, a man of dialogue and unwavering faith in a modern, democratic, European Serbia
In the presence of long-standing associates, friends, family members, comrades-in-arms, and admirers of his work, a commemoration was held in Belgrade on May 29, 2026, on the occasion of the passing of Prof. Dr. Dragoljub Mićunović, founder and President of the Management Board of the Center for Democracy Foundation. The gathering was dedicated to a man whose entire lifetime was synonymous with the defense of human dignity, the development of democracy, and an unwavering fight for a modern, European Serbia.
Professor Dragoljub Mićunović left a deep mark on the political, intellectual, and social life of Serbia and the region. His contribution to the development of democratic thought, political pluralism, and the culture of dialogue will remain permanently significant.
At the commemorative gathering, Professor Mićunović’s closest associates and friends, who shared decades of social and political activism with him, spoke about him: Vida Ognjenović, writer, director, and Vice President of the Center for Democracy Foundation; Sonja Liht, Director of the BFPE Foundation for a Responsible Society; Nataša Vučković, founder and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation; Boris Tadić, former President of the Republic of Serbia and the Democratic Party and one of the first founders of the Center for Democracy; as well as Andrej Ivanji, journalist of the weekly magazine “Vreme”.
During the gathering, through the emotional recollections of the speakers, memories were evoked of the Professor’s grand intellect, courage, and gentleness with which he captivated everyone. He was characterized by an inexhaustible curiosity and near-encyclopedic knowledge, as well as a sincere passion for books, theater, and classical music. It was highlighted that a true visionary and teacher has left us, a man who, in the most difficult times more than three decades ago, recognized the importance of uniting democratic potentials and created the Center for Democracy as an island of free speech and a space for reasoned debate.
It was pointed out that the Professor possessed a unique ability to listen with equal respect and attention to both world leaders and young students at the Center’s academies, whom he loved immensely and in whom he placed his hope for the country’s future. His vision of Serbia as an enlightened and equal part of the European family of nations remains a permanent guiding light and a moral obligation for all of us.
Professor Mićunović was not only a historical figure and a scientific authority, but above all a dear friend and mentor who showed by his own example that the fight for freedom, tolerance, and justice never stops. His work, wisdom, and goodness remain permanently woven into the work of the Center for Democracy Foundation, which will continue to cherish the memory of its Professor with pride and deep gratitude and follow the values to which he dedicated his entire life.
The commemorative gathering was attended by the founders of the Center for Democracy, former ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, friends from the civil sector, and representatives of the academic community, the media, as well as numerous citizens.
Center for Democracy Foundation
