Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, writer Stjepan Šešelj underscored the importance of the connection between the homeland and the diaspora.
On behalf of the Matica Hrvatska (MH) cultural association, Đuro Vidmarović stressed the importance of passing the Law on the Croatian Language and the institutional connection of all Croats, which the World Festival of Croatian Literature contributes to.
Željka Lovrenčić spoke on behalf of the Croatian Writers' Society (DHK) and announced a ceremony marking the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the DHK. The epithet 'Croatian writer' is used regardless of where the writer lives and what language they speak, she said.
The State Secretary at the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, Zvonko Milas, spoke about the importance of the Croatian language as an identity determinant and about the role of this festival in promoting Croatian identity and bridging the geographical distance between Croat communities.
The director of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, Mijo Marić, recalled the importance of writers who preserve their identity not only linguistically but also culturally.
The festival is being held from 15 to 17 November.