“The participation of citizens in the decision-making process in political and public life is the foundation for improving access to human rights. “It is the responsibility of all of us to preserve peace and stability and to contribute to maintaining a sustainable and inclusive society in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” This was the main conclusion from the meeting “Civil Society and Local Self-Government” held on April 3, 2024, as part of the PRAGG – Proactive Citizens project.
The event began with the presentation of initiatives supported by PRAGG. Through cooperation with citizens and civil society organizations and with the support of local authorities, these initiatives aim to address the needs of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Afterward, representatives from local communities involved in PRAGG—including Gračanica, Bijeljina, Tuzla, Teslić, Modriča, Srbac, Trebinje, and Bihać—shared their opinions and presented conclusions on three important topics: transparency in allocating public funds to civil society organizations, the categorization and registration of civil society organizations, and the establishment of cooperation and partnerships between civil society organizations and local authorities.
“Our goal is to demonstrate that we can all initiate change, but without cooperation and partnership, we cannot achieve much. The initiatives launched through PRAGG clearly show that partnerships between citizens, civil society organizations, and authorities are essential for achieving positive changes in society,” said Slaviša Prorok, PRAGG project manager.
Nedžad Unkić, Expert Associate for Social Activities in the Tešanj Municipality, said: “A government that recognizes non-governmental organizations as valuable resources capable of significantly improving the environment has an advantage over one that does not share this view. It is therefore essential to improve the resources of the non-governmental sector in BiH. Collaboration between the non-governmental sector and all levels of government is the only way BiH can achieve greater tolerance and improve the well-being of all its citizens.”
“We all need each other; there is a lot that even government employees like us can’t do on our own, so associations are very important partners to us,” said Tatjana Letić, Youth Officer in the City of Bijeljina.
Vehid Šehić, from the Forum of Tuzla Citizens and a member of the PRAGG advisory board, said: “I appreciate this event that brought together representatives of local communities from different parts of BiH. This is very important in a divided society such as ours, since it shows that the problems are the same in Tuzla, Trebinje, Bijeljina, and Bihać.” Citizens hold all the power and the government works for us.”
Another participant of the PRAGG forum, Melisa Gazdić, a long-time consultant in civil society development, added: “I believe that the dialogue between local communities and civil society organizations facilitated by this project is incredible and something this country truly needs.”
The “Civil Society and Local Self-Government” forum is just one of the events that PRAGG will continue to organize throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. These events aim to improve opportunities for all citizens by encouraging dialogue, cooperation, and partnerships and by taking steps that lead to meaningful results.
PRAGG is funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by a consortium consisting of HELVETAS and NIRAS, in partnership with local partners – Centers for Civic Initiatives (CCI) and the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
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