Representatives of the Institute for Youth Development KULT awarded certificates to the City of Lukavac and the Municipality of Ilijaš in recognition of their commitment to creating youth-friendly policies and programs. The acknowledgment highlights their recognition of young people as a key resource for local development and reaffirms the importance of their role in shaping the community’s future.
Both local governments successfully completed the evaluation process and demonstrated that they understand the needs and potential of young people. The certificates acknowledge their continued efforts to develop policies and measures that improve the quality of life of youth and create an enabling environment for their growth and active participation in society.
Both of these local communities were placed in the 50% category of youth-friendliness, showing that they have taken initial steps to strengthen the position of young people, introduced programs addressing key areas of youth interest, and ensured transparency in decision-making processes that affect this group.
The City of Lukavac received the “Community Attentive to Youth Needs” certificate in recognition of its ongoing and systematic efforts to improve the status of youth. During the Institute’s visit, the City of Lukavac representatives noted that they proactively engage with youth organizations and, through various initiatives, support the development of youth policies, infrastructure, and programs.
Special recognition was given to the city administration, led by Mayor Edin Delić, for its commitment to youth-related issues and its continuous efforts to improve living conditions for young people. The work of Youth Officer Željka Zombra was also commended as she ensures that youth priorities remain part of everyday planning and decision-making in the community.
The City of Lukavac also received the certificate “Community Attentive to Youth Needs”, acknowledging its strategic approach to youth development and active measures to support youth employment, education, culture, sports, and civic engagement. The certification process showed that the municipality is making strong, sustained efforts to build a lasting system of youth support and strengthen the institutional framework for youth work.
Through its Youth-Friendly Communities initiative, the Institute for Youth Development KULT continues to support local governments across Bosnia and Herzegovina that are committed to developing and implementing quality youth policies. The certification process not only recognizes good practices but also offers concrete recommendations for improvement and enables long-term monitoring of each community’s progress.
By earning these certificates, Lukavac and Ilijaš set an example of responsible and dedicated local governance that recognizes young people as a vital resource for community growth and social progress. The Institute hopes that its achievements will inspire others to further improve their approach to working with youth.
The Youth-Friendly Communities program recognizes the efforts of local governments in implementing youth policies. The first public call cycle was conducted by the Institute for Youth Development KULT in partnership with the Youth Council of the Federation of BiH and the Youth Council of Brčko District.
