The Municipality of Ilidža has once again demonstrated its long-term commitment to young people by adopting its fifth Youth Strategy. The Municipal Council greenlit the strategy during yesterday’s session, sending a clear message that youth issues remain high on the local agenda. Building on decades of continuous planning, Ilidža has developed a well-established approach to youth policy, with the new strategy introducing fresh ideas and practical responses to today’s social and economic challenges.
The strategy is guided by the goal of creating real opportunities that encourage young people to build their futures in their own community. It places strong emphasis on knowledge and innovation, aiming to ensure that young people have access to quality education and employment opportunities. By strengthening cooperation between schools, universities, and the business sector, the Municipality seeks to narrow the gap between education and the labour market, reduce youth unemployment, and promote entrepreneurship among young people at the start of their careers.
Health, safety, and social inclusion form another key pillar of the strategy. In response to the pressures faced by young people today, particular attention is given to mental health, housing support, and the inclusion of marginalized groups. The objective is to create a supportive framework that provides young people with stability and a sense of belonging, allowing them to focus on both personal development and professional growth. At the same time, investments in sports and cultural infrastructure aim to offer meaningful and creative ways for young people to spend their free time.
A defining feature of the new strategy is its focus on youth participation and visibility. Ilidža is committed to ensuring that young people play an active role in decision-making processes and that their perspectives help shape local policies. Through better access to information and greater mobility, the strategy seeks to empower young people as active contributors to the community’s long-term development.
One of the most notable initiatives introduced by the strategy is the establishment of a Youth Centre. Conceived as a shared space for learning, creativity, and civic engagement, the centre will bring together young people from across Ilidža in a safe, modern, and inspiring environment. It is intended to serve both as a point of access to information and education and as a place for social interaction and quality leisure activities.
By adopting its fifth Youth Strategy, the Municipality of Ilidža demonstrates that investing in young people is a strategic choice and the foundation for a resilient and thriving community.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT is able to support the Municipality of Ilidža in the process of developing their youth strategy thanks to the project “Designing, Developing, and Implementing Youth Policies”. The project “Designing, Creating and Adopting Youth Policies” is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT in partnership with the Regional Youth Cooperation Offic (RYCO), the Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Network of youth centers for animation, development and training of Republika Srpska (M.O.C.A.R.T.) and the Association of Secondary School Students in BiH.
