The two-day Dialogue of Youth and Government made a meaningful and impactful contribution to the development of the first youth strategy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event was attended by more than 150 participants, including the FBiH Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić, Minister of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports Sanja Vlaisavljević, Minister of the FBiH Ministry of Labor and Social Policy Adnan Delić, Sanela Kuko, expert advisor in the Higher Education Sector of the FBiH Ministry of Education and Science, and young people from across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, government officials, the international community, youth organizations and organizations that work with young people.
This event offered a unique opportunity for young people and government representatives at the FBiH and cantonal levels to share opinions and experiences. It was organized by the FBiH Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Institute for Youth Development KULT, and the FBiH Youth Council. During a panel discussion and topic-specific sessions, participants deliberated on the main issues, needs, and potential solutions for problems faced by young people in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The Dialogue was an extraordinary experience for me. We had a chance to speak directly with decision-makers in FBiH, share our perspectives, and discuss their needs. The group discussing work, employment, and entrepreneurship concentrated on identifying challenges and opportunities to come up with concrete solutions. I hope that the FBiH Youth Strategy will be a document that can guide government effort and make us proud”, said Amar Obradović from Mostar.
The Dialogue was a big step forward in developing the first youth strategy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and perfectly illustrates the importance of dialogue and cooperation with government institutions, which is something that was previously missing in these processes. The organizers noted that the development of the first FBiH youth strategy is an example of a direct and systematic approach to improving the position of youth in the entire Federation of BiH, which has been required by law since the adoption of the FBiH Law on Youth in 2010.
The FBiH Youth Strategy 2024-2027 will lay the foundation for future youth-focused programs and activities. The FBiH Ministry of Culture and Sports is developing the strategy in partnership with the Institute for Youth Development KULT and the Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Participants emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and the involvement of young people in decision-making processes, noting that youth should play the leading role in shaping their own future.
“I come from a small local community, and I always wanted my voice to resonate beyond it, but it just wasn’t happening. This meeting was a big honor and an opportunity to get closer to reaching my goal and building a brighter future for myself and other young people. I felt very powerful when I was able to speak directly to government representatives and draw their attention to the problems of young people in the local community. This opportunity to represent and advocate for my community made me realize that my journey doesn’t end here – this is my new beginning,” said Almina Krivokapa from Kakanj.
The event ultimately yielded actionable conclusions and recommendations, which will be incorporated into the strategy and action plans. These recommendations encompass various areas, including education, employment, health, social care, security, culture, sports, environmental protection, and the participation of young people in the social and political spheres.
This dialogue once again demonstrated that young people in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina have a lot to offer and are ready to actively participate in shaping a better present and future, not just for themselves but for everyone in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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