Representatives of the Institute for Youth Development KULT awarded certificates to the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo and the Municipality of Gacko for their achievements and commitment to improving the position of young people, recognizing their contribution to policy development and acknowledgement of young people as key partners in building stable, inclusive, and progressive communities.
The Municipality of Novo Sarajevo was ranked among the top 50 percent of youth-friendly communities and designated a “Community Attentive to Youth Needs.” The certification process showed that the Municipality is making significant efforts to build a sustainable support system for young people and strengthen the institutional framework for youth work.
It achieved excellent results and, together with the City of Lukavac, was ranked among the local communities that showed the highest level of youth-friendliness in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the first Public Call for Youth-Friendly Local Communities.
Representatives of the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo – Arijana Talović, Bulend Biščević, and Hana Zeković – presented numerous programs and activities for young people, demonstrating that this local community is leading the way in creating a supportive environment for young people, enabling their growth, development, and offering continued support.
During this period, representatives of the Institute also visited the Municipality of Gacko, which applied to the first Public Call for Youth-Friendly Local Communities. Despite many challenges, this local community has shown that it remains committed and determined to become a community where young people want to build their future.
The Mayor of Gacko, Vukota Govedarica, was presented with a certificate for the results achieved within the “Youth-Friendly Local Communities” program implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
In 2023, the Municipality of Gacko met 25 percent of the criteria for youth-friendly communities, motivating further improvements in youth policy. This result shows that efforts are being made to improve the quality of life for young people in the community.
At the meeting with the Mayor, which was also attended by Željko Popović from the Department for Youth, Sports, Family, and the NGO Sector, discussions focused on the position and needs of young people, and the challenges the municipality is facing when trying to attract youth or prevent brain drain. The Municipality of Gacko shared positive examples of youth-focused programs and policies.
Mayor Govedarica pointed out three categories of young people in Gacko: those under 18, those who remain in Gacko after turning 18, and those who leave to study (and rarely return). He stressed that this issue requires special attention.
“Youth organizing currently exists informally, mainly through the education system, as young people seek ways to engage in community life. We plan to establish formal youth organizations so that young people, in partnership with the local community, can work on concrete projects,” said the Mayor.
He concluded that there is room for greater engagement in environmental protection, social care, and health promotion. His goal, he added, is to create a functional and sustainable system. The Mayor thanked the Institute for its support and expressed hope that Gacko will reach 50% next year.
