The key role in improving the position of young people in society lies with the young people themselves, through their engagement and participation in decision-making processes. To allow young people to take on stronger roles, contribute, and make decisions that impact them and their communities, we must first empower them and educate them about their rights.
Unfortunately, formal education in Bosnia and Herzegovina often falls short in providing young people with the practical knowledge and skills they need to actively participate in social and political life.
Young politicians involved in political parties and decision-making processes play an important role in shaping important decisions. However, debates persist regarding the level of young people’s participation in electoral processes, the extent of their opportunities for political action, and how engaged they truly are in their roles.
In May 2024, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced the 2024 Local Elections, which are scheduled for October 6. Voters will elect their mayors and representatives in municipal and city councils.
Are young people passive? Although young people are often perceived as politically passive, statistics reveal a different story. For instance, in the 2022 General Election, more than 47% of young people exercised their right to vote.
To further encourage young people to engage in democratic processes and advocate for positive policies, the Institute for Youth Development KULT is delivering our “Learn, Think and Act!” program (UMiD) for young political leaders, for the fifth consecutive year. This 15-day training brings together young politicians from different political parties and local communities, to equip them with the essential tools and knowledge needed for effective political action. A key element of the UMiD program is the development of communication and advocacy skills, enabling young people to effectively present themselves to the public and engage with voters.
Non-formal education, central to this program, fosters creativity and critical thinking, empowering young people to identify opportunities for change and take on leadership roles in society.
The UMiDp training allows young politicians to connect and network with peers from various political backgrounds, which strengthens the culture of dialogue and cooperation among young people in BiH. This networking allows young leaders to collaborate on addressing issues important to young people, regardless of their political affiliation.
One clear indicator of the success of the non-formal education provided to young politicians is that 37 out of 104 UMiDp training alumni are currently running in the 2024 local elections. These young leaders, empowered by the knowledge and skills they gained, eagerly embraced the challenge and chose to take an active role in the political life of their communities. Their candidacies send a powerful message about the important role of youth in driving positive change and political progress in BiH.
Empowering young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina through engagement and education is essential for encouraging their active involvement and participation in political life. Although they are often labeled as passive, young people were actually highly active in the previous elections, and programs like ‘Learn, Think and Act!’ play a crucial role in helping them to develop their skills and take on leadership roles.
Involving young people in decision-making processes is crucial for strengthening their role in society and allowing them to drive positive change.
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