In the run-up to International Youth Day, a series of events were organized to explore solutions to the various challenges faced by young people worldwide. A meeting titled “You(th) Can Lead” was held in Sarajevo, organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
The event brought together more than 60 young people to motivate them, encourage their enthusiasm for more active involvement in decision-making processes, and talk to them about different aspects of diplomacy and politics.
The event was attended by Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Patrik Turosik, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic, and Matteo Evangelista, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Italy. They shared their experiences and told stories of how they worked up to prestigious positions in diplomacy.
In her opening remarks, Sandra Čule, head of the RYCO local office in BiH, emphasized the concerning issues confronting the global youth population: “Political instability, labor market challenges, and limited opportunities for political and civic engagement are contributing to the increasing marginalization of young people in society. The Western Balkan region is not immune to these global trends, which are particularly evident in youth unemployment. With an alarming average youth unemployment rate of 35.1% and a worrying 530,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 categorized as NEET (not in employment, education, or training), acting quickly becomes paramount,” said Čule.
The participants were struck by recent statistical data indicating that only 25% of citizens in the Western Balkans trust political parties. In comparison, a remarkable 92% emphasize the crucial role of public administration in fostering active engagement of young people in decision-making processes.
“As a young person interested in the links between diplomacy, culture, and art, I am glad that I had an opportunity to listen, but I also know that experts are listening to me. It’s great to be encouraged by such inspiring speakers,” – said Envera Moro, a participant from Konjic.
The experiences of Slovakia and Italy on the road to EU integration show that some challenges young people face transcend geographical borders and resonate universally. Nonetheless, the strategies used to address these challenges differ, underscoring the pressing need to include youth voices in relevant processes. The participants agreed that this is the path Bosnia and Herzegovina should take towards European integration.
“Creating a space where the voices of young people are heard is crucial for Bosnia and Herzegovina because they can significantly contribute to the country’s integration into the EU. However, their role is often neglected, and young people are not sufficiently informed about opportunities that are available to them. This must change because young people in BiH should be seen as key participants in the EU integration process. The influence of young people is perfectly illustrated by the young activists who lobbied political leaders to agree on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the Erasmus+ program in 2014. Young people from all over the country collected over 8,000 signatures and lobbied until the problem was solved. Thanks to that, universities in BiH continue to be part of the Erasmus+ network, enabling students to study at some of the best European universities. There are many more young people who bring their ideas and energy, and this is a capacity that should be utilized more,” said Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The You(th) Can Lead event is a significant testament to the power of youth engagement and the role of diplomacy in shaping a brighter future for future generations.
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