In Bosnia and Herzegovina’s society, due to the increasing number of young people leaving or planning to leave, there is a growing sentiment that our future is not bright, and we risk becoming a “country of old people.” The aging population, shifting demographics, the digital age, and the accelerated pace of young people’s lives have widened the intergenerational gap. This divide fosters misunderstandings and prejudices from the young towards the old and vice versa.
We believe that every day should be youth day. In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming August 12 as International Youth Day. This day is celebrated globally each year with a variety of activities aimed at promoting the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of young people. That is exactly what we did today.
This year’s International Youth Day theme is Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a world for all ages. In keeping with the topic, the Institute for Youth Development KULT organized an event called Bosnia and Herzegovina for all ages.
In the park next to the Educational-Leisure Center for Youth SPAJALICA in Ilidža, the Institute hosted an intergenerational meeting of young people, volunteers, and participants of the Learn, Think, and Act! training for young leaders, and, residents of the nursing homes Sentivo, Vitalis and the Center for Healthy Aging in Ilidža.
The event brought people of all ages together to discuss how our society can support different generations by exchanging opinions and experiences. One of the conclusions they reached is that we must all work together to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relationships and partnerships and ensure that no one is left behind.
Fostering solidarity across generations is more important than ever to ensure an inclusive and sustainable recovery. As we navigate the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s necessary to acknowledge and address these age-related barriers to build a society that takes advantage of the strengths and knowledge that all generations have to offer.
With today’s intergenerational meeting, the Institute wanted to convey that each of us bears responsibility for our society. Building a better society necessitates collaboration across generations to overcome economic, social, health, and other barriers and age-based prejudices.
The shift in demographics is leading to a larger proportion of elderly individuals. Our task is to explore how the experiences of older generations can be integrated and blended with the ideas and innovations of young people.
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