Youth work remained largely absent from European frameworks until the early 21st century. Partnership between the Council of Europe and the European Commission has released three publications on the history and development of youth work. To date, three conventions on youth work have been held at the European level (in 2010, 2015, and 2020), leading to the creation of two declarations on youth work. The third convention also marks the beginning of the Bonn process, which engages the European community in discussing all facets of youth work and outlining concrete steps for implementing the European agenda and programs designed for young people.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, youth work has also taken different forms over time, with diverse policy areas, approaches, and funding models. While the youth sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina aligns with European programs and activities, including the Bonn process, its implementation within BiH has not yet begun adequately. Many European youth programs in BiH are only partially implemented.
Civil society organizations, youth organizations, youth umbrella bodies, organizations that deal with youth issues, institutions responsible for youth issues, the donor community, researchers, and others in Bosnia and Herzegovina have so far lacked opportunities to share their experience, celebrate achievements, and discuss current issues in youth work. That is precisely why the Institute for Youth Development KULT initiated the First Youth Work Convention in BiH in 2023, where representatives of the youth sector formulated a number of recommendations.
The goal of the Second Youth Work Convention in BiH is to continue meaningful dialogue among all actors involved in youth issues, taking into account current topics, promoting a multisectoral approach, and opening space for jointly envisioning the future of youth work in BiH. This year’s Convention places a special emphasis on partnership and cooperation with institutions of government in BiH.
At the same time, the Convention serves as a platform to celebrate and highlight the development of youth work in BiH.
TOPICS
The specific topics of the 2nd Youth Work Convention in BiH are aligned with those of the 4th European Youth Work Convention, while also being shaped to reflect the real needs identified in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian context:
- Youth work as a tool for empowering young people
- Youth work in the fast lane: Encouraging active youth participation! Where is everyone else?
- The sustainability of youth work in BiH: cooperation, partnership, and recognition
- Which came first – youth work or the youth worker? Are we investing in youth work, or will we?
INVITATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The Institute for Youth Development KULT invites young people to join the Second Youth Work Convention in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH and with the support of the Embassy of Sweden in BiH, as a follow-up to the First Convention, which laid the foundation for strategic and thoughtful action for and with young people in BiH. We firmly believe that youth work is one of the most important investments in our shared future and essential for building social capital and empowering young people as drivers of change, innovation, and social progress.
If you are between 18 and 30 years old and want your voice to be heard at the Second Youth Work Convention in BiH, this is your chance! If you already have experience in youth work, volunteering, and proposing creative solutions to improve conditions for young people, and if you help identify challenges in your community and beyond, the Institute encourages you to attend this event.
You can apply until Friday, 16 May 2025, at 12:00 PM via this LINK.
The Second Youth Work Convention will be held from 20 to 22 May 2025 in Sarajevo, at Hotel Hills. Arrival is planned for Tuesday, 20 May by 6:00 PM. Departure is planned for Thursday, 22 May, starting from 3:00 PM The Convention will officially open on Wednesday, 21 May, at 9:30 AM.
The media partner of the Second Youth Work Convention is Antena Sarajevo.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out by phone to +387 33 778 765 or via email at dunja.jalimam@mladi.org.
