For young politicians, developing and refining skills needed for effective public presentation, promoting their political ideas, and advocating their causes are crucial for a successful election campaign and impactful participation in the BiH political system.
Throughout 2024, the Institute will be working with 18 young politicians, empowering them to advocate for the interests of youth in their communities. Following the successful completion of the first module, the second training session of “Learn, Think, and Act!” for young political leaders focused on preparing for the 2024 local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This module covered public advocacy, offering a deeper understanding of the BiH political system and insights into relations with the media and media politics.
“UMiDp is an extremely valuable experience for me. During this part of the academy, I had the opportunity to meet many exceptional people and forge friendships with those who share similar values and ambitions. The academy’s program is well-designed and very useful for my future political career. Through role-playing exercises, lectures, and discussions, I learned valuable information and skills that will be useful for me as a future politician. I would recommend this academy to anyone looking to develop their political skills and contribute to positive societal change,” said Aleksa Bobar, a member of the Narodni front political party in Banja Luka.
The second module offered participants the chance to showcase their advocacy and presentation skills through media statement exercises. It also covered topics designed to offer insights into actual political practice, including collaboration with various public stakeholders. The exercises included in the training were crucial for identifying key moments in a campaign, understanding the importance of strategic actions, and recognizing the topics that will make a politician stand out in the local community or, more broadly, in the public sphere.
Through this training, the Institute aims to support young politicians in building a strong and positive image, helping them stand out in local elections. Participants engaged in various workshops and lectures, focusing on enhancing their personal communication skills, building self-confidence in dialogue, and improving their debating and argumentation abilities. At the same time, the training provided an opportunity to engage with Jasmin Bešić, the CEO of the Institute, and Darjan Babić, a journalist with over 20 years of experience in BiH politics. Next, the training participants will focus on advocating for youth issues and understanding Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political system. Participants will further explore branding, strategies for effective election campaigns, and techniques for engaging with the electorate.
“Young political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to the Institute for Youth Development KULT, have access to a great opportunity to grow as politicians. The trainers dedicated time to each participant, providing concrete examples that are applicable to their own situation. This training allowed me to build on my knowledge of BiH’s political system, including political advocacy and communication. The training gives me the confidence and ambition to deal with youth issues as part of my political activities. Great ideas and collaborations will undoubtedly emerge from this training,” says Lamija Ibraković from NiP.
UMiD for Young Political Leaders (UMiDp) is the Institute’s program for young politicians (ages 18-30) from different political parties and different local communities. During this 15-day training, young politicians learn the skills they need to navigate the political landscape and advocate for the rights of young people. During the training, participants learn about the political system by combining theory and practice, aiming to advocate for better youth representation. During the training, they will learn how to build a political image that will set them apart and innovative, youth-friendly politicians.
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