Young politicians play an important role in the BiH society. In the context of European integration and ongoing reform processes, their engagement and perspectives are vital in strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and the position of young people in society.
The “Learn, Think and Act” program for young politicians (UMiDp), implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT, contributes to all those goals by providing a platform for the political engagement of young people. To date, more than 90 young politicians from 15 different communities across BiH have participated in this program.
Today, young politicians elected to local office met with the Swedish Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Helena Lagerlöf. The meeting was an excellent opportunity for an open and constructive exchange of views. The discussion focused on the role of young people in political processes, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for strengthening their position in decision-making.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity for this dialogue today. Through various activities and trainings, the Institute has worked with many young politicians who are now bringing change to their communities. Young politicians are a vital part of the BiH society, and their active involvement in the decision-making process is essential for the development of local communities and our society. For us at the Institute, it is important to explore new ways to support young people in politics and help them actively participate in decision-making processes,” said Ajka Rovčanin, Executive Director of the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
“I thank you for the invitation, and I am truly looking forward to today’s discussion with young politicians. We are happy to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in this area as well, and I hope to gain some insights into the differences between young people in politics in Bosnia and Sweden. I want to hear your experiences and answer your questions”, added Helena Lagerlöf, Ambassador of Sweden, at the beginning of the event.
A key issue discussed today was how to increase the representation of young people in politics and allow them to have a greater influence on decision-making processes. The introduction of electoral quotas for youth on candidate lists was also discussed, along with how international support can help young politicians strengthen their position in the political arena, particularly through assistance in developing political platforms and overall political engagement.
“Today, we’ve demonstrated that young people are not just the future but the present of our politics. Through open discussions, the exchange of ideas, and practical examples, we’ve shown that there is incredible energy and creativity among young people in BiH. All we need to do is recognize it and harness it. Events like this inspire us to continue creating spaces where young people can actively participate in decision-making and openly address the issues that matter most to our generation. Today’s meeting marks the beginning of a series of activities highlighting the sincere, brave, and decisive role young people play in elections and the democratic process,” concluded Adnan Karamujić, a representative of Naša stranka in the Assembly of the Brčko District of BiH.
Through the experiences of UMiDp program participants, we learned about the obstacles they face in political engagement and how they find ways to overcome them. A key takeaway is that ongoing education and mutual support are crucial for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, the introduction of electronic voting would likely boost youth participation in elections.
Participants also shared their biggest achievements, emphasizing the importance of the knowledge gained through the program in supporting their continued political involvement. These insights underscored the critical role youth education plays in fostering more active and effective contributions to political processes.
The Swedish Ambassador and representatives from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) learned about the challenges young politicians face, as well as the importance of supporting youth in their efforts to participate in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political life.
This meeting highlighted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening the role of young leaders, who can be powerful agents of positive change in society. Through such initiatives, young leaders not only improve their political skills but also contribute to building a society where young people actively shape the future.
The role of youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains crucial for the country’s progress. Meetings like this, with representatives from international institutions, are essential for supporting young people’s engagement and influence within the country’s political processes.
Leave a comment