At the initiative of the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Jan Waltmans, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Institute for Youth Development KULT organized an awards ceremony recognizing the best social innovations designed by young people. The three groups selected as winners of valuable cash prizes for the most innovative ideas will now be provided with mentoring and have an opportunity to implement their ideas.
Young people face many challenges in their communities, and not all are the same. Innovative ideas demonstrate that young people can and want to be the ones driving change. Through their efforts, they can improve the quality of life for their peers and others in their local community.
The seven finalists presented different ideas aimed at bringing about social change in the field of human rights, the rule of law, and environmental protection. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands identified these three areas as priorities, and this competition provided an ideal platform for young people to propose innovative ideas for addressing social issues and contributing to positive change.
After the intensive Boost Innovation training for finalists delivered by mentor Erna Šošević, the finalists prepared to present their ideas to the expert jury. The effort was worth it, and their presentations delighted the audience. The expert jury consisted of Leila Fetahagić, Berina Alibašić-Bukva, Dunja Škaljo, Samira Nuhanović, and Kenan Suljić.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Jan Waltmans, addressed the young people. He noted what a pleasure it was to work with the young people of Bosnia and Herzegovina:
“For me, every meeting with young people is an inspiring opportunity to hear their perspectives on the reality of BiH, and especially to understand the ways they envision bringing about positive changes. The 2022 Youth Innovation Award was an opportunity for young people to start implementing their innovations, but also for the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to actively participate in processes important for Bosnia and Herzegovina”, said Waltmans.
The Executive Director of the Institute for Youth Development KULT, Šeherzada Halimić, addressed the innovators and the audience.
“The Institute is very grateful to the young people who applied with great and innovative ideas. Although we will only be able to support three of them tonight, I want the remaining four innovators to be brave and continue pursuing their ideas, because I’m sure that they will get their chance as well. These young people motivate the Institute for Youth Development KULT to continue with our activities designed to support them and their ideas,” said Halimić.
All the young people whose ideas were presented last night are examples of good practice and show that problems and challenges can be solved. The Youth Innovation Award encourages young people to keep working on their ideas – which revolutionary innovation could change the BiH society?
