The city of Sarajevo is a finalist in the competition for the prestigious title of European Youth Capital. To earn the title of European Youth Capital, it’s crucial that we shape Sarajevo around the perspectives and opinions of its youth. Their views are the most important aspect here.
Today’s event Youth are the heartbeat of Sarajevo: Dialogue between the youth and the government gathered motivated young people who wanted to share their ideas, innovate and come up with creative solutions for improving the lives of their peers in Sarajevo.
This event gave young people the opportunity to talk with politicians and representatives of various institutions from Sarajevo Canton, the Federation of BiH and other levels of government. Young people, alongside decision-makers and government representatives, discussed concrete ideas and activities in various areas that will be integral to competing for the title of European Youth Capital.
Mayors and representatives of the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo, Municipality of Centar, Municipality of Stari Grad and Municipality of Novi Grad addressed the participants of the event. They emphasized their support for young people, encouraging them to reach out to municipalities and promising to further strengthen this support in the future. They also expressed their support for the efforts of youth councils and organizations to actively participate in decision-making processes and other municipal activities.
Today, the City of Sarajevo and the four municipalities that make up the City signed a Cooperation Agreement that supports Sarajevo’s bid and shows commitment to improving the quality of life for young people.
At today’s event, Jasmin Bešić, CEO of the Institute for Youth Development KULT, said: “The Institute for Youth Development KULT has been working in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region for over 20 years and is one of the main initiators behind the current laws on youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the Sarajevo Canton, we have established excellent cooperation with all municipalities. We worked on developing and implementing youth strategies, starting with the Municipality of Ilidža, the first in BiH to develop this document. We then supported the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo, the Municipality of Centar, and other municipalities in the city of Sarajevo. Today, I also see representatives from Ilijaš, Ilidža, and Hadžići who strongly support this initiative even though they are not formally part of the city, and that is very important. This project is important not only for Sarajevo to receive this prestigious title but also to underscore the significance of investing in young people and developing all the necessary strategic documents. It positions Sarajevo – the capital – as a model for other cities to implement the best possible policies and practices in youth engagement and development.”
This was followed by group work, where participants discussed spaces for young people, decision-makers who can support them, the unique qualities of Sarajevo, and the specific needs of its youth. After reflecting on the issues faced by young people, brainstorming creative solutions to meet their needs, and considering ways to make Sarajevo more youth-friendly, the young participants concluded that they can contribute to making Sarajevo better for everyone.
Partners of the City of Sarajevo in the Sarajevo European Youth Capital application are: Institute for Youth Development KULT, Zora Association, Stari Grad Municipality, Centar Municipality, Novo Sarajevo Municipality, Novi Grad Municipality, Novo Sarajevo Municipality Youth Council, Stari Grad Municipality Youth Council, Novi Grad Youth Council and the FBiH Youth Council.
The title of European Youth Capital is awarded every year by the biggest platform for youth organizations in Europe, the European Youth Forum. The finalist cities for 2026 have demonstrated a strong commitment to young people through continuous investment and the integration of young people into everyday city life. Let’s work together to make Sarajevo the European Youth Capital, because YOUNG PEOPLE are the HEARTBEAT of SARAJEVO.
Leave a comment