The Youth Commission of the Mostar City Council has emerged as a driving force for shaping and advocating youth-focused policies. Acting as a bridge between young people, councilors, and city administration, the Commission, supported by the city’s youth officer, has played a key role in turning ideas into action.
Through close collaboration with city departments and a forward-looking approach to youth development, Mostar has recently introduced two major initiatives that create new opportunities for learning, growth, and mobility: a student internship program within city institutions and the first public call for youth mobility.
Opening Doors Through Internships in the Mostar City Administration
City councilors unanimously approved a program that allows university students to gain practical experience in institutions, companies, and organizations founded by the City of Mostar.
This initiative, championed by the Youth Commission, aims to give young people their first professional opportunities while strengthening ties with the city’s two universities: the University “Džemal Bijedić” and the University of Mostar.
With this decision, Mostar is positioning itself as a city committed to retaining young talent, building skills, and boosting the local job market.
Supporting Youth Mobility
For the first time, Mostar has launched a public call for youth mobility, which is a significant step in implementing the city’s Youth Strategy. The program was developed in cooperation with the youth officer and relevant city departments, and based on a clear and transparent rulebook, ensuring sustainability and fairness.
The mechanism is expected to be successful and welcomed by young people.
If interest and results are strong, the city plans to gradually increase funding for mobility in future budgets, giving young people greater access to training, exchanges, conferences, and international programs.
Waiving document certification fees for youth organizations
Another important measure adopted by the City Council, at the Commission’s proposal, exempts youth organizations from paying document certification fees.
This financial relief is especially valuable for smaller associations with limited budgets, and it makes it easier for them to apply for city and public funding opportunities.
Looking ahead to new initiatives
The Youth Commission is already preparing new proposals to present to councilors in the coming months. Its focus remains on creating sustainable, impactful policies that improve the lives of young people and offer them opportunities to stay, grow, and succeed in Mostar.
The Commission’s achievements reflect the dedication of its members: Chairman Mirza Lalić (SDA), Deputy Dario Petrović (HDZ BiH), and members Goran Bošnjak (HDZ BiH), Slavko Zovko (HRS), and Jasmin Pandur (SDA).
The Institute for Youth Development KULT has previously had the opportunity to collaborate with young councilors from the City Council of Mostar through the “Councilors for Youth” platform. Councilors Mirza Lalić, Slavko Zovko, and Nadina Vujnović (HDZ BiH) made valuable contributions to several meetings. All the previously mentioned initiatives of the Youth Commission are the result of the Institute’s intensive work with young councilors who participated in the platform’s meetings.
The Youth Commission stands as a positive example of how local bodies can make a real difference in the lives of youth in Mostar, and we expect them to continue on this path of progress.
