What is the status of young people today—and what does it mean for the strategic future of the Federation of BiH?
Most young people in the Federation of BiH lack the financial means to become independent, and only 8.6% own their residence. Low income and limited access to credit make them uncompetitive in the job market, with this issue largely rooted in an education system that fails to prioritize practical knowledge and skills. It’s no surprise, then, that enrollment numbers in schools and universities are declining year by year. In the race to become self-sufficient and independent, many young people neglect their health, have little time for exercise, preventive care, or regular checkups, seeking medical attention only when problems arise.
These are just a few of the challenges young people in the FBiH face, revealed in the Analysis of the Position and Needs of Youth conducted by the Institute for Youth Development KULT. This comprehensive study gave young people a platform to voice their most pressing concerns and priorities, which helped identify negative trends and widespread challenges that affect not only the youth population, but the broader development of the Federation itself.
With the first meeting of the Intersectoral Working Group for the Youth Strategy of the Federation of BiH 2024–2027, the process has officially begun to ensure a structured and programmatic approach to youth development in the Federation. The aim is to collectively address these challenges and build an environment in which young people can thrive.
A key feature of the approach to strategy development is the active involvement of young people in designing solutions for their own needs. Each thematic working team will include a representative of the Youth Council of FBiH to help ensure that proposed policies are relevant to the youth they aim to support.
This collaborative model and direct youth engagement in shaping systemic solutions will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective, deepen understanding of youth needs, and highlight the capacities and innovative ideas that young people contribute as active stakeholders in the social, economic, and political life of our country.
Minister Sanja Vlaisavljević, speaking directly to young people, said: “Aim high, be loud and be the ones who fight for youth rights to be respected.” She expressed confidence that the youth strategy will address all key areas of life important to young people and that the strategic platform will lead to meaningful progress.
She emphasized that this strategy is an opportunity for young people to be directly involved in shaping the solutions and helping to create an environment where they can recognize and benefit from the best their communities have to offer. She also encouraged publicly celebrating youth achievements, suggesting: “Why not highlight one successful young person each month and share their story? Let’s work on making successful youth into role models for others.”
Throughout the development of the FBiH Youth Strategy, the Executive Team, Working Group, thematic teams, and all other stakeholders will focus on key thematic areas as outlined in the work plan. The goal is to ensure that the measures in this strategy act as a clear bridge and guide for implementing the broader youth-related goals laid out in the FBiH Development Strategy.
Jasmin Bešić, CEO of the Institute, pointed out a crucial component of the process in his address to the media: the strategy must be complemented by public funding to ensure that action plans can be implemented. Without financial support, the strategy risks becoming irrelevant to young people.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT is providing expert support to the FBiH Ministry of Culture and Sports, collaborating with all actors involved at every stage of the strategy’s creation through 2027. Its contribution is aimed at improving both formal and informal education, increasing youth competitiveness, facilitating access to the labor market, ensuring healthcare and social systems respond to youth needs, supporting youth organizing, and empowering young people to take an active role in shaping the content and policies that affect their status and influence in society.
