From November 15 to 17, 2024, Sarajevo hosted a seminar titled “Peace Education for Youth,” organized by Youth for Peace in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Sarajevo. The seminar brought together young people from across Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in critical discussions on key topics such as the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda, hate speech, freedom of religion or belief, and how peace education can be integrated into school curricula.

During the seminar young people had the opportunity to delve into issues that impact youth today, promoting a deeper understanding of how these challenges can be addressed through education and youth-led initiatives. The workshop sessions were facilitated by Emina Frljak and Azra Mustafić, both experienced facilitators from Youth for Peace, who enriched the discussions with their expertise in peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.

The seminar’s guest speakers were Fatima Mahmutović, MA (Faculty of Political Science, UNSA), who addressed the significance of peace education in conflict-prone societies, prof. dr Sarina Bakić (Faculty of Political Science, UNSA), who explored the topic of understanding violence and its impact on societies and mag. Melisa Forić Plasto (Faculty of Philosophy, UNSA), who shared valuable insights on dealing with the past and the process of memorialization. Throughout the event, participants engaged in workshops that allowed them to discuss real-life challenges and propose solutions for fostering peace.

“We are pleased to see such strong engagement from the youth and their commitment to building a more peaceful society. The seminar has been an inspiring example of how education can empower young people to become active agents of change,” said Emina Frljak, one of the facilitators. The seminar concluded with a call for continued dialogue and collective action, encouraging participants to use the knowledge and skills gained to positively impact their communities and contribute to a culture of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.