The United Nations Secretary General Message on the 25th Anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement

This month marks 25 years since the Dayton Peace Agreement ended an intense conflict that was devastating lives and communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

This important anniversary is an occasion to redouble our commitment to peace and reconciliation, sustainable development and human rights for all.

Building a future of peace requires dealing with the past.

It means acknowledging that horrific crimes were committed during the war.  

These crimes should never be forgotten, nor should the ideology of the perpetrators be celebrated.

Hate speech or narratives of mistrust and fear have no place in an inclusive, peaceful Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Political, religious and community leaders; educators; civil society; the media; and all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have a critical part to play in moving forward together from a difficult past. 

This requires empathy, understanding and respect.

As we face the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, let us come together to build a more just, green and resilient Bosnia and Herzegovina.

To the youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina I say: no contribution will be as valuable as yours.

Your work in building trust today will set the foundations for security and prosperity tomorrow. 

Get involved and be agents for the change you want to see.

The United Nations will continue to work with all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a peaceful, sustainable future. 

Thank you.