12 Day of Peace starts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its diplomatic missions across the world

The International Day of Peace on the 21 September marks the start of the annual “12 Days of Activism for Peace” campaign, which is implemented under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, since it was initiated by UNFPA in 2019.

The campaign will end on October 2, the International Day of Nonviolence, and includes activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s diplomatic missions across the world, as well as in the country.

 “Our country is often a subject of discussions at the United Nations and other international organizations and bodies with regards to the need for support to overcome numerous challenges.

However, I firmly believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina has numerous positive examples to share.

Ambassadors in twenty countries worldwide will organize events in the coming days, presenting how Bosnia and Herzegovina has progressed since the war until today. At a time of numerous conflicts in the world, it is essential that we send a message of peace, especially from Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said H.E. Ms. Bisera Turković, the BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s diplomatic and consular offices in London, Brussels, Podgorica, Prague, Stockholm, Berlin, the Hague, Milan, Vienna, Tripoli, Oslo, Novi Pazar, New Delhi, Riyad, Madrid, Teheran, Stuttgart and Doha will undertake first activities highlighting positive stories on fostering peace.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations will initiate a series of discussions and activities with young people in Prijedor, Tuzla, Kalesija, Milići, Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Bijeljina and Mostar. From theatre plays and artistic collaborations, to youth-led dialogues and workshops, this vast array of activities will allow coalitions of local level activists to bring attention to their work in building sustainable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina has over the years significantly contributed to peacekeeping worldwide and specifically during its time as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council. Hence, we appreciate being able to implement this campaign jointly inspired by the words of the United Nations Secretary General: we are re-affirming the bonds of solidarity we share as human beings and get down to the business of building a better, more peaceful world”, noted Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With “12 Days of Activism for Peace”, Bosnia and Herzegovina adds a unique voice to the global need to build, maintain and strengthen peace.