United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Launch the Campaign “12 Days of Activism for Peace”

This initiative was established in 2019 with the aim of promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The campaign will be marked by activities in the country and in numerous diplomatic missions of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the world, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

This year’s campaign is being implemented with the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), which plays a key role in fostering solidarity and dialogue, creating an environment that promotes peace and cooperation. The Peacebuilding Steering Committee for Bosnia and Herzegovina oversees and directs the work of this Fund, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, expressed deep gratitude to the United Nations and international partners for their continuous support in strengthening the stability and long-term sustainability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Membership in the European Union remains a strategic goal of our foreign policy, and achieving this goal successfully requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach. The Peacebuilding Fund, as a key instrument of international support, enables us to not only accelerate the fulfillment of priority goal number 5, which relates to the democratic functionality of institutions, but also to enhance capacities at all levels of government for creating an inclusive and sustainable social framework. This project delivers concrete results through the promotion of dialogue, reconciliation, and active citizen participation in the peacebuilding process, laying the foundation for long-term stability.” The Minister emphasized that “working together to rebuild trust among all peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina must remain a priority for all political, social, and international actors. The campaign ‘12 Days of Activism for Peace’ not only promotes key achievements in the peacebuilding process but also represents a platform for stronger community connections, contributing to the long-term sustainability of peace and cohesion within society. This project reflects our commitment to European values, including respect for human rights, equality, and shared prosperity, and sends a strong message to the international community about the maturity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a future member of the European Union.”

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year it is marked under the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”, as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. The International Day of Peace will also be marked during the Summit of the Future that will take place from 21 to 23 September at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This high-level event gathers world leaders to achieve a new international consensus on how to improve the present and secure a better future, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is participating in this important event.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald, echoed the message of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres: “Peace is the ultimate prize for all of humanity, and the International Day of Peace reminds us that the solutions are in our hands.”  She added: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. Cultivating a culture of peace requires the active participation of all sectors of society through dialogue and cooperation. Our commitment to peace must be unwavering - it cannot be taken for granted, it requires constant dedication and effort to sustain it. Today, we reaffirm our dedication to peace, highlighting our initiatives under the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Empowering young people, women, and men to help build a more cohesive and inclusive society is vital to achieving lasting peace and stability.”

Throughout the campaign, the United Nations will organize and support a range of activities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on showcasing the remarkable efforts of local communities, civil society, women, and youth. At the heart of the campaign is the promotion of 12 exceptional individuals from across Bosnia and Herzegovina who championed peacebuilding, strengthening social cohesion, and fostering trust, with the support of UN Women, IOM, and UNFPA. Their inspiring stories will be presented through a digital campaign on social media, emphasizing the power of dialogue and cooperation. Each day will highlight a “peace champion,” inspiring us with their contributions to creating a better, more inclusive and cohesive society.

The campaign will conclude on 2 October, the International Day of Non-Violence.