World Social Work Day Marked in Bihać – Strengthening Social Services and Intergenerational Solidarity with the Support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund

The Third Forum of the Social Protection Practitioners’ Network was held today in Bihać to mark World Social Work Day, bringing together representatives of local authorities, civil society, and social protection professionals.

Elvedin Sedić, Mayor of Bihać, emphasized the significance of the topic and thanked the organizers:

"Social cohesion is key to building more resilient and solidarity-based communities. For years, Bihać has been implementing various projects in cooperation with international organizations to strengthen local community capacities and support vulnerable groups. This collaboration includes social and sports initiatives, infrastructure investments, and the establishment of a safe house for the most vulnerable citizens. I take this opportunity to congratulate all those who selflessly work to strengthen social solidarity on World Social Work Day."

Through panel discussions and presentations, participants identified key challenges and explored opportunities to enhance social services, with a particular focus on systemic support for older persons, whose needs are often not adequately recognized in public policies and strategies. Strengthening generational connections and cooperation is a key step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, highlighted the importance of a systemic approach: 

"This event provides an opportunity to emphasize the critical importance of social work in society. Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing demographic changes, and statistics clearly indicate the need for a systemic response to these challenges. Through projects such as the PBF-supported SPSC initiative, we are working to strengthen the social work sector and improve social services, including support for vulnerable groups. Social solidarity is essential not only through horizontal cooperation between different communities but also through vertical intergenerational cooperation. Older persons possess valuable knowledge and experience that can benefit younger generations, and it is our responsibility to ensure their better integration and support."

The event also served as a platform for knowledge exchange and the promotion of successful initiatives that improve the status of older persons through partnerships between government institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Mirza Tešnjak, Director of the Center for Social Welfare in Bosanski Petrovac, shared concrete examples: 

"Thanks to PBF support, Bosanski Petrovac now has a newly opened Center for Social Welfare, allowing us to finally provide support to all vulnerable groups. With the opening of the Center, we have also introduced group work, which is particularly important for the elderly. We organize workshops, self-help groups, and provide psychosocial support, but we also face challenges, such as staff shortages. Despite these difficulties, we are making every effort to support those in greatest need."

As a testament to commitment to inclusion and diversity, the event was attended by the Cultural-Artistic Society (KUD) Glamoč, known for its promotion of multiethnic cooperation. Through the preservation of cultural heritage and artistic expression, KUD Glamoč actively contributes to connecting communities, strengthening unity, and fostering mutual understanding. Their participation highlighted the importance of cultural initiatives in strengthening social cohesion and promoting an inclusive society.

The event was organized within the framework of the "Sustaining Peace and Social Cohesion in BiH through Enhanced Inter-Municipal and Inter-Entity Cooperation on Local Services" (SPSC) project, implemented by IOM and UNDP on behalf of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By strengthening the social protection system, the project directly contributes to sustainable peacebuilding, as accessible and high-quality social services enhance community stability, promote resilience, and lay the foundations for long-term sustainability.