Game-Based Learning for Peace: Youth in BiH Introduce New Educational Tool

To mark the International Day of Creativity and Innovation (21 April), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina unveiled a youth-designed educational board game for peacebuilding—created as part of the regional initiative Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality, and Trust, supported by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

The event, held at the UN House in Sarajevo, brought together key actors in education and representatives from 15 local communities across the country. The focus was the unveiling of the board game “Odyssey for Peace”, developed through UNFPA’s Educational Lab (EduLab) for Game-Based Learning.

Combining peacebuilding principles, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and elements of local heritage, the game offers a dynamic alternative to traditional learning methods—serving as a practical tool that encourages critical thinking, empathy, and peer collaboration.

“It was incredible to see our ideas turn into something real that can actually bring youth together,” said Lukas Nikolić, 19, from Tuzla. “This project showed me that peace can be taught—and played.”

During the event, school principals and teachers from various schools symbolically signed a statement of commitment to integrate the game into their curricula. Free copies were distributed for immediate use in classrooms.

The event concluded with an interactive session, “Let’s Play for Peace” where students, teachers, and guests engaged in a friendly competition—demonstrating how creativity and education can be powerful tools for dialogue and social cohesion.

“This game is more than a creative tool—it is a platform for connection, empathy, and action,” said Justine Coulson, UNFPA Representative in BiH. “It reflects the power of youth to lead change and inspire inclusive communities.”

More than 80 participants attended the event, including representatives from the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of Canton Sarajevo, civil society organizations, and youth from Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Bosanski Petrovac, Brčko, Tuzla, Zenica, Vitez, Teslić, Mostar, Stolac, Trebinje, Foča, and Goražde.

This initiative is part of the “Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust / Moving Us Closer” project, funded by the PBF and co-funded by the Embassy of Italy in BiH. The project empowers youth to counter division, build trust, and contribute to a shared future through creativity and community engagement.