Press Release

UN Showcases Results of Two-Year Effort to Strengthen Social Cohesion in BiH

27 June 2025

Key results of the two-year project “Sustaining Peace and Social Cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina through Enhanced Inter-Municipal and Inter-Entity Cooperation” were presented at its final event held at the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

Implemented in nine local communities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Canton 10 and Una-Sana Canton) and the Republika Srpska, the project encompassed more than 580 activities focused on improving local services, empowering youth - with a special emphasis on education - and strengthening the capacities of professionals from mental health centers, social welfare services, and local organizations.

With the aim of strengthening the role of young people in peacebuilding and social cohesion processes, the project supported the establishment of over 20 youth clubs and multipurpose spaces for young people. It also facilitated 32 community and inter-community dialogues, engaging more than 500 citizens from Bosansko Grahovo, Bosanski Petrovac, Drvar, Glamoč, Ključ, Livno, Mrkonjić Grad, Ribnik, and Sanski Most.

The project was jointly implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on behalf of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

„This project proves what is possible when communities, institutions and international partners unite to build peace grounded in dialogue, dignity and shared purpose. Real and lasting change is possible when people are given the space to be seen, heard and empowered“, said Laura Lungarotti, Western Balkans Coordinator and IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Mission.

A key component of the project focused on improving social welfare infrastructure and capacity. Through five infrastructure interventions, facilities were renovated, leading to improved services for more than 8,000 beneficiaries.

“This project demonstrated that inclusive local services can be powerful tools for reconciliation, resilience, and institutional trust,” said Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Working alongside national counterparts, local authorities, IOM, and our UN partners, we supported communities in designing solutions that respond to their real needs. The voices of youth, veterans, and vulnerable groups helped shape both the process and its outcomes. These results reflect what can be achieved when development is rooted in participation and guided by the principle of leaving no one behind. UNDP is proud to continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in making communities and institutions that are more inclusive and resilient.“

Through the project, over 70 professionals from social welfare centers and related services received specialized training, fourteen new social services were established, and six existing ones were improved.

"The project has significantly improved the work of social welfare centers and created space for practical cooperation between communities in supporting the most vulnerable citizens," said Mirza Tešnjak, Director of the Centre for Social Welfare in Bosanski Petrovac.

Dušica Runić, Mayor of Drvar, emphasized the importance of the project for improving social protection services in her community:

“Drvar was among the few municipalities that did not have a dedicated center for social work as an institution focused on delivering social protection services. Thanks to the support of this project, the municipal council adopted a decision to establish a center for social work, marking an important step forward in systematically addressing the needs of our citizens.”

Through the exchange of experiences from local communities, participants highlighted tangible progress, but also the challenges that continue to shape everyday life. They emphasized the importance of a long-term approach to building trust and strengthening social cohesion. 

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jan Nemecek, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, thanked all partners and implementing agencies, and expressed the strong commitment of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue working with local actors on initiatives that contribute to sustainable and inclusive peace, including through the Peacebuilding Fund.

Amra Vranješ

PBF
Communications Analyst

UN entities involved in this initiative

IOM
International Organization for Migration
RCO
United Nations Resident Coordinator Office
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNDPPA
United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

Goals we are supporting through this initiative