Successful Conclusion of the Summer School “Women, Peace and Security” in Sarajevo

The Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Sarajevo organized this educational programme for young people, held from 22 to 26 September, with the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Over five days, participants explored global and regional security challenges from a gender perspective and examined the role of women in peace and security processes. The programme featured lectures by university professors, experts, civil society representatives, international organizations, and institutions in BiH. The academic component was complemented by practical workshops, individual assignments, and visits to partner organizations and the UN in BiH.

Prof. Dr. Jasmin Ahić, Dean of the Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Sarajevo, stressed that such programmes reaffirm the role of the Faculty, as a relevant higher education institution that not only follows modern security trends but also actively contributes to the development of critical thinking and the empowerment of young professionals. 

“These events enhance our international recognition, strengthen cooperation with partner universities and organizations, and create space for the exchange of knowledge and experience.” 

The UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Arnhild Spence, emphasized that the Peacebuilding Fund supported this international school with the aim of equipping future leaders in the field of security with the tools to integrate a gender perspective into peace and security policies. In doing so, it strengthens both practice and policy frameworks for the long term. She underlined the importance of institutionalizing peacebuilding education and ensuring the sustainability of knowledge transfer. 

“The knowledge and energy of young people are key to a sustainable future, and through the Peacebuilding Fund the UN continues to invest in strengthening trust among communities, promoting gender equality, and ensuring the inclusion of youth in decision-making processes.”

This year’s Summer School focused on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, its historical development, and key UN documents, including Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted 25 years ago, which highlights the importance of gender equality in security policies. 

Speaking on behalf of the PBF initiative Women Lead the Way towards Peace and Security in BiH, Edita Miftari, Programme Specialist with UN Women BiH, underlined that partnerships between academia and the UN ensure that the WPS agenda moves from theory into practice, connecting knowledge, experiences, and values that contribute to building a more just and secure society.

More than 5,000 applications from 140 countries worldwide demonstrated the strong interest in this programme, from which 50 participants were carefully selected through a rigorous process. 

Doc. Dr. Nerma Halilović-Kibrić, Coordinator of the Summer School at the Faculty, emphasized that the diversity of participants enriched the discussions and significantly raised the overall quality of the programme. 

“The most valuable outcome is that they will carry this knowledge with them and apply it in their own communities.” 

Beyond professional development, the Summer School offered participants the opportunity to connect, learn together, and build friendships that will last long after the programme. Melina Mikić Božanić from Serbia said the Summer School broadened her horizons through practical examples from around the world, while Milica Pralica, a master’s student of security and peace studies from BiH, stressed that the experience will strongly support her future work on human rights, gender equality, and community-focused security policies.

The Summer School’s concluding messages underscored that peace is not sustainable without the active participation of women and youth, and that integrating a gender perspective ensures fairer and more lasting results in negotiations and security policies.

The Summer School was organized by the Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology and Security Studies in partnership with the PBF-supported initiative Women Lead the Way towards Peace and Security in BiH (implemented by UN Women, UNFPA, and IOM BiH in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH), as well as the regional PBF initiative Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust, jointly implemented by four UN agencies across the region.

The event was held as part of the UN in BiH “12 Days of Peace” campaign, launched on the International Day of Peace (21 September) and running until 2 October, the International Day of Non-Violence. Throughout these 12 days, educational programmes, youth gatherings, cultural events, and community dialogues are organized across the country with the support of the PBF and numerous partners. In the year that Bosnia and Herzegovina marks three decades of peace, the campaign highlights a clear call to action: peace is not only a legacy to be preserved, but also a daily responsibility – today and for generations to come.

• Key Takeaways from the Women, Peace and Security Summer School