New Initiatives Strengthening Dialogue and Connecting Communities Across Bosnia and Herzegovina Launched with UN Peacebuilding Fund Support

The 14 initiatives, involving 23 organizations and institutions, were awarded grants totaling nearly BAM 650,000, following a public call in June 2025, which received 72 applications from more than 190 organizations and institutions from across the country. After a thorough evaluation, the selected initiatives stood out for their innovation, quality, potential for long-term impact, and strong partnerships in developing their project proposals. The complete list of approved projects, including implementing partners and grant amounts, is available here.

These initiatives are supported by the Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3), one of the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) programess in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, speaking on behalf of the DFF3 team, emphasized: 

"The Peacebuilding Fund is not only a financial instrument, but a catalyst that helps institutions, communities, and citizens work together to build trust and social cohesion. Initiatives like those presented today demonstrate that local ideas, supported by instruments such as the PBF, can improve the lives of communities and create lasting, sustainable impact."

Biljana Čamur Veselinović, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, speaking on behalf of the Minister, highlighted the importance of DFF3 project and the active involvement of both the Ministry and the Presidency of BiH. She noted that tangible results of the project are already visible, including the 14 selected initiatives. She congratulated the awarded organizations and institutions and stressed she is looking forward to visiting these communities to see results and gain new ideas.

Following the opening remarks, a panel titled “Trust and Dialogue as the Foundation of Strong Communities” brought together representatives from academia, institutions, and civil society to share experiences, challenges, and examples of good practice. Prof. Dr. Larisa Kasumagić Kafedžić from the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Sarajevo presented the work of the Center for Education, which unites university lecturers, instructors, and researchers. Marko Antonio Brkić, from the Ministry of Education and Science of Federation of BiH, emphasized that religious education, when oriented toward peace and trust-building, can foster social cohesion. Dijana Pejić, from the Genesis Project in Banja Luka, stressed the importance of systematic efforts to nurture tolerance and mutual respect in younger generations, particularly to counter divisive rhetoric and structural challenges.

In an interactive Project Gallery – World Café session, participants discussed how initiatives will be implemented on the ground, with a focus on measurable impact and inclusion of marginalized groups. Joint activities in art, culture, and sport were highlighted as tools for social cohesion, and mobilization of non-active youth who were recognized as ambassadors of change. The session also underscored the importance of documenting and promoting success stories, fostering partnerships between civil society and local communities, and building sustainable alliances beyond project duration.

Dialogue for the Future 3 is jointly implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO, in partnership with the Presidency of BiH and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH. The first phase was launched in 2014, and since then the project has for over a decade brought together institutions, civil society, educational and cultural actors, and local communities to strengthen trust and social cohesion.

The event is part of the UN in BiH campaign “12 Days of Peace”, launched on the International Day of Peace on 21 September and running until 2 October—the International Day of Non-Violence. During this period, educational programs, youth gatherings, cultural events, and community dialogues take place across the country, supported by the PBF and numerous partners. Marking three decades of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the campaign reminds that peace is not only a legacy to preserve but also a daily responsibility—for today and for generations to come.