Bosnia and Herzegovina joins the Global WPS-HA Compact, reinforcing leadership in Women, Peace and Security

By joining the Compact, Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes the first country in the Western Balkans to accede to this global mechanism, further elevating its reputation as a country that not only implements the WPS Agenda but also actively shapes global standards for peace, security, and gender equality. The Compact unites governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector behind a shared goal: translating WPS commitments into measurable, transparent and results-oriented progress that ensures women and girls are included, protected, and empowered.

Accession to the Compact builds on longstanding leadership of the country in this area. Bosnia and Herzegovina was the first country in Southeast Europe to adopt an Action Plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2010; has since implemented three Action Plans and the first country globally to integrate the human security approach into its national WPS framework. Becoming a Compact signatory strengthens coordination, accountability, and the ability to track progress across institutions and sectors, while linking national efforts to a global community of more than 240 signatories from over 150 countries.

The event was jointly hosted by the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) supported initiative Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, implemented by UN Women, UNFPA, and IOM in partnership with the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH.

Participants included representatives of government institutions, civil society, academia, cultural institutions, youth organizations, international organizations, and diplomatic missions — including eleven embassies representing Compact signatory countries Kingdom of Norway, Federal Republic of Germany, Kingdom of Denmark, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Republic of Slovenia, Japan, Kingdom of Spain, Australian Embassy, Delegation of the European Union to BiH and OSCE in BiH. 

Jo-Anne Bishop, UN Women Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflected on the significance of the moment.

"For more than two decades, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been recognized as a leader in advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda—thanks above all to the courage and commitment of women peacebuilders, activists, and institutions across the country. Yet the promise of this leadership has not fully translated into equal rights, equal participation, or equitable access to decision-making spaces. By joining the Global WPS-HA Compact, Bosnia and Herzegovina anchors its progress within global accountability standards and commits to transforming WPS commitments into measurable, transparent results that improve the lives of women and girls.”

Ambassador Alfred Grannas, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, reaffirmed Germany’s long-standing support and noted that peace agreements endure only when women participate meaningfully, especially in contexts where gender inequalities persist. While progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina is significant, he said, challenges remain in ensuring equal participation and implementation across sectors. The Ambassador congratulated Bosnia and Herzegovina for joining the Compact and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening women’s organizations and peacebuilders. 

“Germany remains committed to supporting women’s organisations and increasing funding for those leading efforts toward equality, peace, and security. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s leadership as the first country in the Western Balkans to join the Compact is a strong signal of regional commitment to transformative change.”

Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, Director of the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH, underscored the central role of the Coordination Board for Monitoring and Implementation of the Action Plan for the Implementation of Resolution 1325 – Women, Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She welcomed strong youth engagement in today’s event, noting the power of positive narratives about Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reflecting on 30 years of peace, she emphasized that empowering women remains foundational to recovery, resilience, and long-term stability. She also presented Bosnia and Herzegovina’s three commitments under the Compact:

1. Increasing the participation and leadership of women in peace and security decision-making;
2. Advancing human security, including economic security and protection of human rights in crises, aligned with the WPS Agenda and the Istanbul Convention;
3. Strengthening implementation, financing, and monitoring of gender equality mechanisms through coordinated institutional action.

“By joining the Compact, we are committing to translate our obligations into action — and action into responsibility,” she said, acknowledging strategic support from the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

Ambassadors and representatives of Compact signatory countries took the floor to reaffirm their commitment to supporting WPS implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina through political partnership, technical cooperation, and financial support — including expanded investment in women’s organizations and peacebuilding initiatives.

Representatives of organizations that recently joined the Compact shared their work and future commitments.

Radmila Žigić, Director of Foundation 'LARA' Bijeljina, highlighted the essential contributions of women peacebuilders and activists in sustaining community cohesion and advancing rights.

Dr. Branka Antić Štauber, President of Association Snaga žene spoke about long-standing civil society leadership in prevention, survivor support, and reconciliation.

Prof. Nerma Halilović- Kibrić, Faculty of Criminal Justice, Criminology and Security Studies, University of Sarajevo, emphasized the success of this year’s WPS Summer School, organized jointly with the WPS project and now formally integrated into the Faculty’s curriculum — an important national milestone in institutionalizing WPS education.

Elma Hašimbegović, Director of the Museum of History of BiH, highlighted the role of cultural institutions in shaping social memory and proudly reflected on cooperation with the WPS project through the Naša žena exhibition.

The Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Sarajevo, is also among the signatories. 

Four young people addressed participants, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational leadership in sustaining peace and advancing gender equality. Among them was Nia Abadžić, student of Faculty of Criminal Justice, Criminology and Security Studies, who recently represented Bosnia and Herzegovina during WPS Week at the United Nations in New York and addressed the UN Peacebuilding Commission. She spoke about the evolving role of young people in peacebuilding, social cohesion, and community leadership.

Following the strategic dialogue, a symbolic signing ceremony was held. Representatives of government institutions, academia, civil society, cultural institutions, and youth formally signed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s WPS-HA Compact commitments, signaling the country’s entry into the global community of practice under the Compact.

This formalization reinforces Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to inclusive peacebuilding, gender-responsive governance, and advancing women’s participation and leadership across sectors.

Participants agreed on key priorities for the next phase of WPS implementation:

• A shared set of priority actions for 2026–2030;
• Joint monitoring mechanisms, shared indicators, and annual reviews to ensure transparency and accountability;
• Stronger cross-sector partnerships with institutions, civil society, academia, cultural actors, and youth groups;
• Full alignment with the forthcoming National Action Plan for UNSCR 1325 (2025–2030);
• Enhanced and institutionalized roles for youth in shaping and implementing WPS priorities.

The event concluded with a shared message: Bosnia and Herzegovina has reaffirmed its leadership in the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and accession to the Global WPS-HA Compact now provides a stronger platform for sustained accountability, innovation, and meaningful progress.