Peace camp brings together over 60 young people from Mostar and Stolac to drive community action

From 28 to 31 March, more than 60 students from 15 secondary schools in Mostar and Stolac participated in educational workshops, field activities, and teamwork focused on dialogue, volunteerism, environmental protection, and active youth participation in society. Through an interactive approach and exchange of experiences, participants went beyond discussing challenges in their communities and developed concrete action plans to address them, which they presented during the closing session.

The Head of UNICEF Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marc Lucet, attended the closing session on behalf of the DFF3 initiative jointly implemented by UNICEF, UNDP, and UNESCO. Engaging with participants on their experiences, the challenges they face in their communities, and the solutions they propose, he emphasized the importance of such initiatives. Impressed by their energy and commitment, he stated:

“The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support initiatives that bring young people together. We remain committed to empowering youth and communities to build better environments through dialogue, critical thinking, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection. This camp demonstrates that young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina have the knowledge, energy, and dedication to drive positive change. It is particularly encouraging to see how, through dialogue and joint work, they develop concrete ideas and raise important questions.”

Participants highlighted that the camp offered more than learning—it provided an opportunity to develop new skills, build trust and cooperation, and better understand the communities they come from.

“I had never been to Stolac before. Through this camp, I realized that we share similar challenges. That is what connected us—we spoke openly, exchanged ideas, and tried to find ways to overcome divisions and negative narratives. This camp gave us the space to do that,” said Jelena Vujević (17) from Mostar.

Throughout the programme, participants strengthened their skills in dialogue, mutual understanding, and non-violent communication, and learned how to approach conflicts constructively. Field activities further enriched their experience—through visits to partner organizations Nešto više (Eco-Design Centre) and Novi Val Blagaj, they gained practical knowledge on environmental protection, including permaculture principles, as well as the importance of volunteerism and active youth engagement, symbolically marked by the planting of olive trees.

The second part of the camp focused on developing practical solutions. Participants learned the basics of project development—from idea to presentation—and designed four youth-led initiatives to be implemented in Mostar and Stolac. These include cleaning the banks of the Bregava River, improving public spaces, and launching a mini environmental awareness campaign through short video content.

“I learned a lot through discussions, but what mattered most was that we didn’t just talk—we visited places and saw what exists in our surroundings. I met new people and realized that the divisions between us are not as big as they sometimes seem,” said Ajdin Hodžić (17) from Mostar.

A similar view was shared by Daris Turajlić (17) from Stolac: “Stolac and Mostar are both facing environmental pressures. Through discussions over these four days, it became clear that water resources and the environment in both cities are at risk. This camp is a great opportunity, and we are ready to take concrete action to protect our communities.”

These activities mark the beginning of a broader process. In the coming period, peer-led workshops and follow-up activities will be implemented in local communities, with mentorship support from the organizers.

The Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3) initiative is jointly implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO in partnership with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim to strengthen social cohesion and trust among diverse communities through dialogue, cooperation, and active civic participation, particularly among young people.