Center for Social Welfare and Youth Center Officially Opened in Bosanski Petrovac

The opening of these two facilities represents a significant investment in the future of Bosanski Petrovac and its neighboring communities. It is the result of a collaboration between the EU-funded Možemo bolje initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and the Municipality of Bosanski Petrovac.

The new building of the Center for Social Welfare will significantly improve its functioning and the quality of services for more than 4,000 beneficiaries. For the first time, the Center has its own dedicated building, designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities. The Center was constructed through the project Strengthening Trust and Social Cohesion in Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Možemo bolje, funded by the European Union's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments under the Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. It is jointly implemented by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo. The total investment amounts to BAM 567,000, with BAM 500,000 provided by the European Union, while the remaining amount was co-financed by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

The reconstruction of the Youth Center was initiated by the young people of Bosanski Petrovac to create a modern and functional space for gathering, networking, and active community engagement. The reconstruction was funded through the project Enhancing Social Cohesion through Cooperation in Local Service Delivery in Bosnia and Herzegovina - SPSC, financed by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and 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. The total cost of the reconstruction and equipping of the center exceeds BAM 85,000.

Mahmut Jukić, Mayor of Bosanski Petrovac, expressed gratitude to international partners for supporting these investments. 

“After a long time, we are opening two facilities that will significantly improve the quality of life in our community and neighboring areas. The construction of the new Center for Social Welfare building was a priority for us, as the previous space lacked adequate working conditions, which is now resolved. We are also delighted that young people, through the reconstruction of the Youth Center, now have a space of their own for the first time in ten years.”

Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, said:

“We are pleased to support initiatives that improve the quality of life for citizens and promote cooperation and solidarity within communities, as seen with the Center for Social Welfare in Bosanski Petrovac. Možemo bolje initiative, funded by the EU, aims to foster social cohesion, particularly by assisting communities in building trust. By investing in the future of Bosanski Petrovac, we recognize the community’s efforts in inclusion and progress.” 

Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said:

“The EU, UN, OSCE, and CoE have been jointly supporting peacebuilding initiatives in Bosanski Petrovac since 2021, when we supported the municipal authorities in inaugurating a monument dedicated to all victims of the past war. Today, we see the tangible results of our joint efforts to promote dialogue and trust-building through the opening of the Center for Social Welfare. This Center symbolizes solidarity, ensuring that essential services—such as speech therapy, social support, and counseling—reach those who need them most in Bosanski Petrovac and neighboring communities. With support from the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund—leveraging a strong global partnership with the EU—we are also celebrating the opening of the Youth Center. This space will empower young people to connect, grow, and actively shape the future of their communities, strengthening the foundations for lasting peace and resilience.”