On Monday, 28 September 2026, the ceremonial unveiling and signing of the Charter on Inclusion in Culture—”Culture Belongs to Everyone”—took place at the Youth Theatre in Sarajevo.

The initiative was spearheaded by the “Life with Down Syndrome” Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is responsible for maintaining the continuity, principles, and direction of the initiative, as well as upholding its obligations to the community of signatories.

The Charter was signed by: Minister of Civil Affairs Dubravka Bošnjak; Sevdija Kujović, Director of the “Life with Down Syndrome” Association; Maja Burazerović, Director of the Sarajevo War Theatre; Ismir Fazlić, Director of the Youth Theatre Sarajevo; Elmir Krivalić, Director of the National Theatre Tuzla; a representative for Danijel Vidović, Director of the “Herceg Stjepan Kosača” Croatian Cultural Centre in Mostar; and actors Alena Džebo and Ermin Bravo.

Bjanka Alajbegović, a member of the Ministry’s working group tasked with drafting the document, attended the presentation on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports.

The following day, Tuesday, 29 September 2026, the Federal Minister of Culture and Sports, Sanja Vlaisavljević, signed the Charter in her office, joining the shared commitment to making culture a space of openness, equality, and accessibility for all. With this act, the Ministry reaffirms its long-standing cooperation with the “Life with Down Syndrome” Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose members have regularly been included in the Ministry’s own cultural programs and events. This demonstrates that inclusion is not merely a principle enshrined in a document, but a reality built through practice and by keeping institutional doors open.

Upon signing the Charter, the Minister emphasized that culture is not the privilege of exclusive circles, but a common good belonging to everyone. This means that persons with disabilities and special needs have an equal right to participate in cultural life—not only as audience members but also as creators: writers, actors, painters, and cultural professionals. Inclusion entails removing barriers and creating a space where talent, effort, and creativity are valued equally, regardless of differences.

The signing of the Charter marks the beginning of a process of learning, collaboration, and changing practices. The Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports will continue to build bridges of togetherness and serve as a reliable partner in creating a culture that is strong precisely because it makes room for everyone.