The needs of young people and systemic care for young people in the Federation of BiH shall be taken as priorities in the process of developing the Youth Strategy of the Federation of BiH – it was highlighted at the first meeting of the Working Group for the development of this strategic document that the young people of the Federation have been waiting for years, and which has been finally launched pursuant to the Decision of the FBiH Government, adopted at the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports.

The responsibilities of the Working Group include drafting of the document, and collaborating with the partners in the process of creating new approaches and opportunities for young people with the uttermost goal to systematically ensure better conditions for the young people. In this process, the Working Group will have the full support of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports.

Federal Minister of Culture and Sports Sanja Vlaisavljević did not try to hide satisfaction with the fact that the process of developing such an important strategic document had been initiated for the very first time.

– Bearing in mind how long we have been waiting for the launch of the Youth Strategy drafting, I want to believe that this document will include the key findings from the Research on the Position and Needs of the Young People in the Federation of BiH. The Strategy is a framework document that obliges us to follow it, that being perhaps the most valuable aspect of that document – stated Vlaisavljević.

– I am fully committed to giving young people wind at their back and I will be the happiest person in the world when this strategic document, the purpose of our gathering today, sees the light of the day. Talking about my previously mentioned commitment, I do not mean only sending nice messages about young people, but I truly believe that the young people should be respected and consulted. We should learn from them. Young people should give us instructions on how we should be working. Therefore, dear young people, seek the maximum, be omnipresent, be bearers of the realisation of young people’s rights. And do not allow this strategy only be something we will boast about in a few months. The doors of the Ministry and our Youth Division, which is actively participating in this important process in full capacity, are open to you, for all your questions, your ideas, and please do not hesitate to contact us – Minister Vlaisavljević said.

With the first meeting of the interdepartmental working group for the FBiH Youth Strategy 2024-2027 development, activities were launched to ensure a programmatic approach to youth action in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to join efforts of all stakeholders with the purpose of addressing the existing challenges and creating favourable climate for young people.

Adis Salkić, the Working Group Coordinator, and Assistant Minister for Youth in the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports, also addressed the meeting participants:

– The Ministry ensured that the FBiH Youth Council participates in this process as an equal partner. Furthermore, the Institute for Youth Development “Kult” was selected an expert consultant through a public call. With their experience, knowledge and references, these two stakeholders will provide support and guidance with the goal to reach the best possible solution in creating this document. The slogan of the process is: “In Step with the Young People”. Young people are the most progressive component of our society, so if we want to secure stable development and a good social environment, we have to keep up with them, and that is, without doubt, our intention – said Salkić.

The approach to creating the FBiH Youth Strategy emphasizes the approach of active involvement of young people in creating solutions for responding to the needs of young people, so that each thematic working team will have a representative of the FBiH Youth Council who will help in finding solutions in ways acceptable to young people and shape them into policies, tailored to young people.

During the development of the FBiH Youth Strategy, the Executive Team, Working Group, work teams and all involved stakeholders will work on thematic areas in accordance with the presented work plan, so that the measures of the Strategy will be a concrete guide for the implementation of measures towards young people.