The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on information received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, informed the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports about a meeting between the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina and representatives of the ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO), held in Indonesia.

The ASEAN Youth Organization is dedicated to promoting the values, awareness, and understanding of ASEAN, as well as empowering young people to actively participate in addressing social issues at the local, national, regional, and international levels.

During the meeting, participants discussed opportunities for establishing cooperation between AYO and the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Indonesia, with the aim of connecting young people, strengthening mutual understanding, and enhancing cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and ASEAN member states.

The following areas were identified as potential fields of cooperation:

• Regional Awareness and Education – enhancing young people’s knowledge of relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and ASEAN, regional cooperation mechanisms, and opportunities for future joint activities;
• Innovation, Digital Economy, and Entrepreneurship – exchanging knowledge and experience and introducing young people to opportunities for cooperation in emerging sectors;
• Sustainable Development and Green Growth – engaging young people in discussions and initiatives focused on climate action and sustainable development;
• Experience Sharing and Leadership Development – organizing guest lectures, youth dialogues, roundtable discussions, and programmes focused on leadership, innovation, and the promotion of cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and ASEAN.

AYO representatives expressed their readiness to cooperate with institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina at both the state and entity levels, as well as with universities, media outlets, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.

It was particularly emphasized that, should joint activities be implemented and representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina participate in forums, roundtable discussions, lectures, and other events organized by AYO, the organization would cover the participation costs of guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina, including airfare and accommodation expenses.

This initiative represents an opportunity to develop new forms of international cooperation, exchange knowledge and experience, and create additional opportunities for the more active involvement of young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina in regional and international programmes and initiatives.