The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in co-operation with the Board for Children Issues, Youth and Sports and the Board of Equal Opportunities of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, supported a thematic debate focused on enhancing the participation and influence of young people in political and public affairs.
The event gathered representatives of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports, the Center for Equity and Equality of Men and Women of the Government of Republika Srpska, youth councils from Republika Srpska, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brčko District, young people from local communities, and other stakeholders.
Participants exchanged views on the implementation of youth and gender equality policies, challenges affecting civic engagement, and opportunities to increase the representation of young women and men in public life.
In their opening remarks, representatives of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska and the OSCE Mission highlighted the importance of creating avenues for youth voices to be heard and reflected in policies that shape the future of their communities.
The debate enabled direct engagement between young people and institutional representatives, encouraging an open exchange on obstacles to civic and political involvement and potential solutions. Discussions also underscored the value of inclusive governance, continuous consultation with youth, and stronger support for local initiatives that encourage active citizenship.
Empowering young people to participate in decisions affecting their communities is an investment in a more inclusive, stable, and secure future for the country.
The session concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at fostering closer co-operation among institutions, youth organizations and international partners, while advancing conditions for greater youth engagement across Republika Srpska and in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole.
