Today, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations (UN) in Bosnia and Herzegovina marked 30 years of partnership in the country. Through our collaboration, the UN and the OSCE have supported Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress from conflict toward a more stable, secure and prosperous country for all citizens.
Formal co-operation was initiated in the spring of 1993 and expanded following the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and the establishment of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995. The initial areas of collaboration included supporting the return and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons, property repossession, education reform, strengthening local governance, arms control, war crimes processing, supporting transitional justice and judicial reform.
"We greatly value the co-operation that we have had with the United Nations family in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past 30 years," said Ambassador Brian Aggeler, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Both organizations remain steadfast in our commitment to fundamental rights and freedoms, strong rule of law, responsible governance; and supporting the work of actors and communities dedicated to building and sustaining peace."
In recent years, the United Nations and OSCE have increased their focus on strengthening mutual trust, understanding, and dignity across the country by working closely with civil society organizations, students, war veterans, religious communities, cultural institutions, women and youth groups and local "champions of peace". The UN and OSCE also engage with municipal and city administrations, supporting inter-municipal and inter-entity collaboration.
"Despite continuing inflammatory and divisive rhetoric at the highest levels of leadership, we see a strong desire across Bosnia and Herzegovina for the country to move forward towards a future based on shared aspirations and respect for diversity. We see people and leaders collaborating across business and economics; culture and the arts; science and technology; environmental protection, sports and tourism. We encourage more focus and support for these positive efforts and community champions," stated Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As part of these efforts, the UN and OSCE, together with the Council of Europe and the European Union, launched "Možemo Bolje: Empowering Trust and Cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina's Communities" in September 2022.
The project supports local administrations, civil society and other stakeholders to rebuild trust, understanding and constructive dialogue within and between communities, whilst also amplifying positive stories from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Interest in this new project across the country has been high," added Ambassador Aggeler. "Co-operation on the ground between the UN and OSCE staff at our field offices has been invaluable for identifying and engaging with partners and helping design projects that deliver both quick impacts and longer-term results."
Underscoring the organizations' commitment to youth in BiH, the OSCE and the UN recently joined forces to support the creation of the publication The Peace Young People Wish to Build in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The publication serves to convey the priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina's young people, demonstrating that all, no matter their background, value similar fundamental principles and aspirations.
"The United Nations and OSCE are fully committed to continue working with everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina that wants to promote a more prosperous, inclusive, fairer and sustainable country where people want to remain or return to; rather than leave" concluded UN Resident Co-ordinator Macdonald.
