Representatives of 25 local communities involved in the project “Strengthening trust and cohesion in communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – We can do better” in a joint statement said that trust, dialogue and social cohesion are key prerequisites for the long-term stability and development of BiH, stressing their commitment to building a more inclusive and safer society through concrete local initiatives, partnerships and the active involvement of citizens.
In the statement, the mayors of Bosanski Petrovac, Prnjavor, Gradiška, Jajce, Vareš, Žepč, Doboj, Čelić, Sapna, Lopare, Teočak, Zvornik, Tešnj, Teslić, Jablanica, Prozora-Rama, Glamoč, Kalesija, Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje, Ugljevik, Maglaj, Vukosavlja, Travnik, Novi Travnik and Goražde emphasize that a sustainable response can build on the numerous challenges faced by the citizens of BiH through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
They point out that everyday life is marked by economic insecurity, political divisions, complex historical heritage and social inequalities, but that there remains a strong common aspiration towards a better and fairer future.
The signatories state that examples from numerous local communities confirm that citizens show solidarity and willingness to support each other in moments of crisis, and that such practice represents an important basis for strengthening trust and social cohesion.
They also emphasize that commitment to peace must be confirmed by concrete activities, including improvement of public spaces, exchange of knowledge and experience, cooperation on joint projects, cultural meetings and creation of space for open dialogue.
The statement specifically points to the need to include socially sensitive groups, especially national minorities, returnees and refugees and displaced persons, along with the development of partnerships that contribute to their full social inclusion.
The signatories believe that lasting peace and mutual trust can only be achieved through the joint action of institutions, civil society organizations, international partners and citizens, and that the cooperation of local authorities and the civil sector is essential for a timely and planned response to challenges in building social cohesion.
They also call for more attention to be paid in the public and media space to positive examples of solidarity and togetherness, as well as the affirmation of equality and dignity of every citizen.
They announced that, within the framework of the #WeCanDoBetter initiative, they will continue to actively work on building trust, equality and security in their local communities.
The project “Strengthening Trust and Cohesion in Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – We Can Do Better”, funded by the European Union (EU), is jointly implemented by the EU in BiH, the United Nations in BiH, the OSCE Mission in BiH and the Council of Europe – Office in Sarajevo, and is being implemented in 25 local communities across BiH with the aim of strengthening trust, social cohesion, reconciliation and active participation of citizens in building a more peaceful and stable society, the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH announced.
