The success of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national football team this summer the the World Cap, seemed to give the country something that reached far beyond a sporting result, a shared sense of pride and a feeling of achievement. That question shaped the first, in a series of student debates, within the Generation Change Student Talks, organised by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Faculty of Law, University of Zenica. Under the theme “Could Sport Be Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Next Engine of Tourism and Economic Growth?”, over 160 students from the host faculty, and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Faculty of Economics, University of Sarajevo, explored how sporting achievement could contribute to the country’s development.
„Bosnia and Herzegovina has the talent, passion and sporting spirit to turn sport into a powerful driver of tourism, economic growth and new opportunities for young people. The European Union is supporting this potential through investments in sports infrastructure, opportunities for young people and initiatives that connect sport with sustainable tourism and local development. But there is much more to be done. By investing in grassroots sport, modern facilities and young talent, and by bringing together local communities, entrepreneurs and sports organisations, this country can turn its sporting strengths into lasting benefits“, said ambassador Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In Zenica, a city with a deep sporting identity, the conversation moved beyond results and medals. Participants explored sport’s potential to attract visitors, generate income for hotels, restaurants and local businesses, and introduce international audiences to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also considered how investment in sporting facilities, transport and accessible public spaces could benefit communities long after the crowds had gone home.
“Although I competed in an individual sport, I know the strength of a team united by a common goal. The young people here today showed that they, too, understand the value of working together. Their shared commitment and a clear direction proves that we can make sport a powerful driver of our country’s prosperity“, said Amel Tuka, BiH Olympian and middle-distance runner.
The conversation also explored sport’s ability to connect Bosnia and Herzegovina with the world. “The topic of sport development is especially close to me because I come from a city with great potential, and I believe it is important for young people to be involved in promoting sport as one of our greatest asset“, said Belma Vojić student of Faculty of Law, University of Zenica.
Her colleague Tarik Ibrić, a student at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, highlighted the lasting legacy of the 1984 Winter Olympics. “More than four decades later, Sarajevo is still recognised as an Olympic city. That shows how sport can shape a destination’s identity for generations. It is encouraging that the European Union has recognised the importance of inversting into sport in BiH“, he said.
The Student Talks series, part of 4th Generation Change cycle, will continue in Bijeljina, Mostar and Banjaluka, where students from these universities will host their peers from Tuzla, Mostar and Bihać, providing opportunities for interactive exchanges and discussions on issues relevant to young people in BiH. Generation Change remains an important platform for student dialogue, cooperation and creativity, while building lasting connections among the young people of the country.
Following the series of Student Talks events, selected students will be invited to participate in a Media Boot Camp, while the most creative participants will have the opportunity to travel to Brussels next year.
