The International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana, which holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN/ECOSOC) in New York and is the publisher of the leading international scientific journal for European integration, European Perspectives, hosted a solemn ceremony for the presentation of the IFIMES Gold Medal to Bogić Bogićević, one of the most prominent statesmen and public figures in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The IFIMES Gold Medal was presented to the laureate by the Honorary President of IFIMES, Stjepan Mesić, former President of the Republic of Croatia, in the presence of the Director of the International Institute, Prof. Dr. Zijad Bećirović. On that occasion, President Mesić emphasized that through his life and public actions, Bogić Bogićević has become a symbol of political responsibility, moral integrity, and the consistent defense of the universal values of peace, democracy, and mutual respect.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, the Mayor of the Fojnica Municipality, Sabahudin Klisura, and the Director of the “Reumal” Fojnica Spa, Alija Mukača, giving this event a special regional and social significance, and confirming its importance in affirming the values of dialogue, peace, and mutual respect.
The IFIMES Gold Medal was awarded to Bogić Bogićević for his exceptional contribution to the development of democratic values, trust-building, and the affirmation of the principles of a multiethnic society in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.
Throughout his multi-decade public career, Bogić Bogićević has remained recognized as a symbol of responsible politics, personal integrity, and consistent advocacy for peace, dialogue, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans. His historic refusal to support decisions that could jeopardize the peace and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, during the existence of the former common state, represents one of the strongest examples of moral courage, statesmanship, and personal integrity in the contemporary political history of the region.
As a prominent politician, statesman, and public figure, Bogić Bogićević has consistently affirmed the values of civil society, equality, tolerance, and coexistence through his actions. His political path transcends daily political divisions and represents a lasting contribution to preserving trust among people and nations, as well as strengthening democratic culture in Southeast Europe.
By awarding the Gold Medal, IFIMES honors an individual who, through his life and work, has proven that integrity, consistency, responsibility, dialogue, and commitment to the common good form the very foundation of true statesmanship. Bogić Bogićević remains a moral compass in public life and a lasting role model for generations that believe in the power of principles, peace, tolerance, and a shared European future.
IFIMES will continue to recognize and honor individuals whose work and actions make an exceptional contribution to strengthening peace, democratic values, mutual trust, and international cooperation, in line with its mission to promote dialogue, stability, and sustainable development in Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and the wider international arena.
