The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH hosted today a meeting entitled “Strategic Consultations on Peacebuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH Elmedin Konaković and the UN Resident Coordinator in BiH Arnhild Spence.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Nations agencies and diplomatic missions accredited in our country.
Addressing the participants, Konaković said that this consultative meeting represents an important platform for assessing progress made so far, identifying new challenges and jointly planning further steps in the field of peacebuilding.
He recalled that Bosnia and Herzegovina was declared eligible for the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) of the United Nations Secretary-General, which enabled the signing of the Project Document between the UN and BiH in 2023, after which the Peacebuilding Steering Committee in 2024 was established.
He assessed that the Peacebuilding Fund is of exceptional importance for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina because it provides a long-term and inclusive approach to peacebuilding, reconciliation and social cohesion.
He stressed that the Fund is expected to support initiatives that strengthen trust between communities and open up new opportunities for stable and sustainable development.
Speaking about the role of the international community, Konaković stressed his high appreciation for its continued support for justice, accountability and the prevention of the most serious crimes.
In this context, he highlighted the UN General Assembly Resolution declaring July 11 as the International Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide, assessing it as historically important and crucial for fostering a culture of remembrance and building lasting peace.
He also pointed out the importance of promoting dialogue and inclusiveness, as well as the readiness of Bosnia and Herzegovina to share its experiences in the field of peacebuilding, transitional justice and post-conflict recovery with other societies undergoing similar processes.
He recalled that reconciliation and dealing with the legacy of the past are among the 14 key priorities listed by the European Commission in its Opinion on BiH’s application for EU membership.
In reference to the strategic context, the Minister emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fully committed to building lasting and sustainable peace, as well as implementing the transformational reforms necessary on our country’s European path.
He particularly emphasized our country’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, protecting the rights and dignity of victims, and improving institutions that reflect European values.
He also stated that the Peacebuilding Fund projects have provided valuable technical support, impartial coordination and methodologies that strengthen trust among stakeholders in society.
At the end of his address, Minister Konaković concluded that today’s consultations confirmed the joint commitment to strengthening peace, trust and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The participants of the meeting jointly assessed that the consultative meeting of the Peacebuilding Fund in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a key platform for harmonizing peacebuilding priorities between the United Nations, domestic institutions, civil society and international partners.
