Over 90 students from Banja Luka and Bihać attended today’s Student Talks on cyber-security and youth innovation at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Banja Luka, as part of the European Union’s Generation Change project. Students from both the University of Banja Luka and the University of Bihać engaged in a fruitful discussion on cyber-security threats, the legislative framework for cybersecurity, and how to keep safe online.
“It was a real pleasure to speak with such a dynamic and engaging group of young people about cybersecurity. The importance of cybersecurity in today’s world, where the digital landscape shapes almost every aspect of our lives, cannot be overstated. It is crucial that the BiH authorities address this issue more comprehensively – currently, Bosnia and Herzegovina has neither a comprehensive legislative nor a strategic framework on cybersecurity. It also lacks an institutional set-up for cybersecurity. This creates vulnerabilities for citizens, institutions and businesses”, said Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In today’s discussion with students other panellists were Damijan Sedar, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to BiH, Azra Elezović from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Banja Luka, Branko Petrović, a cyber-security expert and Damir Softić, a specialist in cyber security management.
During the discussion, students talked about the dangers that internet use poses for young people, whether young people can be innovators in prevention, and whether their creative ideas can make them actors supporting internet security. Following the event, students embarked on a city tour to explore the cultural and historic landmarks of Banja Luka.
“I believe it is extremely important to spread knowledge and awareness about ‘internet violence’, especially because we live in a time when everything is easily accessible to everyone. It was an honour and pleasure to attend today’s event and gain new information and knowledge from panellists. In line with the words of a popular saying ‘The world relies on the young’, I hope that young people in BiH will recognize their potential and have the courage to take steps that lead us towards the path of the European Union,” said Anastasija Šijan, a student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Banja Luka.
“Today’s event is one way of raising awareness about this topic and an opportunity to acquire new knowledge. We were able to learn a lot of useful information from the panellists, and during the discussion, we also mentioned that BiH has certain legislation in place and that it is necessary to work on its implementation, as well as to try to apply examples of good practices from other countries. We are all exposed to various risks in the online world on a daily basis, and I believe that young people can bring about certain changes in this field. The trip to Brussels, which participants of these events have the opportunity to win, seems very interesting to us, and my team and I will make an effort to come up with something quality and creative”, said Bekir Gromilić, a student at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Bihać.
The event in Banja Luka was the fourth Generation Change Student Talks event in 2024. Over 550 students from eight public universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have participated in the events that took place over the course of the last 2 months in Tuzla, Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka. Students actively engaged in conversations and discussions on various topics important to young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and their pathways towards EU membership.
The Student Talks for 2024 have concluded, and now selected students from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina will be invited to join the Youth Leadership Conference in May, which will mark the beginning of a second phase of Generation Change project.
