Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the European Union Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, today engaged in discussions with over 100 students from the University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar and the University of Mostar. The Ambassador’s conversations with students from across BiH are part of the European Union’s project for young people called Generation Change.
“It is always inspiring to meet young people with talent and energy that give you hope for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future. I am impressed at the drive and determination that has led to successful tourism enterprises being founded, for example Amela Bubalo with Visit Konjic and Đani Rahimić with Fortica project above Mostar. As part of my job, I have travelled around Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is clear to me that there is a lot of underused potential when it comes to the tourism sector in this beautiful and culturally rich country. The young people that participate in Generation Change are the change makers who generate new ideas and perspectives that will bring dynamism to BiH tourism, as well as jobs, economic growth and many new foreign admirers of this country”, said Ambassador Sattler.
The discussion was also jointed by Ioanna Efthymiadou, Ambassador of Greece to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Josef Zrzavecký, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the Czech Republic to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Amela Bubalo, founder of Visit Konjic touristic agency, Ana Bogdanović, Creative Europe Desk officer and Đani Rahimić, co-founder of the Mountain Biking Association MTBA.
Adventure tourism, natural resources, digital nomads, the impact of tourism on economic development, and the importance of youth contributions to the future of tourism in the country were just some of the topics discussed with students. Students posed excellent questions and ideas, while panelists shared personal stories and inspirational experiences.
“I consider such events very important for motivating and inspiring young people, as motivation is much needed for them today. I plan to apply with my friends for the competition to travel to Brussels. We have long wanted to visit Brussels, and I think it would be a completely new experience for us,” said Amar Strvnjak, a student at the Agromediterranean Faculty of the University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar.
Following the inspiring discussion, students from both universities continued socializing as part of the tour “In the Footsteps of (In)visible Mostar Women” experiencing their city in a completely different way.
In the coming period, the EU representatives, along with ambassadors from EU member states, will meet with students from two remaining public universities – University of Banja Luka and University of Bihac, as well as young professionals from various spheres of life. Previous events have provided a perfect opportunity to involve a large number of students from across the country in discussions on various topics important to youth in BiH and the country’s EU path.
