The second Peace Vibe Festival, held from September 27 to 29 in Sarajevo, was successfully concluded. The event brought together over 50 young people from 33 local communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with representatives from civil society organizations, the academic community, and others.
Over the course of three days, Sarajevo became a center of peace-driven energy, creativity, and intergenerational dialogue. Through art, culture, and digital tools, young people explored ways to build bridges, strengthen trust, and promote sustainable peace. The festival was organized as part of the EU initiative “Možemo Bolje”, which connects local communities in fostering trust, social cohesion, and peacebuilding, through joint efforts with the United Nations, the OSCE Mission, and the Council of Europe.
On the final day of the Festival, the heads of the EU Delegation, the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, together with the UN Resident Coordinator, joined a dialogue with young participants. In an open exchange, youth directly shared their experiences, ideas, and proposals affirming that their energy and vision are a vital foundation for building lasting peace.
Luigi Soreca, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated: „The European Union was founded as a peace project, and supporting activities that help young people from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina to build friendships and overcome prejudices is at the core of our objective of uniting the whole of Europe in peace and prosperity. The young people attending the Peace Vibe Festival not only showcase their talent and creativity, but send a powerful message of cooperation, openness and hope. Together with our partners, we are proud to support initiatives that empower young people to shape a more inclusive and peaceful future for their communities and their country.“
The event was organized as part of the UN campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina, “12 Days of Peace,” launched on the International Day of Peace, September 21, and running until October 2 the International Day of Non-Violence. Throughout this period, educational programs, youth gatherings, cultural events, and community dialogues are held across the country, serving as a clear call for collective action in support of peace.
Arnhild Spence, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated: „We are proud to stand side by side with the European Union, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe through this initiative, giving young people the opportunity to showcase their strength and creativity. I am impressed by their energy and vision – they are already leaders who are breaking boundaries and building trust. Through this initiative, as well as through the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, we will continue to invest in their future and empower them to become peacebuilders who will shape a more just and secure society in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond. In this year, as Bosnia and Herzegovina marks three decades of peace, we especially emphasize that peace is not only a legacy to be preserved, but also a daily responsibility for all of us – today and for the generations to come.”
The Festival program included a series of creative workshops, cultural activities, and interactive discussions through which young participants collectively reflected on peace and their role in society.
Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized: “The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses its sincere appreciation for the dedication of all those involved in the Možemo Bolje initiative. The country’s rich diversity is a fundamental strength that flourishes through dialogue, trust, and co-operation. Together with our Quartet partners, we remain committed to supporting Quick Impact Initiatives that address community needs and promote social cohesion. The inclusive participation of civil society, local authorities, women, and youth across Bosnia and Herzegovina is essential to ensuring these efforts are both meaningful and impactful. The OSCE Mission to BiH is committed to amplifying these voices and supporting communities in building a more cohesive and resilient society.”
Ahead of the festival in Sarajevo, various activities were held across Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranging from sports and youth gatherings to artistic and theatrical workshops with young people.
Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, emphasized: „I am grateful for the opportunity to hear the perspectives of young people from across Bosnia and Herzegovina. I hope that they are also finding the opportunity provided by “Možemo bolje” to engage with peers from different parts of the country useful. It is is vital to listen to young people and to encourage them to continue to promote solidarity through their valuable peacebuilding work. We are proud to support such initiatives, together with our partners through the Možemo Bolje project, and through other Council of Europe programmes on the ground.“
During the Festival, young people demonstrated that with their ideas and energy, they can initiate positive change and build a society where peace and unity are fundamental values.
The Peace Vibe Festival was organized as part of the project “Strengthening Trust and Cohesion in Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Možemo bolje” funded by the European Union’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments under the Instrument for Neighborhood, Development, and International Cooperation, and jointly implemented by the European Union in Bosnia and Heregovina, the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo.
