The second Peace Vibe Festival, held from September 27 to 29 in Sarajevo, brought together over 50 young people from 33 local communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with representatives from civil society organizations, academia, and other sectors. Over three days, participants engaged in creative, cultural, and digital activities aimed at building bridges, strengthening trust, and promoting sustainable peace. The festival was part of the EU initiative “Možemo Bolje,” which fosters social cohesion and peacebuilding through joint efforts with the United Nations, the OSCE Mission, and the Council of Europe.
On the festival’s final day, youth participants engaged in dialogue with the heads of the EU Delegation, the OSCE Mission, the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, and the UN Resident Coordinator. The young attendees shared their experiences, ideas, and proposals, highlighting the importance of youth energy and vision in shaping lasting peace. Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that supporting youth to overcome prejudices and build friendships aligns with the EU’s mission of promoting peace and prosperity, while empowering young people to contribute to inclusive and peaceful communities.
The festival was organized as part of the UN campaign “12 Days of Peace,” running from September 21 to October 2. The campaign features educational programs, youth gatherings, cultural events, and community dialogues across the country, promoting collective action in support of peace. United Nations Resident Coordinator Arnhild Spence underscored the importance of investing in young leaders, noting that peace is both a legacy and a daily responsibility for current and future generations.
The festival program included workshops, cultural activities, and interactive discussions that allowed young participants to reflect collectively on their roles in society and in promoting peace. Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the importance of dialogue, trust, and cooperation in a diverse society, noting that inclusive participation of youth, civil society, and local authorities strengthens community cohesion.
Leading up to the festival, various activities took place across Bosnia and Herzegovina, including sports events, youth gatherings, and artistic workshops. Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, highlighted the value of listening to young people and supporting their peacebuilding initiatives, encouraging continued solidarity and engagement across communities.
Through the Peace Vibe Festival, young participants demonstrated their capacity to drive positive change and promote a society where peace, unity, and trust are central values. The festival was part of the “Strengthening Trust and Cohesion in Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Možemo Bolje” project, funded by the EU and implemented jointly with the United Nations, the OSCE Mission, and the Council of Europe.
