New findings from the Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index (SCORE) were presented in Sarajevo, providing an evidence-based assessment of how people in Bosnia and Herzegovina live together, the level of trust among communities and institutions, and opportunities to strengthen future cooperation. SCORE is a research tool that measures social cohesion, trust, belonging, civic participation, and resilience to divisive narratives, helping translate complex social dynamics into usable data for policymakers, communities, media, and international partners.
The 2025 results indicate that Bosnia and Herzegovina is more socially resilient than often reflected in dominant public narratives. The data points to moderate overall social cohesion, relatively strong intergroup harmony, active local-level cooperation, and a stable sense of inclusive belonging across communities. At the same time, it highlights a gap between everyday coexistence, which functions relatively well, and widespread public pessimism regarding political stability, economic conditions, and the country’s future direction.
The research was presented under the project “Bridges of Trust: Improving social cohesion and resilience in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and implemented by UNDP in partnership with SeeD, with data collection by Prism Research. The initiative, valued at around USD 1.5 million, aims not only to generate reliable evidence but also to support its practical use in shaping policies and strengthening social resilience.
UNDP representatives emphasized that the findings provide a credible foundation for action, showing both existing resilience and untapped potential for cooperation. SCORE results have also shown improvements since 2020 in areas such as intergroup harmony, trust in institutions, and constructive civic engagement, while also noting concerns about long-term stability and confidence in national progress.
Going forward, the project will continue with deeper local-level analysis and community engagement activities, using SCORE data to support trust-building, encourage inclusive participation, and translate research findings into practical solutions across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
