On June 28, 2024, the 10th birthday of Youth for Peace CC was celebrated in Sarajevo. Behind Youth for Peace are 10 years filled with work and contribution to Bosnian-Herzegovinian society and, most importantly, a large number of young people who have gone through YfP educational programs. This birthday was an opportunity for members, friends, associates and partners of Youth for Peace to gather and celebrate the first decade of the Organization's existence in a pleasant atmosphere.
With a suitable program, those gathered were reminded of the most beautiful moments, successes, projects and work of the Organization in the last ten years.
The host of the program was Berina Bulatović, a member of the Board of Coordinators, while Lejla Hasandedić-Đapo, one of the co-founders of Youth for Peace, Emina Frljak and Samira Fatma Baručija-Homoraš, members of the Board of Coordinators, also addressed the guests.
The guests also had the opportunity to hear messages from friends and associates of YfP who come from different countries around the world. So the guests listened to the address of Maria Crespo from Argentina on behalf of the organization United Religions Initiative, Angelina Vladikova from Bulgaria on behalf of the organization Bridges, Samir Akacha on behalf of the organization Coexister from France and Matthew Youd from Wales.
Today, we celebrate our 10th anniversary. In 2014, we couldn't have imagined standing here with all of you, marking this significant milestone. We began as a group of young enthusiasts, driven by a desire for true peace in our society, beyond just the absence of conflict. Despite our diverse ethnic, religious, and professional backgrounds, we were united by our love for our country and our shared vision for a better society.
Our journey started with small projects, workshops for children and youth, and camps for those in need. Gradually, we expanded to working with students, organizing seminars, and collaborating with experts. Over time, we grew from a group of passionate young people into seasoned professionals who know what they want to achieve.
We realized that achieving peace required regional efforts, leading us to collaborate with partners from neighboring countries like Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Recognizing the importance of global connections, we joined networks such as United Religions Initiative, Religions for Peace, and The Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.
Everything we've done and continue to do is our contribution to making the world a better, more peaceful place. Given the current global situation, we must intensify our efforts, invest in peace, promote peace education, and build partnerships both locally and internationally.
Alone, we can do little, but together, we can achieve so much more. Thank you all for being here and for your dedication to making this world a better place. Emina Frljak
Refreshments, food and cake were served after the program. This served as an opportunity for those present to get to know each other, connect and create new partnerships for promoting and building a more peaceful Bosnian-Herzegovinian society.
URI congratulates YfP CC on its 10th anniversary!
This milestone is a testament to your unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work in promoting peace and interfaith harmony. Over the past decade, you have inspired countless individuals, fostered meaningful dialogues, and created lasting change in your community and beyond.
Your efforts in empowering and inspiring young people to become leaders in peacebuilding are truly commendable. Here's to many more years of impactful work and continued success. May your efforts continue to flourish and inspire others.
