Sarajevo, 12 August 2023 – The celebration of the 2023 International Youth Day at the vibrant and inclusive Fusion Fiesta took place today at Safet Zajko Park in Sarajevo, as part of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) "Moving Us Closer" project. The Festival aims at promoting social cohesion, reducing prejudices and discrimination and encouraging intercultural dialogue and reconciliation among young people from the seven cities: Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Brčko, Bosanski Petrovac and Bijeljina.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald emphasized the importance of youth in our society: “Today, as we mark the International Youth Day, I would like us to celebrate the determination, ideas and leadership of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As Secretary-General António Guterres has underscored, humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of youth everywhere. Today, and every day, let’s stand with young people in shaping a just, inclusive and sustainable world, for people and the planet. The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to strong representation of young people, particularly those who can be left behind — young people with disabilities, young refugees and migrants who seek new beginnings, and the LGBTIQ+ youth who champion equality. This event is one of the many we are organizing today to mark the International Youth Day, and I am honored to be here with young people from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

On International Youth Day, the Sarajevo Canton Prime Minister emphasized his support and responsibility for this population: “As the youngest Prime Minister of the Sarajevo Canton, the issue of youth in the Sarajevo Canton will constantly be of interest to me, in such a way that I will be investing maximum effort towards achieving a better and higher-quality environment for young people (through the youth strategy, housing, better health care, education and cultural facilities), which is much easier to achieve with partners, such as UNFPA and the Italian Embassy to BiH”.

The Minister of Science, Higher Education and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, Pavle Krstić, also pointed out that his team is doing everything in order for every young person to fulfill their potential.

Among the major events at today's Festival are an inter-municipal basketball competition between teams from all over BiH, a friendly football game, music, a culinary quiz and many more.

"This Festival is the proof of the power of young people to initiate a positive change in their communities. Let's accept inclusivity and recognize the significance of this celebration for promoting unity, intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding", said Deputy Head of Mission of the Republic of Italy to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Matteo Evangelista, in his welcoming address.

The Fusion Fiesta festival of Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to be held throughout the country in order to promote peace and unity.

Note to editors: About the project: "Moving Us Closer: Youth Exchanges in Divided Communities that Strive for Intercultural Dialogue and Inclusion" is the project implemented by UNFPA with financial support from the Embassy of the Republic of Italy to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy. The goal of the Project is to help young people overcome divisions in communities, bearing in mind the significant legacy of pain and trauma from the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.