Bosanski Petrovac, 06 October 2023 – Bosanski Petrovac has been one of the champions of peace in BiH by continuously promoting trust, tolerance, reconciliation and acceptance. It is precisely why Fusion Fiesta Festival took place today at Mixed Secondary School, as part of the United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA project "Moving Us Closer". The festival aims to promote social cohesion, reduce prejudice and discrimination, and encourage intercultural dialogue and reconciliation among young people from seven cities: Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Brčko, Bosanski Petrovac, and Bijeljina.  

Hector Ramirez, UNFPA Programme Analyst emphasized the importance of peace and reconciliation for all post-conflict societies, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina: “With the massive challenges confronting Bosnia and Herzegovina on multiple fronts - it is events such as this one in Bosanski Petrovac that show the resilience, strength and sheer optimism of local communities across the country. Bosanski Petrovac, and Fusion Fiesta events, remind us of how this country and all the peoples in it want to create a healthy, open, vibrant environment that celebrates diversity, heals accumulated trauma from the past, and empowers youth leaders”.

“I am glad that we have had the opportunity today to host young people from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina in our Bosanski Petrovac. I am always happy to attend the activities that include work with young people, because this is the only way for us to give this population support and importance they deserve. I would also like to thank our donors for having recognized Bosanski Petrovac as a community with active young people and also as a community that works towards promoting social cohesion”, said Mahmut Jukić, Mayor of the Municipality of Bosanski Petrovac.

Fusion Fiesta is a festival that connects Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Brčko, Bosanski Petrovac, and Bijeljina by celebrating youth leaders through an inclusive inter-municipal youth basketball competition teams, including friendly football and volleyball matches.

"This festival is a testament to the power of young individuals in driving positive change within their communities. Let us embrace inclusivity and recognize the significance of this celebration to promote unity, intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding", stated Kada Delić Selimović, the Special Olympics Director.

The Fusion Fiesta Festival will continue to promote social inclusion, peace, and unity in Tuzla, Brčko, East Sarajevo, ending its tour in Banja Luka on 1st November 2023. 

Note to editors: About the project Moving Us Closer: Youth exchanges in divided communities that strive for intercultural dialogue and Inclusion is a project implemented by UNFPA with the financial support of the Embassy of the Republic of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy. The project aims 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.