Representatives of 12 international student organizations and networks, active in Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered in Sarajevo for a first Students on the Move Dialogue dedicated to strengthening strategic student advocacy, financial sustainability and visibility of youth-led structures. The event was organized by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of its wider support to youth engagement, mobility, and democratic participation.

The Dialogue brought together young leaders from student and pupil networks including AIESEC, EESTEC, ELSA, BOHEMSA, BEST, AEGEE, ASPPF, ONAuBiH, YEA, EPSA, ASuBiH and Star Study platform, with the aim of developing a joint framework for  joint representation and institutional advocacy on mobility, as well as reinforcing their role in the country’s European integration process.

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a series of practical workshops on financial planning, stakeholder mapping, and communication strategies, culminating in the formulation of a unified action plan and a strategic roadmap for cooperation and advocacy.

"We are glad to be able to provide support for youth organisations to gain knowledge and skills and share best practices. Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina have repeatedly demonstrated that they have the commitment, knowledge and creativity to make a difference, but they also need assistance to transform ideas into lasting change, and facilitate constructive dialogue with the relevant BiH institutions. The voice of young people matters, and supporting these organisations means giving a platform to a new generation of leaders, who will have an active role in shaping Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future on the path to the European Union", said Ferdinand Koenig, Head of Communications and Spokesperson at the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Participants worked in groups to define key financial needs such as membership and participation fees for European-level bodies, outlined challenges in cooperation with education authorities, and explored ways to build stronger partnerships with ministries, universities, and the EU in BiH.

"Our organisations are doing meaningful work on the ground, but we need tools and resources to sustain it. This event gave us the structure, connections and confidence to take the next steps as a collective," said Aida Fetić, BEST Mostar.

As part of the programme, the first day focused on team-building and networking, while the second and third day included structured sessions on advocacy tools, funding frameworks and institutional dialogue. The dialogue will continue in September, following the set of meetings the group will have with relevant stakeholders, where they will present their joint recommendations to relevant interlocutors.

"This is just the beginning. The ideas shared here, from improved student mobility to better institutional support, are crucial for shaping a more inclusive and participatory higher and secondary education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Filip Lakić, EESTEC LC Tuzla. 

The event is part of the EU’s broader effort to support youth-led dialogue and civic participation, as well as to promote inclusive and transparent policymaking in line with the country’s EU integration path.