Amid a curious resurgence in the Yugoslav identity, the 'State of Peace’ Youth Academy was organised by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In collaboration with the Post-Conflict Research Center, it aimed to bridge the differences in the Western Balkan region through inter-religious dialogue, tolerance, reconciliation, peace education, communication, activism, and human rights. The academy took place from August 18 to 31 in Tuzla, Brčko, Sarajevo, and Vitez. 50 young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro participated in the academy, which aimed to teach them about inter-religious dialogue, tolerance, peace education, communication, activism, and human rights through art, socialising, and travel.
The academy provided an opportunity for participants to learn about different religions, cultures, and perspectives, as well as to engage in constructive dialogue and move forward collectively. The EU’s motto is 'Unity in Diversity’, and the friendships formed during the academy will continue to provide new perspectives and challenge prejudices.
Andrea Brzica from Zagreb expressed her admiration for the opportunity to discuss culture, religions, beliefs, future perspective, and the perspective of the Western Balkans. She believed that for a better future, peace, empathy, and understanding are necessary for a better future. Amina Mujezinović from Novi Pazar expressed her gratitude to the organisers for this unique opportunity to learn together.
Darko Savović from Podgorica saw the academy as an opportunity for young people to come together, share ideas, engage in constructive dialogue, and move forward collectively. He believes that if we are not united, we can achieve the minimum, but to truly succeed, we must do it together, regardless of our names, religious beliefs, nationalities, and how we feel.
Ivan Komadan from Pale mentioned that the information about the crimes committed in the Kazani Pit, Ahmići, at the Osmica memorial, and at the War Childhood Museum had a profound impact on him, and he is determined to share this information with his friends and fellow citizens. He believes that traveling and getting to know differences can help solve many problems, especially in rural areas where there is a higher percentage of hatred towards those who are different due to lack of knowledge.
Vernes Babić from Sarajevo found the 'State of Peace’ Youth Academy to be the most significant part of the academy, as it helped him break down unconscious prejudices he had towards people from other countries with whom he had not previously had contact. He was moved by visiting various memorials dedicated to civilian war victims and learning about Orthodox beliefs and religious rituals. Nikola Pavlović from Belgrade found the educational part of the Academy to be the most significant, as he learned about war crimes and the importance of preventing future crimes.