The Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly was part of the first meeting within the ENGAGE-BH project, which was held to introduce the project and get to know each other. The project, titled “Next Generations for an All-Inclusive Green and Energy Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, aims to empower civil society, institutions, businesses and the research community through a participatory and inclusive approach.
Using methods such as co-design, open innovation and capacity building activities, the project seeks to identify innovative solutions tailored to local needs. A special focus is placed on the inclusion of youth and women in decision-making processes, thus promoting broader democratic participation and equality.
The project has clearly defined objectives that include:
- Capacity building: Strengthening local skills through workshops and educational activities;
- Encouraging participation of youth and women: Active participation in creating strategies for green and digital transition;
- Strengthening partnerships: Close cooperation between institutions, civil society organizations, businesses and academic community;
- Identifying innovative solutions: Finding practical and sustainable responses to the challenges of green and digital transition in BiH.
Main project activities
During the eight months of implementation, from December 2024 to August 2025, numerous activities will be implemented:
- Needs analysis: Involving local stakeholders in identifying key challenges and opportunities for the transition;
- Capacity building: Organizing thematic workshops on sustainability, innovation and democracy;
- Joint strategy development: Drafting a strategic document with innovative solutions;
- Study visits and final conference: Exchange of good practices through visits to Italian partners in Ravenna and Bologna, and presentation of the results at a public event.
Project partners
The project is implemented with the support and expertise of several organizations from Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Flaminia Foundation (Italy): Project coordinator and leading organization for innovation and training;
- Chamber of Commerce Italy-Bosnia (CCIB): Connection for economic and cultural relations between Italy and BiH;
- Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Banja Luka: Organization dedicated to the inclusion of youth and women;
- PRONI Center for Youth Development: Organization promoting youth participation in democratic processes.
The ENGAGE-BH project provides an opportunity to develop sustainable and innovative strategies that will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to progress towards a green and digital future. The active involvement of local stakeholders, especially youth and women, will ensure the representativeness and sustainability of the proposed solutions.
