Francophone ambassadors and heads of mission to present "Bridge of the Future" award to "Srebrenica Wave" today

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - A group of Francophone ambassadors and heads of mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina will visit Srebrenica today to present the public recognition "Bridge of the Future" to the organization "Srebrenica Wave".

This recognition, awarded for the third consecutive year, aims to reward an individual or group for their efforts in promoting dialogue between cultures and the culture of dialogue.

The award will be presented at 12:00 at the premises of "Srebrenica Wave".

The head of the diplomatic office of Belgium and the ambassadors of Egypt, France, Switzerland, and the deputy head of mission of the German embassy will attend this ceremony and present the award to the director of "Srebrenica Wave", Muamer Čivić.

The ambassadors and heads of mission signed a joint statement:

"Bridge of the Future"

 We, the members of the group of Francophone ambassadors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, come from different cultures scattered around the world. However, two things unite us: love for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the French language, which we know for various reasons, but through which we primarily find a common language. Therefore, we would especially like to highlight and reward efforts in that direction.

This year, and for the third consecutive year, the group of French-speaking ambassadors in Bosnia and Herzegovina awards the recognition "Bridge of the Future". This recognition aims to publicly reward an individual or group for the way they address the issue of dialogue between cultures and the culture of dialogue in this multi-ethnic and multicultural country. With this symbolic award, we want to show that there is a will to build bridges between different ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it is quite natural.

Today we are in Srebrenica to give the recognition "Bridge of the Future" to "Srebrenica Wave", which has distinguished itself in this field. "Srebrenica Wave" is an initiative that led to the creation of a cultural center in the city, open to everyone, regardless of their origin or property. "Srebrenica Wave" also aims to create future prospects for the city and all its inhabitants by encouraging economic projects, especially in the field of tourism.

"Srebrenicawave" is also a meeting place for all residents, without distinction, and a project oriented towards the future. "Srebrenica Wave", through its numerous activities, builds more bridges in society and contributes to dialogue among peoples.

What we bring today - in addition to this recognition - is our full support. Culture is what brings people together: it promotes exchanges, invites understanding of others, and leads to tolerance. Promoting culture in a symbolic place like Srebrenica also means remembering that dialogue and mutual understanding are needed more than ever to overcome divisions and means fighting against the causes that led to tragedies in the past.

We have heard the meaning of your message and want it to be heard as much as possible. We are convinced that this initiative, encouraging understanding between communities, looking to the future but not forgetting the past, can serve as an example to the rest of the citizens of this country.

Therefore, we are happy and honored to give recognition to this innovative project a few days before March 20, the date marking the International Day of Francophonie and therefore a day that celebrates dialogue and the universal values of peace, cooperation, solidarity, and sustainable development."