Minister Konaković participated in the international conference 'Call for Peace, End of Wars and Respect for International Law'

(Patria) - During the three-day international gathering, held from 16 to 18 October 2025 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted the second chapter of the global initiative “Call for Peace, End of Wars and Respect for International Law”, which brought together high officials, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, the academic community, as well as young people and women who actively contribute to peacebuilding worldwide.

At the closing ceremony, held at Sarajevo City Hall on 18 October 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, addressed those present, expressing satisfaction that Bosnia and Herzegovina had the honour of hosting this important global initiative. In his speech, he highlighted the symbolic power of Sarajevo as a city that survived the longest siege in modern European history, and today represents an example of resilience, reconciliation and hope. He emphasised the responsibility carried by the past, calling for reason, dialogue and bridge-building among peoples. He particularly underscored the importance of peace as a fundamental human right, and the role of Bosnia and Herzegovina in affirming international law, solidarity and a shared future based on dignity and justice.

“About thirty years ago, I defended this city. I was a soldier. I know what war means. And that is why today I know even more how much peace is worth. I speak of peace not only as a minister, but also as someone who has personally felt its price, as someone who knows that we must build and defend it every day through dialogue, understanding and cooperation,” Minister Konaković emphasised.

He added that “Sarajevo today once again stands as a beacon of peace, understanding and shared human dignity.”

The minister stated that the “Call for Peace” initiative comes at a time when the global order is facing serious challenges, and that Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a country that has survived destruction and genocide, deeply understands the cost of war and sincerely values the worth of peace.

“Our experience obliges us to persistently and consistently promote dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect, and to defend the principles of international law, multilateralism and human rights,” he added, welcoming all efforts to establish peace in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan and all places in the world where conflicts continue.

The ceremony concluded with the adoption of the Joint Sarajevo Declaration, which, among other things, calls for peace through unconditional respect for international and humanitarian law; condemnation of all forms of aggression, terrorism and attacks on civilians and cultural heritage; full and equal inclusion of women and youth in peacebuilding processes; combating hate speech, disinformation and intolerance, xenophobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia and Christianophobia; and promoting peace education, cultural and sports diplomacy, and the responsible use of new technologies.

At the closing of the gathering, participants called on all states, international organisations and social actors to move from words to deeds and support the formation of a global lobby for peace, which will monitor and encourage concrete steps towards ending wars and strengthening international law.