Solemn Session of the KS Assembly Held at the National Theatre, Top Awards Presented to Laureates

(Patria) - The National Theatre Sarajevo hosted a Solemn Session of the Sarajevo Canton (KS) Assembly tonight, marking KS Day 2026, where the highest awards were presented to this year's laureates.

At the very beginning, the Speaker of the KS Assembly, Elvedin Okerić, addressed the attendees with a fitting speech, emphasizing that KS Days are days that remind us who we are, what we have been through, and what values we want to carry into the future.

- These May days are deeply woven into the collective memory of our city and our homeland. May 2nd remains a symbol of determination and courage - the day when the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was defended, as well as the very idea of living together in a free, indivisible state.

On that day, Sarajevo defended not only institutions - it defended its identity, its openness, and the right to remain a city for all its citizens. In that defense, citizens of different names and beliefs stood together, aware that what they were defending was greater than any individual.

That strength of unity remains a lasting value of Sarajevo - a city that, even in the most difficult moments, chose humanity over division. Our martyrs and fallen soldiers have woven the most valuable thing - their lives - into the foundations of the freedom we live today.

Their sacrifice obliges us to be worthy, responsible, and persistent in preserving truth and dignity. May eternal peace and glory be theirs - said Okerić.

The celebration of Sarajevo Canton Day, he added, culminates on May 9th - a date of strong and multi-layered symbolism.

- It is, above all, Victory over Fascism Day - a reminder that the fight against hatred, violence, and injustice is not over, but continues today. Anti-fascism is the foundation on which modern Europe rests, but also the value framework on which Bosnia and Herzegovina rests.

May 9th is also Europe Day - a day when we celebrate the idea of peace, cooperation, and a common future. Sarajevo, a city of meeting civilizations, naturally belongs to this idea. Our history confirms that Europe is not complete without Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For us, this date also carries a special meaning - the Day of the Golden Lilies. It is a day when we remember the bravest among us, people who, in the most difficult moments, showed exceptional courage, sacrifice, and love for their homeland.

Every Golden Lily is a symbol of dignity and resistance, but also a permanent obligation to preserve the values for which they fought. Therefore, KS Days are not just a reminder of the past, they are also an obligation towards the future. An obligation to build a society where justice, solidarity, and respect are the foundation of all progress - said Okerić.

In this context, he noted that institutions that preserve the culture of remembrance and care for those who made the greatest sacrifice play a special role. Sarajevo Canton, through its institutions, projects, and initiatives, continues to build a system that nurtures truth, preserves dignity, and passes on values to future generations.

Speaking about the laureates, Okerić particularly highlighted this year's honorary citizens of Sarajevo Canton - Irfan Mirza and Ivan Zahinos Ruiz.

- Their work, although different in form, is connected by the same value - dedication to Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through science, humanitarian work, culture, and personal engagement, they have made a contribution that transcends borders and leaves a lasting value for our community.

Such people remind us that Sarajevo is not just a geographical space, Sarajevo is an idea. An idea of openness, solidarity, and the meeting of diversity. In a time of challenges, when the world is once again facing divisions and uncertainties, it is important that we remain true to these values.

To build a society of dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. Therefore, tonight, from Sarajevo, a city that survived a siege and remained true to humanity, we send a message that we stand on the side of peace, dignity, and justice.

Solidarity with all innocent people suffering violence and injustice is our human and moral obligation. Finally, I want to emphasize that the KS institutions continue to work on the development of society in all its segments, from education and culture to science, sports, and social protection. This is the path by which we are building a modern, open, and just community - concluded Okerić.

Irfan Mirza and Ivan Zahinos Ruiz were proclaimed honorary citizens of Sarajevo Canton.

Irfan Mirza was awarded for his exceptional humanitarian contribution during the defense of Sarajevo and BiH from aggression, decades-long promotion of Sarajevo and BiH on the international stage, as well as for his dedicated and long-term research work in the field of the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ivan Zahinos Ruiz earned this recognition thanks to his exceptional commitment, dedication, and humanity shown during the war events in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as continuous promotion of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally.

Individual plaques were awarded to deserving individuals:

‣ Edin Džeko, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the development and affirmation of football, for outstanding sports achievements, promotion of Sarajevo Canton and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the world, as well as demonstrated humanity and social responsibility;

‣ Safudin Čengić for his exceptional contribution to the development of Sarajevo Canton, improvement of the economic environment, and overall socio-economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina;

‣ Fahrudin Kučuk for his exceptional contribution to the development of art and culture, and the affirmation of children's creativity in Sarajevo Canton and Bosnia and Herzegovina;

‣ Hasija Borić-Stojić for her exceptional contribution to the development and affirmation of theater and dramatic arts in Sarajevo Canton and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Posthumous plaques were awarded to:

‣ Avdo Palić, heroic commander of Žepa, for his immeasurable contribution to the defense of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his personal sacrifice as the highest act of moral responsibility and command ethics in protecting the population in Žepa from 1992-1995;

‣ Halid Bešlić for his exceptional contribution to the development of culture and musical art, his indelible mark on the artistic scene in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, as well as his demonstrated humanity and kindness;

‣ Ramiz Nukić for his long-term, dedicated, and brave work in finding the remains of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica, and preserving the truth about the wartime events in Srebrenica.

Collective recipients of the plaque are:

‣ The Association Movement of Mothers of the Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves, for their decades-long struggle for justice, truth, human rights, and the dignity of victims;

‣ The Srebrenica Memorial Center - Potočari, in recognition of their contribution to preserving historical truth and nurturing the culture of remembrance of the victims of genocide during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina;

‣ The Association of Parents of Murdered Children of Sarajevo 1992-1995 for their exceptional contribution to nurturing the culture of remembrance of the murdered children of Sarajevo.