Petke: For any policy, young people and their activism are important

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Director of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in BiH Sven Petke held a lecture at the University “Džemal Bijedić“ in Mostar on the topic “EU after the parliamentary elections 2019.“

Petke particularly emphasized the importance of the participation of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the process of political decision-making and the EU integration process. 

“I think that for any policy it is good for young people to be actively involved. On a global level, we have excellent examples of youth involvement in environmental protection issues – for example, you have heard about the girl Greta from Sweden who started the „Fridays for Future“ movement. It is important to remember that politicians must follow what citizens want.

If the interests of young people are not taken seriously, we can be sure that the bill will come due one day, said Petke.

"On the other hand, it is always good to keep in mind the words of John F. Kennedy: 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country', Petke said.

Before taking up the position of director of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's office in BiH at the beginning of February this year, Petke was a representative in the Brandenburg State Parliament for nineteen years.

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation's office in Bosnia and Herzegovina was opened in February 1997, as part of a network of 70 offices with over 120 long-term projects worldwide.