Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina Marked with a Ceremony in the City Hall

(Patria) - The celebration of the Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina began this evening with a ceremonial academy held in the City Hall, organized by the City of Sarajevo, along with the Sarajevo Canton, municipalities of KS, and the Alliance of Anti-fascists and Fighters of the National Liberation War in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As a representative of the new generation of leaders and an example of the importance of empowering women in social and political life, which is of great significance for any country, the Minister of Justice and Administration of KS, Darja Softić Kadenić, spoke about the importance of personal contribution and responsibility in building a better future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- When we talk about the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we often think about major reforms and plans. But I believe that every change starts with the individual - with ourselves. It is very important that we understand that changes do not start somewhere 'up there', in institutions - but from each of us, because the system is made up of people.

When our attitude towards responsibility, work, truth, and others changes, then society changes too. ZAVNOBiH was exactly that - the decision of brave people to, in the midst of World War II and in a time of greatest uncertainty, believe in the idea of coexistence, freedom, and equality.

They did not have stability, security, or guarantees then - but they had a vision that this country could be shared, free, and just. And that is why, even more than 80 years later, it is still fascinating to pick up that ZAVNOBiH document and realize that people in such difficult circumstances had the courage and vision to write something so progressive, so inclusive, and so European - said Softić Kadenić.



What is particularly worth noting, the minister added, is that among them were many who today we would call young people in politics.

- And then, as today, changes were driven by young, brave, educated people who believed that a different Bosnia was possible. Although we live in peace today, many young people feel the same hopelessness and conviction that they have no future here, which they tried to overcome back then. As a professor, I have heard generations of students plan to leave - and I understand them.

But Bosnia and Herzegovina has never survived thanks to those who gave up, but to those who stayed and changed it. That is why I tell young people: do not wait for someone else to create a better country - start building it yourselves.

As a woman in politics, I have learned that leadership is not a matter of gender, but of values - courage, responsibility, and integrity. However, we should be aware and remind ourselves that not so long ago, in the years after World War II, during the time of ZAVNOBiH and renewed statehood - women's literacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina was dramatically low.

Most of them did not have access to education or the opportunity to participate in public life. And today? Today, their daughters and granddaughters lead universities, ministries, courts, and companies. That is our real progress - and our strength - said Minister Softić Kadenić.



Do not ask for permission to participate, she said, adding - take your place.

- Our country needs your ideas, your persistence, and your strength. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a long tradition of survival and creation from very modest conditions - from post-war reconstruction, to Energoinvest, to the Sarajevo Olympic Games. That energy still exists in our people today, we just need to reawaken it.

Therefore, I believe that if each of us takes our share of responsibility, if we choose solidarity over division again, Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a country of pride, not disappointment. That is, in essence, the spirit of ZAVNOBiH. To build together a state of all citizens, free, anti-fascist, and dignified - stated Softić Kadenić.

On behalf of the Sarajevo Canton, the ceremonial academy was attended by ministers in the KS Government Omer Osmanović and Naida Hota-Muminović, Speaker of the Assembly Elvedin Okerić, Deputy Speakers Vibor Handžić, Jelena Pekić, and Danijela Kristić, and representative Arijana Memić.

Congratulating the Statehood Day of BiH, Mayor Samir Avdić stated in his address that Sarajevo is the home of all Bosnians and Herzegovinians, a symbol of multiculturalism and openness.

- Therefore, from this place, we clearly say: the state is not built only by institutions, the state is also built by its citizens, a strong economy, investment in culture and sports, science and technology, youth, and above all, its education - added Avdić.



Sead Đulić, president of SABNOR in BiH, also joined the congratulations, emphasizing that "the idea of ZAVNOBiH and what ZAVNOBiH is, is our strongest tool, our strongest weapon in the fight for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina".

The ceremonial academy was also an opportunity to connect the historical significance, contemporary challenges, and the vision of our country's future through discussions with distinguished guests from our political and academic life. Prof. Dr. Ivo Komšić, Academician Ejup Ganić, and Academician Mirko Pejanović shared their views on this.

Former mayor of Dayton and US Congressman Michael Ray Turner and university professor David Pettigrew are officially honorary citizens of the City of Sarajevo as of today. This significant city recognition was presented to them by the Mayor of Sarajevo Samir Avdić and the Speaker of the City Council Alen Girt.

A sincere friend and proven ally, one of the most authentic and consistent voices of support for Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina in US institutions, Michael Ray Turner, thanked them for the recognition with a message that he remains committed to the security, prosperity, and success of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the peace that the Dayton Peace Agreement brought to its people.

Lejla Jusić and Amila Ravkić gave an artistic touch to the ceremonial academy, performing the songs "Bosno moja" and "S one strane Plive" accompanied by guitarist Elvir Solak. Actor Izudin Bajrović also left a strong impression, inspiringly reciting excerpts from the poem "Kako bolan nema Bosne" by the legendary Josip Pejaković.