Meeting on Strategic Consultations for Peacebuilding in BiH Held at MFA

(Patria) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH hosted a meeting today titled "Strategic Consultations on Peacebuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina", co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH Elmedin Konaković and the UN Resident Coordinator in BiH Arnhild Spence.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions, United Nations agencies, and diplomatic missions accredited to our country.

Addressing the participants, Konaković stated that this consultative meeting represents an important platform for assessing progress to date, identifying new challenges, and jointly planning further steps in the area of peacebuilding.

He reminded that Bosnia and Herzegovina was declared eligible for the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) of the United Nations Secretary-General, which enabled the signing of the Project Document between the UN and BiH in 2023, followed by the establishment of the Peacebuilding Steering Committee in 2024.

He assessed that the Peacebuilding Fund is of exceptional importance for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina as it provides a long-term and inclusive approach to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion.

He emphasized that the Fund is expected to support initiatives that strengthen trust among communities and open new opportunities for stable and sustainable development.

Speaking about the role of the international community, Konaković expressed high appreciation for the continuous support for justice, accountability, and the prevention of the gravest crimes.



In this context, he highlighted the UN General Assembly Resolution declaring July 11th as the International Day of Remembrance of the Genocide in Srebrenica, assessing it as historically important and crucial for fostering a culture of remembrance and building lasting peace.

He also pointed out the significance of promoting dialogue and inclusivity, and Bosnia and Herzegovina's readiness to share its experiences in peacebuilding, transitional justice, and post-conflict recovery with other societies undergoing similar processes.

He reminded that among the 14 key priorities listed by the European Commission in its Opinion on BiH's EU membership application, reconciliation and confronting the legacy of the past are included.

Reflecting on the strategic context, the Minister emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fully committed to building lasting and sustainable peace, as well as implementing the transformative reforms necessary for our country's European path.

He particularly stressed our country's commitment to strengthening the rule of law, protecting the rights and dignity of victims, and improving institutions that reflect European values.

He also noted that the Peacebuilding Fund projects have provided valuable technical support, impartial coordination, and methodologies that strengthen trust among societal actors.

At the end of his address, Minister Konaković concluded that today's consultations confirmed the shared commitment to strengthening peace, trust, and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The meeting participants jointly assessed that the consultative meeting of the Peacebuilding Fund in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a key platform for aligning peacebuilding priorities between the United Nations, domestic institutions, civil society, and international partners.