“Young people will inherit the world and we are here to deliver change.” These are the words of Hana Marušić, a young person from Zavidovići who took part in a street action on 21 May 2026 promoting inclusion, solidarity and social cohesion.

Organised under the slogan Zavidovići youth stands against hate, in partnership with the City of Zavidovići and the NGO Local Democracy Agency, the event turned public spaces into places for dialogue and reflection, encouraging people to consider the harmful effects of hateful narratives and the importance of respecting diversity within their communities.

“It is important to show that even small communities are raising their voices against hate speech and discrimination on any grounds in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Slađan Ilić, Director of the Local Democracy Agency. In this respect, he praised Zavidovići’s involvement in the initiative.

The event was organised as part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe awareness-raising campaign “Block the Hatred. Share the Love! 2.0” in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It brought together representatives of local authorities, civil society and young people, highlighting the role communities can play in preventing hate speech and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.

Džeraldina Miličević, Assistant Mayor of Zavidovići, emphasised the importance of involving young people in decision-making through local projects and initiatives. “We can all contribute to addressing the problem of hate speech and, whenever possible, help prevent it. This is one of a series of activities implemented by the City of Zavidovići, and the one today is organised together with the European Union and the Council of Europe aiming to prevent hate speech,” she added.

Reflecting of the impact of such initiatives, Hana Marušić concluded that “it is very important to organise such street actions, where citizens who do not have the opportunity to attend workshops can learn and receive useful advice.”

This activity is organised under the action “Towards an equal, inclusive and tolerant Bosnia and Herzegovina” as part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, in partnership with the City of Zavidovići and the Local Democracy Agency.