ENG - Mir i obrazovanje - Vizija 2030

Regional Conference

Peace and Education – Vision 2030

Vision 2030

Let us imagine Bosnia and Herzegovina in the year 2030 — what would a country look like where schools do not merely prepare students for exams, but for a life of peace, solidarity, and justice? Here is our vision:

Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2030 is fully living in positive peace and is a global example of societal transformation through educational systems.
● We envision Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2030 as a society where education serves as the foundation for building positive peace, mutual understanding, and social justice. In this society, schools, universities, and all educational institutions become spaces of transformation, dialogue, and hope — places where critical thinking, empathy, and solidarity are cultivated.
● Education is grounded in universal values of peace, human rights, nonviolence, and respect for diversity. Positive peace is not merely the absence of violence, but the presence of just structures, equal opportunities, social inclusion, and active citizen participation in the creation of a more just society.
● In such an educational environment, students, educators, and learners of all ages develop a deep awareness of their role in shaping a fair, democratic, and compassionate society. Critical pedagogues and top professionals empower young people to recognize and challenge injustices, guiding them through processes of collaborative learning, participation, and responsible action.
● By 2030, education in Bosnia and Herzegovina will no longer be just a process of knowledge transmission, but a space for shared learning, the construction of positive peace, and societal transformation.

Peace and education

The aim of the conference is to critically reflect on three decades of peacebuilding initiatives in the Western Balkans, to showcase good practices of integrating peace education into formal and non-formal education systems, and to jointly develop a regional action plan in response to the educational and demographic challenges facing our region. We expect over 100 participants, including representatives of UN agencies, ministries of education, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and youth groups.

The conference is focused on the sustainable integration of peace education across various educational contexts, strategies to address demographic and technological changes, and the development of practical skills such as bystander interventions and the use of artificial intelligence in education.

The event will conclude with the development and validation of a regional roadmap and certification criteria for institutions that successfully implement peace education standards.

Key Questions of the Conference

1

How did we achieve the sustainable integration of peace education into formal education systems, and what strategies, lessons learned, and guiding principles contributed to this success? Who are the key actors and what is their role?

2

How did we achieve the sustainable integration of peace-related content into non-formal education systems, including securing financing, ensuring community buy-in, and establishing credibility?

3

How has the education system adapted to demographic shifts, labor market fluctuations, economic pressures, and the emergence of artificial intelligence and personalized learning systems?

Conference Program

The conference program “Peace and Education: Vision 2030” brings together practitioners and experts from various fields who work daily on building an education system rooted in peace, justice, and inclusion. Through panel discussions, parallel sessions, and practical workshops, we will share experiences, tools, and insights gained through hands-on work — from classrooms to universities, from early childhood education to engagement with media and communities — while critically examining how to systemically support high-quality interventions.

You can find the full program by clicking below.

PROGRAM

How do I apply to participate?

Very simple. You can apply by following this LINK, and we kindly remind you that it is very important to fill in all the required information.

Each year, we receive a large number of applications, and we care deeply about ensuring that everyone who deserves to be at our conference has the opportunity to participate. The Center makes a heartfelt effort to provide reasonable conditions for all participants.

Accommodation

The Center provides accommodation along with all meals, coffee breaks, and accompanying activities. For those who require travel cost coverage, please indicate this in the application form. The Center can provide accommodation in double rooms, so we kindly ask you to specify the person you would like to share a room with.

Applications can be submitted via THIS LINK, and we kindly ask you to apply no later than May 13, 2025. Due to a high number of interested participants, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Note: For participants from Sarajevo, participation is planned as a daytime event without provided accommodation.