BRAVO, CRNO, Fondacija “Izvor nade” and Vijeće Mladih Općine Ilidža in Ilidža hosted Community Forum 2, bringing together young people and community members for a dynamic and engaging discussion on local participation, democratic decision-making, and community development.
The event served as a platform for participants to explore how citizens can actively contribute to shaping the communities in which they live. Through a structured community forum simulation, attendees gained practical insight into participatory governance and the importance of involving diverse voices in local decision-making processes.
Community forums are designed to strengthen local democracy by creating opportunities for citizens, civil society organizations, representatives of institutions, and other stakeholders to come together, identify common challenges, and develop solutions through dialogue and cooperation. By simulating real-life decision-making processes, participants experienced firsthand how collective action can lead to meaningful change.
A special value of the event was the participation of Berina Gibanica, municipal councilor, who joined the discussions and exchanged views with participants on the importance of citizen engagement and cooperation between local authorities and community members. Her presence provided participants with a valuable opportunity to better understand the role of local government and the significance of active civic participation in democratic processes.
Throughout the forum, participants worked collaboratively to analyze issues affecting their communities and discuss possible approaches to addressing them. The interactive format encouraged open communication, critical thinking, and teamwork, while fostering a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and opportunities associated with active citizenship.
A key focus of Community Forum 2 was youth engagement. Young participants were encouraged to share their perspectives, express their concerns, and contribute innovative ideas for improving their local communities. Their active involvement highlighted the essential role that young people play in building inclusive, resilient, and democratic societies.
The forum also provided a valuable learning environment in which participants developed a range of practical skills. These included problem-solving, constructive dialogue, consensus-building, community organizing, and collaborative decision-making. Such competencies are essential for strengthening civic participation and promoting sustainable community development.
By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, the event fostered mutual understanding and reinforced the importance of cooperation in addressing local challenges. Participants gained a greater appreciation for transparency, accountability, and inclusion as fundamental principles of good local governance.
Community Forum 2 demonstrated that effective governance is strongest when citizens are actively involved in the decisions that affect their lives. Through discussion, collaboration, and shared learning, participants contributed to building a culture of participation and trust that benefits the entire community.
As the event concluded, participants left with new knowledge, practical skills, and renewed motivation to engage in community initiatives and civic processes. The forum once again confirmed that empowering citizens—especially young people—to take part in decision-making is a crucial step toward creating stronger, more inclusive, and more responsive local communities.
Through initiatives such as Community Forum 2, opportunities continue to be created for meaningful citizen participation, ensuring that local development is shaped by the voices, ideas, and aspirations of the people it serves.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Youth4Values – Youth for Democracy and Values project was created to support young people in becoming more active, informed, and engaged citizens in their local communities. The project focused on strengthening democratic values, active citizenship, youth participation, human rights, inclusion, and the connection between young people and decision-making processes.
In many European communities, young people still do not have enough space to express their opinions, participate in public life, or influence decisions that affect their everyday lives. This is especially visible among young people with fewer opportunities, who often face additional barriers such as limited access to information, lack of support, social exclusion, economic difficulties, or low trust in institutions.
Youth4Values responded to these needs by creating practical opportunities for young people to learn, discuss, act, and connect. The project did not focus only on theory. It encouraged young people to understand democracy through real experiences, local engagement, peer learning, dialogue, workshops, campaigns, and direct participation in community activities.
The project was implemented by partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, and Spain, bringing together different realities, experiences, and approaches to youth participation. This international cooperation helped partners exchange good practices, compare challenges in their countries, and develop local activities that were adapted to the real needs of young people in each community.
A strong part of the project was its focus on non-formal education. Through interactive activities, participants had the opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication, teamwork, civic awareness, and a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The project also promoted the importance of youth organisations as spaces where young people can practice democracy, build confidence, and take active roles in society.
According to the project application, Youth4Values aimed to enhance democratic governance and the rule of law by promoting civic education, active citizenship, and youth empowerment. It also focused on connecting democracy with human rights, inclusion, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.