From 27 August to 1 September 2026, the first ENTER: CHANGE Forum – “BiH’s Visionary Voices: Leading the Change” brought together the second generation of young aspiring leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Slovenia for six days of learning, dialogue and exchange. 

Held in Kranjska Gora and Bled, the Forum focused on leadership, democratic governance, European integration, communication, disinformation, corruption and the rule of law, as well as the role of young people in shaping the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Through interactive workshops and discussions, participants explored different dimensions of leadership, from leading oneself and others to taking responsibility for wider societal change. They also discussed the political challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina after the 2026 elections and towards 2030, including political cooperation and compromise, accountable governance, corruption and the rule of law, and the country’s path towards the European Union. 

A strong focus was placed on communication and democratic resilience. Participants developed their media and public speaking skills and explored how emerging technologies and disinformation can influence democratic societies and political decision-making. 

European integration was another central theme of the programme. Through a session on EU institutions and policies for accession countries, participants gained a deeper understanding of the EU enlargement process and its relevance for Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The programme further connected the participants with their peers through joint activities with the Young Bled Strategic Forum, including discussions on the role of young leaders in driving policy change in a fragmented world. 

Within the ENTER: CHANGE forum, the participants also had the opportunity to attend the 21st Bled Strategic Forum. As part of the Forum, participants met with Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, who emphasised the need for leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to overcome political divisions and put the interests of all its people first. They were also welcomed by Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, who highlighted the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in political leadership. 

Additionally, the Forum provided numerous opportunities for direct dialogue with political decision-makers and prominent figures from Slovenia and tahe Western Balkans. Participants met with H.E. Mr Damijan Sedar, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Bosnia and Herzegovina; Mr Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia; Mr Nemanja Starović, Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Serbia; and Mr Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Through ENTER: CHANGE, young aspiring leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina were given a space to strengthen their leadership skills, exchange perspectives with experts and political decision-makers, and reflect on their role in building a more democratic, inclusive and European future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The activities within the ENTER: CHANGE project are supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships programme.