Representatives of the association “Education Builds Bosnia and Herzegovina – Jovan Divjak” participated in the second international Peace Congress held in Berlin from May 9 to 11, 2025. The event, titled “Against forgetting – for Peace and Solidarity in Europe”, gathered over 100 young people from 17 European countries. The main goal was to strengthen the culture of remembrance, understand war crimes, and build lasting peace.

Through expert lectures and interactive workshops, participants learned about international law, human rights, the prosecution of war crimes, and how to combat disinformation. Special attention was given to a workshop on truth as a tool against online trolls, and to the visit to the Wannsee Villa, the site where the Nazi “Final Solution” was planned.

Besides the educational part, the congress enabled young people to share experiences, build international friendships, and strengthen their local engagement.

“The group discussions, filled with diverse perspectives and ideas from peers, further motivated me to become even more active in my local community” said Anes Mušić, a participant from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Lamija Kabaš, also from BiH, added: “The workshops were truly diverse and engaging. The educators were very knowledgeable and willing to answer every question. I only regret not having had more time to join even more of them.”

The congress is part of the broader European project “Against forgetting – for Peace and Solidarity in Europe”, jointly implemented by the following partner organizations:

• Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V. (Germany) – project coordinator
• Education Builds Bosnia and Herzegovina – Jovan Divjak (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Zachor – Organisation for Social Remembrance (Hungary)
• National Museum of Liberation (Slovenia)
• Mladinski Svet Slovenije – National Youth Council of Slovenia (Slovenia)
• Les Francas (France)
• College of Eastern Europe Warszaw (Poland)

The project is supported by the European Union’s CERV programme (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values), the German Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), and the Franco-German Youth Office (DFJW/OFAJ).

As a part of the two-year project, young people are developing contributions for podcasts and exhibitions, which will later be presented to the public in the participating countries. Another goal of the project is to establish an international network of ambassadors against forgetting. More information about the project is available on the project website www.against-forgetting.eu. 

“I would recommend this or a similar opportunity to every young person. Through an interactive and engaging approach, one can learn a lot about the importance of peace and understand that it is our responsibility, as youth, to value and preserve it.” added Anes Mušić

The youth sent a clear message. Peace is not a given, but a shared responsibility we must protect and build together.