URI Europe at the "Dialogue for the Future" Conference in Mostar

The first International Conference, "MOSTAR 2024: Dialogue for the Future," was held in Mostar on July 22-23, 2024.. The event marked the 20th anniversary of restoring the famous Old Bridge (Stari Most) and focused on fostering dialogue, cooperation, and EU integration for the Western Balkans.

The conference, themed "Connecting the Past, Present, and Future in the EU," highlighted the significance of the Old Bridge as a symbol of multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence. Discussions centered on reconciliation and collaboration, attracting high-profile attendees, including presidents, ministers, EU representatives, UNESCO experts, World Bank officials, and civil society leaders.

The conference was a collaborative effort involving the Bosnian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the City of Mostar. The event received support from the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNESCO, the World Bank, and numerous other partners.

Cultural performances and a floral tribute from Stari Most to war victims were organized as part of the conference. This was followed by a Peace Dinner at which the prestigious "Mostar Peace Connection" awards were presented, organized by Center for Peace and Multi-Ethnic Cooperation. The event honored World Bank President Ajay Bangi, the late James Wolfensohn, and His Highness Aga Khan with the "Mostar Peace Connection 2024" awards. UNESCO Deputy Director Qu Xing and World Bank Deputy President Antonella Bassani received Peace Charters, while the late Mayor Ljubo Bešlić was posthumously recognized as the "Architect of Peace."

Adnan Hasić, a member of the Balkan as a Soul Bridge CC, represented URI Europe and played an active role in the conference, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on peacebuilding.