A Citizens’ Forum was held yesterday at the premises of the Youth Center “Zdravo da ste” in Banja Luka, bringing together young people, representatives of local organizations, and a representative of the City of Banja Luka for an open discussion on the needs of youth in the city and the development of youth spaces.

During the forum, young participants raised key issues they are facing, including dissatisfaction with public transportation and uncontrolled construction in the absence of a clear urban development plan. Additionally, potential funding models were discussed to ensure continuity of youth-related activities.

Participants emphasized the importance of the Youth Center “Zdravo da ste” as a vital space for young people, describing it as “a city’s essential need” and a model that meets European standards for youth centers.

They also highlighted their favorite activities offered by the center, such as the "Creative August" festival, the “Music Cookbook” workshop, and various trainings and workshops, all of which significantly contribute to youth development. One of the remarks made was related to the visibility of the center’s work within the community, which the center’s representatives noted as a key guideline for improving their outreach and promotion in the future.

The forum was part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening youth centers as resources for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and participation in decision-making processes. Events like this underline the importance of youth centers in responding to the needs of young people through education, cultural programs, and mentorship. However, youth centers can only be sustainable with institutional support, stable sources of funding, and effective mechanisms for youth participation. It is therefore essential to develop models that enable youth centers to consistently serve young people and support their growth.

“These forums are important to us because we want to strengthen youth centers and also demystify our work. We received excellent suggestions for future advocacy activities and are confident that we are building a crucial support network for our sustainability and development,” said Tanja Boromisa, Executive Director of the organization “Zdravo da ste.”

“Zdravo da ste” thanks all participants for their engagement and constructive dialogue and continues to act as a space that supports and empowers youth in Banja Luka.