On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, the Youth Council of Odžak Municipality (VMOO) held a street action on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the promenade next to the Cultural Center in Odžak. The aim was to remind the public of the initiatives already submitted, to follow up on their progress, and to urge their prompt inclusion in the work of municipal institutions. The action focused on creating the basic conditions for the functioning of the Youth Council and on the systematic involvement of young people in decision-making processes.

For years, young people in Odžak have been contributing to the local community through their efforts and engagement—organizing events and volunteering. Nevertheless, they still lack a suitable and permanently available working space, as well as stable funding that would allow for planning and implementing programs of public interest for young people. These are the starting prerequisites without which it is difficult to build long-term youth policies.

Accordingly, the Youth Council has so far submitted three initiatives to the Municipality of Odžak:

The first calls for the allocation of adequate and permanent premises for the work of the Council and all young people, to serve as a resource center for planning, education, creative expression, networking, social engagement, and community-beneficial activities.
The second seeks the introduction of systematic and annual funding of the Youth Council from the municipal budget, to ensure institutional support and financial predictability.

The third calls for the drafting and adoption of the “Youth Strategy of the Municipality of Odžak” as a long-term framework that connects individual measures into a coherent, strategically guided youth policy.

“This is not just a continuation of our activities but a clear call for the Municipality to integrate the submitted initiatives into its regular work and to define a timeline for their implementation. Young people urgently need a space that will serve as a true resource center, as well as predictable funding to ensure programs are carried out without interruption and with continuity. We thank all citizens who participated in our actions and supported the initiatives with their signatures. The surveys, forums, open discussions, street actions, and the submission of three initiatives confirm that the youth of Odžak act responsibly and on solid grounds. Now the key step lies with the municipal institutions: to recognize the importance of this issue and to promptly initiate all necessary procedures so the initiatives are included in the plan and implemented as soon as possible,” said Iva Dujaković, President of the Youth Council of Odžak Municipality.
“The question of the position of young people cannot and must not be treated as a secondary or temporary matter, but must take a central place in the development policies and strategic documents of the Municipality. In this spirit, we submitted the third initiative, calling for the drafting and adoption of the Youth Strategy of Odžak Municipality,” stated Council member Zerina Brkić.

To support the needs of young people, the Youth Council conducted an “Analysis of the Situation and Needs of Young People in Odžak Municipality” in the second quarter of 2025, combining surveys with forums, discussions, and street actions. The results clearly highlight priorities:

47.5% of respondents stated there is no adequate space for young people and identified migration and emigration as key issues.
42.5% believe institutional support is insufficient.
20% emphasized the lack of cultural and sports activities.
One-third (32.5%) left their contact details and expressed willingness to participate in future activities, which the Council sees as valuable capital for driving change.

“The numbers speak for themselves: space and systematic support are not luxuries but necessities if we want young people to stay, work, and create in Odžak. Based on the survey and conversations with young students, entrepreneurs, and associations, we confirm that a Youth Strategy is the logical next step—and that it is high time for the Municipality to formally launch and implement it,” said Mato Vranjić, adding that the analysis also records concrete resources: abandoned municipal buildings ready for repurposing, willing partners in educational institutions and civil society, and a motivated group of young people ready to volunteer.

In the meantime, the Youth Council continues its public advocacy campaign: informing citizens about every development, organizing new events, and expanding partnerships with educational institutions, associations, the business sector, and the media.