The Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Zavidovići has submitted an initiative to establish a Youth Office to the Zavidovići City Administration, supported by the signatures of more than 500 citizens.

The initiative is the result of an advocacy process carried out by LDA Zavidovići with the aim of strengthening institutional support for young people and encouraging their active participation in local decision-making processes. Once the initiative was prepared, the young people involved in the process formally submitted it, together with the collected signatures, to the City Administration of Zavidovići and addressed it to the Mayor.

During a street campaign organized as part of Civic Participation Day, more than 500 signatures were collected from citizens of Zavidovići, demonstrating significant public support for establishing a mechanism that would provide young people with better access to information, programs, and opportunities, as well as a space to develop initiatives, engage in activism, volunteer, and participate in public life.

The proposed Youth Office aims to establish a functional and sustainable communication mechanism between young people and the local administration, while improving the coordination of youth-focused activities and programs. The Office would also serve as a hub for information, support for youth initiatives, and connections between young people, public institutions, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.

“This initiative represents a concrete response to the needs of young people and an important step toward their greater involvement in the life of the local community. The more than 500 signatures collected demonstrate clear public support for creating an institutional space that will provide young people with information, support, and opportunities for active engagement,” said Belmin Bećiragić, President of the Zavidovići Youth Council.

The formal submission of the initiative has opened the way for its further consideration by the relevant institutions. LDA Zavidovići expects the City Administration and competent authorities to review the proposed model and, in cooperation with young people and civil society organizations, explore opportunities for its establishment.