Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust: Empowering Future Leaders in Sarajevo

A group of students from the Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA), accompanied by Associate Professor Dr. Šejma Aydin, Adjunct Instructor Dr. Aida Akagić Hodžić, and Assistant Hanan Babić, together with students from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) accompanied by Assistant Professor Nejira Mulahmetović, participated in the regional conference “Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust (Y4IET): Shaping Stories, Building Trust” held on October 14, 2025, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The event opened with inspiring keynote speeches from distinguished speakers, including Arnhild Spence, UN Resident Coordinator; Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union; Siniša Šešum, UNESCO Head of Office; and Jo-Anne Bishop, UN Women Representative. Their remarks highlighted the critical role of media in shaping narratives that foster trust, inclusion, and democratic values.

Throughout the day, participants took part in insightful discussions on the power of media narratives, strategic communication, and the challenges posed by harmful online content. A special emphasis was placed on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the digital era, particularly its impact on gender equality. Expert panels examined AI-driven risks and shared practical strategies for countering gender-based hate speech and promoting equity and inclusion.

The conference provided a valuable platform for open dialogue on pressing regional and global issues, equipping young participants with new perspectives and practical knowledge. Professors and students from FBA gained meaningful insights to integrate into their academic work and professional growth.

Building on this initiative, a series of workshops from October 15 to 17 will offer additional IUS students the opportunity to further explore these topics and strengthen their capacity to drive positive change.

The Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust initiative continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to building inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities.