Following the kick-off conference for the project “Strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training System in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” held on April 2, 2025, at Hotel Ibis, the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council took place immediately after the official project launch. This meeting marked a pivotal moment for further formalizing the Council’s work and defining the roles and responsibilities of all relevant stakeholders involved in the project’s implementation.
The meeting brought together representatives from educational institutions, ministries, institutes, associations, and other key partners with the aim of laying a solid foundation for strong and effective cooperation in the upcoming phases of the project. The event was attended by Mr. Almir Tanović, representative of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who addressed the participants. Mr. Tanović emphasized the importance of this project for the country and highlighted Switzerland’s crucial role in supporting the development of the education system, particularly within the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
Eldin Sarajlić, a project expert, presented the Advisory Council’s Rules of Procedure and underlined the importance of institutional coordination, as well as the role of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this significant process. Additionally, guidelines for various forms of collaboration among all partners and institutions involved in the project were presented. The agenda and frequency of future Advisory Council meetings were also outlined, with meetings scheduled to be held at least twice a year.
A key moment during the meeting was the election of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Advisory Council, conducted through a QR code voting system. This innovative method ensured a quick and transparent procedure, further enhancing efficiency and trust among all participants.
Amir Sarajlić, another project expert, introduced the role of the Business Community Council and stressed the importance of synergy between the education sector and the business community. It was specifically emphasized that the Chairperson of the Advisory Council will attend meetings of the Business Community Council, and vice versa—the Chairperson of the Business Community Council will actively participate in Advisory Council meetings. This reciprocal presence and exchange of experiences between the two councils will support the development of a coordinated and comprehensive strategy aimed at aligning the education system with the labor market needs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Advisory Council meeting was an important step toward building sustainable partnerships and enhancing the TVET system, serving as a foundation for continued efforts to ensure the project meets its objectives and contributes to improved educational opportunities for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The project “Strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training System in Bosnia and Herzegovina” offers a valuable opportunity to intensify collaboration among educational institutions, government bodies, sectoral experts, and the business community. Through this joint effort, the project is expected not only to improve the education system but also to develop a qualified workforce capable of meeting labor market demands and contributing to the country’s sustainable development.
We invite all those interested in following the progress of the project and upcoming activities to stay connected via our website, where regular updates and reports on project implementation will be published. Stay informed and engaged—as together, we are shaping a brighter future for education in Bosnia and Herzegovina!