Partner’s Day 2025: Unlocking the Potential of Migration was held in Sarajevo on 17 November 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from the fields of migration, employment, education, local governance, and the diaspora. Throughout the full-day program at Hotel Hills, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore new perspectives for the development of sustainable migration policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By organizing this event, the Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina continued its longstanding support for the country’s inclusive and sustainable development.
The event was opened by the Swiss Ambassador to BiH, Gabriele Derighetti, together with Georgette Bruchez, Director of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission. In their opening remarks, they emphasized Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in creating migration policies that contribute to development, knowledge circulation, and the strengthening of social cohesion.
The central part of the event was a panel discussion on the topic: “What needs to change for migration to become a circular process, rather than a one-way departure?” Panelists—including Ivan Barbalić, Director of the Agency for Labour and Employment of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Michael O’Mahony, Deputy Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM); Nermin Oruč, Director of the Center for Development Evaluation and Social Research (CREDI); Edin Dacić, owner of Standard-namještaj; Efka Heder, Project Manager of “Strengthening the Vocational Education and Training System in BiH” and international TVET expert; and Ena Bučan, Director of the Fami Foundation—shared expert insights on how to improve the labor market, educational programs, institutional mechanisms, and connections with the diaspora. The need to create an environment that encourages the return of knowledge, innovation, and investment to Bosnia and Herzegovina was especially emphasized.
At the end of the day, the key conclusions were summarized: migration should be viewed as a development opportunity; circularity can contribute to strengthening the workforce, innovation, and cohesion; and partnerships among institutions, the private sector, the diaspora, and international organizations form the foundation for sustainable change. The event was closed by Georgette Buchez, who thanked all partners for their engagement and highlighted the importance of continued joint efforts.
Partner’s Day 2025 once again confirmed the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and joint efforts in building migration policies that contribute to the development of society as a whole.
