i-platform development

The idea of a common platform is linked to a study launched by the former Federal Government for Migration and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation - SDC and Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dedicated individuals from various diaspora groups, supported by the SDC, came together in year of 2015 to form an association that has since been dedicated to developing the platform. The basic idea was to create a platform that could function as a bridge between different groups of the Diaspora, but also between the Diaspora in Switzerland and activities in the country of origin. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation institutionally monitored this development and financially supported it in two phases of the project.

Summarizing the two development phases since 2015, it is clear that despite many difficulties, the Association "i-dijaspora" has managed to establish a functional "i-platform" for exchange and networking within the Diaspora, but also between the Diaspora and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"i-dijaspora" participated in numerous networking events, maintained contacts with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as with the Swiss authorities. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the "i-dijaspora" has established important contacts with various institutions, companies, organizations and individuals dedicated to the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

i-platform - the foundation for future generations

i-platfom aims to support and encourage the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the integration of BiH Diaspora in Switzerland, gathering and exchanging information, connecting actors from both countries, creating synergies, encouraging and promoting initiatives that give or can contribute to the development of social, economic and cultural processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In doing so, the i-platform does everything to build bridges between people, professions and common interests between Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Diaspora represents an unavoidable potential for the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as for the establishment and strengthening of cooperation between Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the field of economy, science, education, culture and social sector. Although successful initiatives in various sectors already exist and make a concrete contribution to the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, research shows that the potentials and resources of the Diaspora are far greater, but still not sufficiently connected, coordinated and therefore used. This applies in particular to the knowledge, experience and professional skills and networks that the Diaspora has acquired in other countries.