The conference, part of the project "Local Diaspora Meetup - Building Bridges for a Better Future", supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, was filled with inspiring messages reflecting the spirit of unity and a long-term vision.
Notable sentiments included:
"We are building something over 10 years that will last 100 years"
and
"Building trust and interpersonal relationships is the foundation of everything."
Key Themes and Speakers
The conference program focused on three thematic pillars: local development, education, and the economy. Through a series of panels and lectures, participants had the chance to hear from speakers such as Hasan Hasić, Ivica Petrušić, Lea Meister, Erna Šošević, Milijana Mršić, Alma Palo-Aličehić, Iskra Tabaković Hasić, and Nikola Burić. Their presentations emphasized the importance of a human-centric approach.
Conference was moderated by Una Bejtović and honorary guest and poenning remark was made by Nils Krauer, Deputy Director of Cooperation at Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the key messages was:
"People in BiH don’t need help, they need support, and the sky is the limit."
This statement resonated strongly with participants, highlighting the strength of community when supported with the right tools and approaches. Discussions underscored the importance of transitioning to a wisdom economy, where empathy, understanding, and purpose are integrated into innovation. Instead of technology replacing human potential, the focus was on empowering it to create a future where wisdom, not just knowledge, drives progress.
Reflections from Participants
Milijana Mršić, an organizational psychologist, commented on the significance of the conference:
"I am grateful for the opportunity to share not only my experiences but also my ideas about possible future directions in collaboration with i-diaspora. It was equally inspiring to hear diverse perspectives, ideas, and challenges from other participants. The atmosphere was filled with optimism and collaboration, reflecting our commitment to 'rethink diaspora.' I thank the organizers and everyone who made the effort to come to Sarajevo and contribute to the conference."
On the other hand, Jelena Soldo highlighted the innovative approach of i-diaspora in her remarks:
"The REthink Diaspora conference was an inspiring experience that showcased a unique approach to transforming the perception of diaspora engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. i-Diaspora goes beyond the traditional narrative of financial support, focusing on people and building genuine..."
The spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking marked this landmark event, paving the way for sustainable initiatives and stronger connections between communities.
