DVV International – Country Office Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Council for Adult Education of Sarajevo Canton, organized the Educational Fair and Conference: “Adult Education as a Force for Community Development – A Vision for the Future” on December 9, 2025.
The day began with the ceremonial opening of the Educational Fair at the International Center for Children and Youth in Novo Sarajevo. With the ribbon-cutting, the space was opened where adult education providers showcased their offers and programs to visitors – from courses to professional training, providing opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills.
Following the fair, the conference “Adult Education as a Force for Community Development – A Vision for the Future” brought together representatives of institutions, businesses, and local communities. The Director of DVV International – Country Office Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dženita Džano, emphasized: “Our vision must be clear – adult education as a bridge between the education sector and the labor market, as a space for inclusion and validation of knowledge. It changes lives and shapes the future.”
Muamer Mahmutović, President of the Sarajevo Canton Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of aligning with European standards: “When we talk to investors, the main question is – do we have the workforce or a system to develop it?”
Local communities echoed a similar message. Adela Velagić, Assistant to the Mayor of Novo Sarajevo Municipality, stated that investing in adult development means investing in community development, while Renata Rat, Head of the Department for Public Relations, Culture, and Protocol at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, added: “Adult education strengthens democracy, promotes reconciliation, and creates the foundation for sustainable development.”
Zlatan Saračević, President of the Council for Adult Education of Sarajevo Canton, presented the advocacy plan for the 2025–2027 period, stressing: “Education is often seen as a cost, but we prove it is an investment.”
The academic perspective came from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amina Isanović Hadžiomerović of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, who pointed out: “We must place adult education at the top of the priority list – career mobility requires lifelong learning.”
Next, the panel discussion “Where Are We Now?”, moderated by Adnan Mević, Project Coordinator at DVV International, opened key questions – financing, standardization, and improving the quality of adult education. Panelists included:
- Meliha Abdulahović, Director of the Institution “New Professions”
- Prof. Dr. Almir Peštek, Faculty of Economics, University of Sarajevo
- Aida Zejčirović, Director of the company “Better Job”
- Haris Ćorić, Malak Group
- Enida Osmanagić, Assistant to the Mayor for Education, Culture, and Sports, Municipality of Stari Grad
- Olivera Hasković, Head of the Department for Secondary Vocational Education and Adult Education
The discussion emphasized the need for inclusive programs, digital solutions, and stronger cooperation between educational institutions and employers.
Regional experiences were presented by Andrej Marušić, Director of the Institution “Dante” from Croatia, highlighting the importance of legal frameworks and vouchers: “The new law has enabled a system for quality assurance and recognition of prior learning.”
The day ended on a lighter note – with a short Educational Quiz in the fair area, where participants revisited adult education topics educationally and entertainingly—the most successful participants won promotional products from the DVV International – Country Office Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The conclusion of the conference was clear: adult education is not a luxury but the foundation for building a more advanced and fair society – a force that changes lives and shapes the future.