As part of a joint initiative by DVV International – Office for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Working Group for the development of a new Strategic Platform for the Development of Adult Education in the Context of Lifelong Learning officially commenced its work on September 2, 2025, in Sarajevo.
The Working Group, established as an inter-institutional and cross-sectoral body, is tasked with defining strategic directions for the development of the adult education system in BiH through a professional and participatory process, building on lessons learned from the previous strategic cycle (2014–2020). The opening session featured remarks by Ms. Aida Džaferović, Senior Advisor for Vocational Education and Adult Education at the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH, and Ms. Dženita Džano, Director of DVV International – Office for BiH, who emphasized the importance of coordinated action by all relevant stakeholders in strengthening this sector.
During the introductory meeting, members of the Working Group analyzed key findings from the document “Information on the Implementation of the Strategic Platform for Adult Education in BiH 2014–2020,” previously adopted by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussion focused on identifying systemic challenges, defining the roles of Working Group members, and outlining guidelines for drafting the new strategic document. Priority topics included improving the institutional framework, strengthening cross-sectoral coordination, promoting adult education, ensuring program quality, recognizing prior learning, and developing sustainable financing mechanisms.
The Working Group brings together representatives of key institutions from all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including: the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH, the Federal Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Education and Science of Tuzla Canton, the Ministry of Upbringing and Education of Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Youth of Central Bosnia Canton, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the Ministry of Science, Education, Culture and Sports of Canton 10, and the Ministry for Education, Youth, Science, Culture and Sports of Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde. Also involved are representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the BiH Employment Agency, the Federal Employment Institute, the Employment Institute of Brčko District BiH, and the Agency for Pre-school, Primary and Secondary Education of BiH.
Participants emphasized the importance of promoting adult education and the need to raise public awareness of its role in developing a competitive workforce, an inclusive society, and a modern lifelong learning system. The Working Group will hold two more plenary sessions during 2025, and the final document is expected to be the result of joint efforts, expert facilitation, and consensus among all relevant stakeholders. The revision process is moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amina Isanović Hadžiomerović, a Bosnian expert in adult education and a doctor of andragogy.
The revision process is being carried out with technical and professional support from DVV International – Office for BiH, in partnership with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which initiated the formation of the Working Group and the strategic planning process at the state level.