Human impact and success stories 

In its 3rd phase of implementation the Horizontal Facility actions are contributing to tangible results for the people of Western Balkans and Türkiye. This session is dedicated to specific human impact narratives and success stories coming from different actions and having a direct impact and positively influencing change and improvement in the life of individuals, communities or society at large.  Our human impact and success stories bring our programme closer to the people by showcasing real voices, real struggles, and real triumphs. These stories aim to drive awareness, mobilise support, and influence good policies. 

Let’s turn our impact stories into inspiration!  

Back Turning pages of empathy: stories of living books open hearts of young people to diversity in Bosnia and Herzegovina

1 October 2025
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Turning pages of empathy: stories of living books open hearts of young people to diversity in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The “Living Library” is no ordinary bookshelf. Instead of printed pages, students meet real people- “Books” who share their life experiences, challenge stereotypes, and invite dialogue.

In classrooms across Bosnia and Herzegovina, five activists representing different minority groups became these living books, meeting 437 students from 16 communities, answering their questions and opening conversations that might not happen otherwise.

For Vladimir Andrle, the motivation to take part in the Living Library comes from a deep wish to see change. “The motive for being at these living libraries comes precisely from that, because I have a desire for this society to change, for the paradigm of the society to change, for divisions to be reduced,” he said.

He recalls one boy asking when he “came out as a Jew.” For Vladimir, the moment was revealing: “They basically haven't had the opportunity to meet a Jew and don't perceive Jews as a people that exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don't mean that in a bad way, but they simply haven't had the opportunity to meet them.”

The experience of Amra Ahmetović, who spoke to students as a Roma woman, also highlighted the way stereotypes shape perceptions. “That conversation always ended in a way like, ‘well, you don't look like a Roma woman, I would never say that you are a Roma woman, you don't talk like a Roma woman,’” she explained. For her, breaking down those assumptions, face to face, was exactly the point of being a living book.

From another shelf in this human library, Alma Mujanović shared her story as a person advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. “This project is extremely important because it raises awareness about diversity, about the importance of sign language, about the importance of the way of communication, towards people with hearing impairment or in general towards people with disabilities,” she said, underscoring that communication itself can be a bridge to inclusion.

For Đulisa Otuzbir, a Young European Ambassador, the Living Library was about shaping perspectives at the right moment in life. “I think it is important to raise awareness among young people at this age because it is when they form their personalities and step into the world. It is very important to me that if we have changed the opinion of even one single young person today, then this workshop or activity has been successful.”

Together, these living books turned pages of empathy with every conversation. By sharing their voices openly and directly, they helped students see beyond stereotypes and recognise the diversity that is already part of their communities.

The initiative is part of the broader European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, through the action “Towards an equal, inclusive and tolerant Bosnia and Herzegovina” and the Council of Europe project “Combatting discrimination, hatred and racism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Back Young voices rising: Sjenica Youth Forum inspires action for equality and diversity

Sjenica, Serbia 17 November 2024
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Young voices rising: Sjenica Youth Forum inspires action for equality and diversity

A vibrant gathering of over 75 young people from minority communities has turned Sjenica into a hub of inspiration, action, and change. The Youth Forum, titled “75+ steps toward equal opportunities,” brought together youth from across Serbia to celebrate diversity, dismantle stereotypes, and build lasting solidarity.

Held on the International Day for Tolerance and in celebration of the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary, the three-day forum empowered participants to challenge discrimination and shape a more inclusive future. Through dynamic workshops and dialogues, they explored pressing issues such as cultural distance, discrimination, and the power of inter-community understanding.

“This experience broke down prejudices and created new friendships,” shared Emina Elfić, participant from Novi Pazar. “I’m returning home with knowledge and confidence to inspire change in my school and community.”

For many participants, the forum was a first step toward making their voices heard in decision-making processes. According to Nedeljka Borojević, a mentor and youth worker, this forum showed the youth that they are not just participants but valuable resources for creating change. “Young people want to be part of decisions in their communities, but they often feel unheard or unsupported,” she said.

Nedeljka also added that young people would appreciate it if decision-makers organised events more frequently where they could express their opinions, communicated with them in a way that resonates with their perspective, and valued them as a resource rather than viewing them through the lens of prejudice and stereotypes.

Adrijana Nikitović, Young European Ambassador, praised the event’s ability to bridge divides: “It created a space for dialogue, both among young people themselves and between youth and representatives of the civil sector and public administration. The forum enabled participants to connect with others and those who are different, demonstrating that diversity enriches rather than divides us.”

The impact of the forum extended beyond the sessions. Participants left equipped with strategies and confidence to promote inclusion in their local communities. From fostering inter-cultural dialogue to advocating for better opportunities, these young leaders are ready to drive change.

Opened by Janos Babity, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, Tomislav Žigmanov, Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Munib Mujagić, President of Sjenica municipality  and Kemal Zekić, Head of the Office of the Municipal President, the forum was organised the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue and the action “Combating discrimination and promoting diversity in Serbia”, implemented within the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkiye".