Bosnia and Herzegovina - School of Political Studies Bosnia and Herzegovina (2003)
Founded in 2003, the School of Political Studies of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo aims to concretely support democratic ideas and values, as well as to develop a toolbox for action. Commitment to democracy, human rights, tolerance and respect for the rule of law (i.e. good governance) are the main values encouraged by the School.
Muse Ćazima Ćatića 12, 71000 Sarajevo
Tel. : +387 33 264 360 + ext 101
E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website : www.spsbh.ba;
Director : Esad MAVRIC
"War events in the 90s are the most drastic way of violating human rights and democracy in general on the territory of ex Yugoslavia, and especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After signing the peace agreement, more than ever, the need for a lawful country, affirmation and the protection of human rights and democratization of society was obvious. It is my great honour to be a part of a unique programme such as the School of Political Studies, which became a useful tool and one of the rare platforms for a dialog inside a divided society. It inspires democratic ideas and the devotion to human rights, tolerance and dialogue. The School also asks young leaders to take responsibility by following democratic values and implement contemporary democratic models of law. I hope that The School will unite the efforts of the new generation for a better future of Bosnia and Herzegovina".
Esad MAVRIC, Director
About the School
The School of Political Studies (Alumni Foundation of the CoE in BiH) is one of the unique program in BiH who continuously support development of democratic governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina by creating a new generation of knowledgeable civic and political leaders.The School provides young political leaders with different political views and backgrounds, civil society activists, civil servants and media professionals with annual quality education and access to European standards for a democratic culture, human rights and rule of law.
School maintained high level of ability to provide quality training to emerging democratic leaders in order to increase their understanding of democratic values, thereby empowering them to lead change towards genuine democratic governance in BiH. School focused on building dialogue within and between political parties and on improving the communication, leadership and political awareness of its women and young members, targeting also underrepresented and minority groups.The annual program of the school consists of three to five national seminars. In addition to annual program activities, school maintains meetings and seminars of Alumni members and publishing Policy Brief’s which contribute to democratic reforms in everyday political practice.
The network of School alumni, which includes more than 400 members, reinvigorates the long-term positive impact of the School on democratic processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As many of the steadily growing number of School alumni attain high-level office, they are in a position to act as guardians and multipliers for the values the Council of Europe and the School promotes and defends democratic values.
About the Director
Esad Mavric is Director since May 2018. In period 1992 to 2001 he worked as a journalist for the different international organisations, including the period of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. From 2001 to 2011 he was an executive Secretary of Council of Europe office in Sarajevo, coordinating various activities and commitments related to a pre-accesion of BiH to CoE and programs related to the post accesion commitments. From 2011 to 2018, as a project manager, he was in charge of number of programs related to democratization of the country, dealing with a project related to elections, strengthening position of youth, women and underrepresented minority groups
