Shuttle Diplomacy Talks at IUS: Palestine and Bosnia and Herzegovina-From Memory and Resilience to Justice and Peace
The IUS Balkan Studies Center (BSC), in collaboration with the Department of Political Science and International Relations, hosted a new edition of the Shuttle Diplomacy Talks, featuring Her Excellency Sylvia Abu Laban, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Under the title “Palestine and Bosnia and Herzegovina: From Memory and Resilience to Justice and Peace,” the event provided an opportunity for students and members of the university community to engage with diplomatic perspectives on the historical experiences of both societies, the challenges facing Palestine, and the continuing international debate on justice, peace, and the protection of human dignity.
During her address, Ambassador Abu Laban discussed the importance of recognizing the Palestinian people's identity, existence, and fundamental human rights. She emphasized that Palestinians, like all people, deserve dignity, security, freedom, and the opportunity to live in peace. Her remarks highlighted the importance of looking beyond political developments and statistics to recognize the human experiences, aspirations, and everyday realities of Palestinian society.
The Ambassador also addressed broader questions concerning the international system and the credibility of international law. Her remarks invited reflection on the extent to which international legal principles are applied consistently and whether existing international mechanisms are sufficient to protect the rights of people affected by conflict. In this context, the situation in Palestine raised important questions about the relationship between international law, political decision-making, accountability, and the pursuit of justice.
Drawing connections between Palestine and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the discussion explored the significance of collective memory and resilience in societies shaped by conflict and historical hardship. The experiences of both societies offer important grounds for reflecting on the preservation of identity, the consequences of human suffering, and the enduring importance of justice and reconciliation. While each context has its own distinct historical and political circumstances, both demonstrate the significance of remembering the past while working towards a more peaceful future.
The event also highlighted the importance of dialogue between diplomatic representatives and younger generations. By bringing the Ambassador into direct conversation with IUS students, the event offered participants an opportunity to engage with international affairs beyond textbooks and classroom discussions, while considering how diplomatic engagement can contribute to mutual understanding and peaceful relations.
Through the Shuttle Diplomacy Talks initiative, BSC continues to provide a platform for dialogue between diplomatic representatives, academics, and students on issues of international significance. The program reflects IUS's commitment to encouraging informed discussion, critical engagement with global affairs, and a deeper understanding of the political and humanitarian challenges shaping the contemporary international system.
The meeting with Ambassador Sylvia Abu Laban reaffirmed the importance of keeping dialogue open, recognizing the dignity and rights of all peoples, and pursuing a future in which justice, respect for international law, and lasting peace remain shared international priorities.
