Opening of the 5th Cycle of the School of Diplomacy at IUS
On September 15, 2025, the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) hosted the opening of the 5th cycle of the School of Diplomacy, a program dedicated to fostering critical dialogue on diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international relations. This year’s theme, “30 Years since the Dayton Peace Agreement: Diplomatic Pathways Towards 2055,” reflects on three decades of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina while envisioning the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The School of Diplomacy is organized by the Public Institution “Alija Izetbegović” Museum, the IUS Balkan Studies Centre, Homework HUB, and the Ibn Sina Institute, with the support of distinguished partners. Over the course of the week, participants will engage in lectures by eminent ambassadors, diplomats, and experts in international relations and public policy, as well as take part in institutional and field visits.
Opening Ceremony
The program was formally opened by Šejla Cakić Rizvanović, Director of the Alija Izetbegović Museum, and Mirza Rastoder, Director of Homework HUB. In their remarks, they emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the tools of diplomacy and dialogue, underlining that the School of Diplomacy has, for five consecutive years, been a platform for learning, networking, and the promotion of peace.
First Day Highlights
The first day of lectures brought together distinguished voices from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international diplomatic community:
Mr. Miro Lazović, sociologist, politician, and former President of the Assembly of the Republic of BiH, shared his first-hand experience from peace negotiations leading up to the 1995 Dayton Agreement. His reflections offered participants a unique insight into the difficult but essential processes of dialogue and compromise.
Dr. Emir Hadžikadunić, former Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Iran (2010–2013) and Malaysia (2016–2022), and PhD graduate in International Relations from IUS, spoke on the evolving role of diplomacy in a rapidly changing global order. His lecture encouraged participants to think critically about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s place in contemporary international politics.
H.E. Rezeq Namoora, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed the intersections of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Oslo Agreement. His lecture sparked a dynamic discussion, during which participants posed questions spanning a wide range of diplomatic and geopolitical issues.
A Platform for the Future
Through interactive lectures, discussions, and visits to institutions, the School of Diplomacy continues its mission to support young people in affirming and developing their diplomatic skills. By bringing together policymakers, diplomats, and students, the initiative provides a bridge between historical reflection and future-oriented diplomatic practice.
