Building a Safer Digital World: Generation Change Connects Students from East Sarajevo and Sarajevo
Students from East Sarajevo and Sarajevo took part in the Generation Change Student Talks organised by the European Union in BiH with the aim of strengthening the role of young people in social and economic processes, promoting dialogue, and raising awareness of European integration.
The event, which was organised in partnership with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of East Sarajevo and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Sarajevo, brought together students to discuss the topic “Artificial Intelligence: Code, Control and Challenges.”
During the panel discussion, students explored the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on privacy and the protection of personal data, and discussed the role of young people in building a safer and more responsible digital society.
The Head of the EU Delegation and the EU Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, as well as the Ambassador of Ireland to BiH, Adrian Farrell, and the Ambassador of Spain to BiH, María Molina Álvarez de Toledo took part in the discussions, underlining the importance of digital transformation and shared experiences and examples of best practices from their countries.
„Through GenChange, we are giving students across the country the opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the conversation about Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards EU membership. Today’s discussion on artificial intelligence is an excellent example. AI can drive innovation, but must be developed responsibly, in line with ethics and fundamental rights. The EU is deeply committed to promoting digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness, while ensuring that technologies like AI are used safely and transparently,” said Ambassador Soreca.
The discussion also offered the perspectives of Jovana Musić, the co-founder and CEO of ACADEMY387 and the VR Museum, and Damir Softić, a cybersecurity management expert, who described their experiences developing and applying artificial intelligence, as well as the challenges it brings in the fields of security and ethics.
“Artificial intelligence has an increasing impact on our society, education, and the labor market. It is extremely important to enable young people to understand and actively participate in the development of technologies that are shaping the future. Projects such as Generation Change contribute precisely to this – connecting theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, and a sense of social responsibility,” said Musić
The Student Talks in East Sarajevo demonstrated that young people want to actively participate in shaping the digital future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to understand the challenges brought by the development of artificial intelligence, and to contribute to creating a safer and more responsible digital environment.
“In a world of rapid changes, this initiative represent an important space for learning, exchanging ideas, and active youth participation in the community,” emphasized Adnan Mujezinović, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of East Sarajevo hosted the Generation Change – Student Talks recognising the importance of such initiatives that connect education, innovation, and the responsible use of technology. “Artificial intelligence today is not only a technical discipline—it is a social phenomenon shaping the way we learn, work, and communicate. As a faculty that educates the engineers of the future, our task is not only to teach students how to develop technology, but also how to use it responsibly, ethically, and in the service of social progress,” said Božidar Popović, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of East Sarajevo.
During the discussion it became clear that the topic of artificial intelligence is extremely topical and important for students as future engineers. „Through the discussion, we had the opportunity to exchange opinions about how AI affects our privacy, but also the development of society as a whole. I believe that young people in BiH can play a significant role in developing safe and ethical solutions in the field of digital technologies,” said Dragan Đurica, student at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of East Sarajevo.
Students said they are clear that in a time when artificial intelligence is changing the world, it is important that they are ready and united in responding to these changes. With its new study program in Data Science and AI, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Sarajevo demonstrates the importance of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. „Our common goal must be for young people from BiH to become drivers of development and active participants in the digital transformation of society,” said Ahmed Čalkić, student at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, and president of the student association Steleks.
The Student Talks series, within Generation Change programme, will continue in Mostar, as well as Tuzla, where students from Zenica will also join the upcoming discussion. Generation Change continues to connect young people across Bosnia and Herzegovina through dialogue, exchange, and the joint creation of ideas that shape the future. The most successful participants of the Student Talks series will be invited to a Media Boot Camp, while the most creative among them will have the opportunity to travel to Brussels next year and present their ideas on the European stage.