EU Ambassadors Join Students from University of Mostar and University “Džemal Bijedić“ Mostar for GenChange Student Talk on Climate Change
The final edition of the EU’s Generation Change Student Talks series brought together students from both public universities in Mostar, focusing on the engagement of young people in mitigating the effects of climate change. Discussions centred on how climate change affects communities in BiH, the key obstacles to developing sustainable policies, and where young people see opportunities for action.
The event was organised in cooperation with the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mostar and the Faculty of Agromediterranean, University “Džemal Bijedić” of Mostar. Participating in the discussion with students were the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, as well EU Member States ambassadors Jana K. Lolić Šindelková (Czech Republic), Sarah Eti Castellani (Italy), Damijan Sedar (Slovenia) and Helena Lagerlöf (Sweden). Team Europe was also joined by youth panellists Leyla Jusko, climate activist, and Muhamed Grib, agricultural engineer, who contributed to the discussion with practical examples and interventions.
“Meeting students across BiH has been one of the most inspiring parts of our outreach visits across the country, and today in Mostar is no exception. Climate change is no longer a distant issue — it is already shaping economies, public health and agriculture among other things. BiH’s has significant unused potential in renewable energy, and could also make improvements in energy efficiency which would bring down costs for consumers. The EU will continue to work with BiH on necessary reforms through the Green Agenda and the Growth Plan. Advancing the climate transition is essential for building a more resilient and better future for everyone.”, stressed Ambassador Soreca.
Jurica Primorac, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology of the University of Mostar, reflected on the importance of engaging the new generation:
“Climate change is no longer a topic of the future – it is shaping the way we live today. I am pleased to see so many young people who want to understand this issue and be part of its solution. BiH has enormous potential, but we can only make use of it if decisions are made responsibly and based on knowledge. Today’s discussion is an opportunity for young people to show that they have the ideas, energy, and vision needed for the sustainable development of our society,” Primorac emphasized.
The discussion in Mostar demonstrated that young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina clearly understand the seriousness of climate change and wish to take an active role in shaping solutions — highlighted the need for greater education, networking, and practical projects that would allow them to transform their ideas into real initiatives.
“Climate change is already transforming how we live and function. This is why it is crucial for young people to have the opportunity to discuss solutions, exchange views, and propose concrete initiatives. This gathering allows us to learn, ask questions, and better understand how climate change affects the people around us. I believe young people can be drivers of change, and events like this clearly reaffirm that,” said Amar Stranjak, a student of the Agromediterranean Faculty of the “Džemal Bijedić” University of Mostar.
The event in Mostar marked the conclusion of this year’s Student Talks series within the Generation Change programme which engaged nearly 500 students from all parts of the country. Selected student teams from all 8 BiH public universities will be invited to the GenChange Boot Camp in 2026, while the most creative among them will be awarded with a study trip to Brussels and visit to the EU HQ.