The Digital Horizons Unleashed Conference convened in Mostar on November 30, 2023, providing a platform to explore the intersection of digital technology, youth activism, and civil engagement.
Central to the conference was the unveiling of the project platform https://critide-youth-power.org , which serves as a collaborative space for young activists to initiate and coordinate projects aimed at social change.
The platform offers diverse tools and resources to facilitate networking, project management, and knowledge sharing among youth across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Participants lauded the platform’s potential to foster collaboration and amplify youth voices in advocating for meaningful societal change.
In conjunction with the platform launch, an upcoming online course was announced, The course available at https://lab.learning-library.net/courses/critide-bosnian-translation/ offers a comprehensive exploration of key concepts and strategies relevant to youth activism and civic engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Designed to empower young change-makers, the course covers a wide range of topics, including political participation, advocacy, and community mobilization. Participants will gain insights into the socio-political landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as practical skills for effecting positive change in their communities. Through interactive modules, engaging activities, and real-life case studies, learners will acquire the knowledge and tools necessary to become effective advocates for social justice and democratic values. Whether aspiring to address local issues or contribute to broader social movements, this course equips participants with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and ethical leadership, the course encourages participants to harness their potential as agents of positive change in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The course will cover topics such as media literacy, digital campaigning, policy influence, and grassroots mobilization, providing practical insights for youth-driven initiatives. Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the course, recognizing its value in empowering young people to enact positive change in their communities. Turning to youth perspectives on Bosnian politics, many expressed a sense of disillusionment with the current political landscape, citing corruption, inefficiency, and lack of representation as key concerns. Despite these challenges, there was a prevailing desire among young people to actively engage in politics and contribute to shaping the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Media literacy emerged as a critical issue, with participants highlighting the need for education and awareness to combat misinformation and promote critical thinking. Efforts to broaden media perspectives and amplify marginalized voices were emphasized as essential for fostering a more inclusive and representative media landscape. Social media platforms were identified as powerful tools for political activism and advocacy, enabling youth to mobilize, organize campaigns, and raise awareness on pressing issues. However, concerns were raised about the spread of hate speech and misinformation on social media, underscoring the importance of responsible online engagement.In response to these challenges, participants engaged in a workshop focused on media literacy and digital activism, exploring strategies for promoting informed citizenship and combating online disinformation.
In addition, participants engaged in a brief knowledge quiz related to the entire platform and the topics covered during the conference.
Through collaborative discussions and practical exercises, participants developed skills in critical analysis, ethical online behavior, and effective advocacy tactics.
Overall, the Digital Horizons Unleashed Conference provided a dynamic forum for youth to exchange ideas, build skills, and chart pathways for meaningful civic engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina.