What inspired You to engage in these issues at the local level and later internationally?
My motivation for engaging in climate action was sparked by a deep realization that climate change is not just an environmental concern—it is a humanitarian, economic, and security crisis that affects every aspect of our lives. We are already living with its consequences—extreme weather events, declining air quality, economic instability, and social displacement. However, these challenges do not impact everyone equally; the most vulnerable communities, often those with the fewest resources to adapt, bear the heaviest burden.
At the local level, I saw firsthand how communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina were grappling with the increasing intensity of floods, droughts, wildfires, and landslides, yet lacked the resources and preparedness strategies to mitigate their impact. It became clear to me that resilience-building had to start within these very communities, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to adapt and respond. Engaging with young people opened my eyes to the immense potential of education, proactive policy-making, and long-term planning in creating meaningful change.
However, as I delved deeper into this work, I recognized that local solutions cannot exist in isolation. Climate change knows no borders—what happens in one region has global repercussions. My participation in international initiatives allowed me to see how global policies shape local responses and, conversely, how local insights must inform global decision-making. I saw how the exchange of knowledge, collaboration, and collective action can accelerate climate resilience worldwide.
As a young professional committed to this cause, I find inspiration in the power of communities that organize, adapt, and innovate despite the challenges they face. I have witnessed young people across the world refusing to be passive observers of their own future—they are leading advocacy efforts, launching climate solutions, and influencing policies with long-term impact.
Today, my work is focused on bridging local action with global policies, ensuring that climate action does not remain a mere political promise but translates into tangible, life-improving results. My mission is to elevate the voices of those on the frontlines of climate change in international discussions—because only by prioritizing the needs of communities directly affected can we build a truly just, inclusive, and resilient future for all.
How important is it to have knowledge of key strategic documents related to Sustainability and Ecology?
Understanding key strategic documents in sustainability and ecology is not just an asset—it is an essential foundation for making informed decisions, shaping effective policies, and driving real change. Sustainability and climate action cannot rely on good intentions alone; they require precise planning, evidence-based targets, and internationally aligned action plans. These documents serve as the blueprint for tackling global environmental challenges while ensuring that local initiatives are impactful, scalable, and aligned with global commitments.
Frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are not just policy guidelines—they define obligations, funding pathways, and collaboration opportunities that shape climate resilience worldwide. These documents are more than distant international agreements; they directly affect how governments, businesses, and communities access resources, structure environmental policies, and implement sustainability initiatives. Without a clear understanding of these frameworks, local actions risk being isolated, inconsistent, or ineffective in addressing long-term climate challenges.
However, knowledge of state-level and local strategic documents and action plans is just as crucial. Global commitments are only as strong as their implementation at the state and local community levels. Each country and region develops climate strategies, environmental protection plans, and adaptation frameworks tailored to their specific risks and needs. Understanding these localized policies ensures that climate action is not only ambitious but also practical and relevant. It enables communities and organizations to align their efforts with state-level sustainability goals, secure policy backing, and access available funding mechanisms. Without this connection, even the most well-intentioned climate initiatives risk being disconnected from institutional support, limiting their impact and longevity.
Moreover, familiarity with global and state-level sustainability frameworks helps prevent the fragmentation of climate action. Many initiatives fail because they prioritize short-term gains without addressing the structural issues that drive environmental degradation. By integrating scientific evidence, policy insights, and long-term strategic goals, we can build systemic solutions that benefit both ecosystems and communities for generations to come.
However, the real power of these documents lies in their implementation. Strategies outlined in these agreements must not remain theoretical commitments—they must be translated into concrete, measurable actions at every level. This requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and individuals to ensure that sustainability efforts are not only visionary but also practical, enforceable, and inclusive. Local and state-level action plans must be continuously reviewed and adapted based on evolving environmental data, technological advancements, and community needs.
At its core, understanding climate and sustainability policies is not just about technical knowledge—it is about empowerment. It equips individuals, organizations, and policymakers with the tools to connect local realities with global action, enhances the effectiveness of sustainability efforts, and provides a clear, data-driven path toward real, lasting change. If we are serious and committed about building a resilient and sustainable future, we must not only understand the bigger picture—we must actively shape it through strategic, informed, and coordinated action.
The fight against the consequences of the climate crisis is not won in conference rooms alone—it is also won on the ground, in communities, through informed action and unwavering commitment.
As someone who had the opportunity to represent the voice of youth on Sustainability and Ecology, how do You best convey important messages, and do you receive positive feedback?
Amplifying the voices of young people in sustainability and climate action is not merely an opportunity to highlight the perspectives of youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina— it is a significant responsibility. Climate change and environmental challenges are not distant threats; they are unfolding before our eyes, shaping economies, displacing communities, and altering ecosystems. While these challenges impact us all, young people will bear their consequences the longest. This is why it is not enough to merely acknowledge these issues—we must communicate them in a way that inspires action, drives concrete solutions, and fosters collaboration across all levels of society.
To effectively convey critical messages and mobilize change, I rely on a combination of education, advocacy and practical action. Ensuring that young people are recognized as key stakeholders in decision-making is essential. Through engagements at Conferences of Parties (COP), regional forums, and policy discussions, I work to ensure that youth voices are not just included but actively shape climate policies. It is critical to challenge outdated narratives that portray young people as passive observers. We are not just beneficiaries of climate policies, we are co-creators, leaders, and drivers of transformative change.
Knowledge fuels action, which is why I prioritize workshops, panels, and research initiatives to not only raise awareness but equip young people with the tools to drive change. Climate issues can often seem overwhelming, complex, and disconnected from daily life, but when we translate them into tangible challenges and real-world solutions, they become actionable and relevant. The goal is to bridge the gap between knowledge and impact, empowering young people to lead sustainability efforts in their own communities.
However, words alone are not enough—real change happens when we back them up with concrete, measurable action. Whether through tree-planting campaigns, sustainability projects, or climate adaptation initiatives, I prioritize on-the-ground engagement that produces visible results. When young people see the direct impact of their efforts, they are further empowered to continue driving solutions.
A major part of my work is ensuring that youth representation is not symbolic but genuinely reflective of the concerns, priorities, and aspirations of young people. This is why, through the organization of two Local Conferences of Youth for Climate Action in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023 and 2024, we gathered input from approximately 550 young people from across the country. The result of these efforts was the Youth Recommendations of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Conferences of the Parties in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Baku (Azerbaijan) —ensuring that the perspectives of young people were formally presented and recognized at the global level. This process was not just about bringing youth voices to international platforms—it was about ensuring that these voices influence decision-making and policy design in meaningful ways.
One of the most misleading narratives in climate discussions is that young people are simply the “future” of sustainability. While this may sound empowering, it can also be deeply limiting—because we are not just the future, we are also the present. Young people today are more informed, interconnected, and globally conscious than ever before. We are witnessing and experiencing rapid globalization, a technological revolution, and an escalating climate crisis simultaneously. This gives us a unique generational perspective—we understand the complexities of the world, but we also recognize how urgently change is needed.
That is why young people must not be treated as an isolated category within society but as an integral force within it. Climate justice, sustainability, and resilience-building cannot succeed without Wthe meaningful inclusion of youth perspectives in decision-making processes. We are not waiting for change to happen—we are actively creating it.
Your engagement is multifaceted – Can you share some insights into Your experience in the fields of Ecology and Sustainability? What are Your impressions, Have You faced any challenges, and what are the results of Your engagements?
Climate action extends far beyond high-level global discussions—it is about tangible, strategic steps that shape the future of local communities. My engagement in this field stems from a firm belief that climate change is not just a distant, global phenomenon but a pressing reality that directly impacts people’s lives, the economy, and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through my work in strengthening community resilience and empowering young people to actively participate in climate policy, I aim to bridge local challenges with global standards, ensuring that solutions are both context-specific and impactful.
One of the most significant challenges in advancing climate action is translating the concept of climate change into an immediate, local reality. While the consequences of climate change—droughts, floods, ecosystem degradation, and economic instability—are becoming increasingly evident, the issue itself often remains abstract for many people. It is frequently perceived as a global problem that is being addressed in distant international negotiations, rather than as an urgent local challenge requiring immediate and proactive solutions. This disconnect is why my work is deeply focused on bridging this gap—turning global climate discourse into concrete, localized action that directly benefits communities.
Another fundamental challenge is the integration of climate action across various sectors. Climate change does not solely impact the environment—it is reshaping economies, public health, state security, and education systems. If climate policies are not embedded into broader development frameworks, societies will remain ill-prepared for future challenges. For instance, climate change is already affecting agricultural production and resource availability, which has serious implications for food security and economic stability. Moreover, extreme weather conditions present a growing risk to public health, while energy policies must be aligned with global emission reduction goals. Without an integrated, cross-sectoral approach, these interconnected issues cannot be effectively addressed.
Understanding the urgency of climate action, I have focused on creating inclusive and participatory platforms where different sectors can collaborate to develop long-term, impactful strategies. My approach has been centered on ensuring that youth-led climate advocacy is not only heard but also translated into policy and action. By facilitating policy dialogues, capacity-building programs, and direct engagement with decision-makers, I have worked to ensure that young people are not just participants but key stakeholders in climate governance.
One of the most transformative aspects of this work has been the ability to bridge grassroots activism with institutional decision-making, ensuring that the perspectives of those most affected by climate change are directly informing policy processes. Whether through collaborations with international organizations, participation in high-level negotiations, or engagement in research-driven policy development, my goal has been to move beyond symbolic representation and ensure that youth-led solutions are recognized as essential to state-level and international climate strategies.
What would You say to other young people in Europe about Engaging in these topics?
At a time when the world faces unprecedented environmental and social challenges, young people are not just participants in the conversation—we are leaders of the transformation. Climate change is no longer a distant threat or a theoretical debate; it is happening now, shaping economies, displacing communities, and redefining security and stability. But awareness alone is not enough—what truly matters is recognizing our power to act and understanding that the choices we make today will define the world of tomorrow.
That is why my message to young people across Europe is this: be bold, be informed, and be relentless in your pursuit of change. Change does not happen only from the top down—it is driven by individuals and communities who take initiative and work toward solutions. Climate action is not solely the responsibility of governments and institutions; it is a collective effort that requires engagement from all sectors of society. Whether through grassroots initiatives, technological advancements, policy advocacy, or community education, every contribution matters. The key to meaningful progress lies in proactive engagement, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a sustainable future.