This local info sheet presents key results of the community research conducted within the Y-AGORA project, aimed at better understanding participatory democracy, civic engagement, and youth participation at the local level. The results integrate previously conducted needs analysis with the results of updated surveys and focus groups, providing an factual basis for future activities of the Local Y-Agora project.

Methodology

Community research was conducted by applying the shared Y-AGORA methodology aimed at examining participatory democracy and youth engagement at the local level. A combined methodological approach was applied to ensure a comprehensive understanding of local challenges, opportunities, and existing participation practices. The integrated results represent a factual basis for future local activities and policy-making recommendations.

The research consisted of three interconnected parts:

• Desk research: Included a review of relevant policies, strategic documents, previous research, and local data.
• Survey: Provided quantitative data among youth regarding young people’s experiences.
• Focus groups: Provided qualitative insight into participant attitudes, challenges, and recommendations.

The research overview included youth and local stakeholders aiming to examine existing participation practices, democratic engagement, and community needs. The results of desk research, surveys, and focus groups were integrated to obtain a comprehensive picture of the local context.

Key Results (Statistics)

• 53.8% of youth participate in volunteering activities, making them the most prevalent form of engagement in the community.
• 84.6% of youth receive information via social networks, which are overwhelmingly their most frequent source of information.
• 30.2% is the high youth unemployment rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside the fact that youth make up 21% of the total population.

Research Results (Additional Overview):

• Main barriers: Lack of information about participation opportunities (61.5%) and youth opinions not being sufficiently valued by decision-makers (38.5%).
• Sources of information: Social networks (84.6%), online news portals (57.7%), friends and family (38.5%), local authorities (15.4%), and youth organizations / educational institutions (11.5%).
• Levels of trust: Trust in local institutions (23%), trust among people (23.5%), sense of belonging (25.6%), opinions valued by decision-makers (27.9%).
• Forms of participation: Volunteering activities (36.8%), youth organizations (23.7%), community initiatives (15.8%), community meetings (13.1%), and civic campaigns (5.3%).

Key Challenges

1. Building trust in institutions and creating accessible and meaningful opportunities for youth participation in decision-making processes within the fragmented governance system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. Overcoming barriers such as the lack of information on participation opportunities and the perception that youth opinions are not valued to a sufficient degree.
3. Improving youth knowledge regarding local-level decision-making processes and strengthening their connection with the local community.

Best Practices

• Strengthening civic education, mentoring, and intergenerational dialogue to provide young people with effective support and guidance.
• Improving the visibility, accessibility, and quality of youth participation opportunities through stronger cooperation between public institutions, schools, and youth organizations.
• Creating practical and well-promoted youth-led initiatives that empower them for active participation and building trust in local-level decision-making processes.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina show strong civic potential, value dialogue, and are ready to get involved when practical and well-promoted participation opportunities are provided. Overcoming institutional barriers requires building trust and improving cooperation between public institutions, schools, and youth organizations to ensure that the voice of youth is truly heard and valued.

„We appreciate dialogue with older generations, but we need young role models and mentors who understand our experiences and can guide us.“

Sector Recommendations:

• For youth: Actively participate in volunteering and community initiatives and use social networks to stay informed about opportunities for civic engagement.
• For educators: Strengthen civic education and intergenerational dialogue to provide young people with better guidance and mentoring.
• For society: Improve cooperation between schools and youth organizations to build trust and support civic engagement.
• For authorities: Improve the visibility, accessibility, and quality of youth participation opportunities in decision-making processes within the public sector.

Community crossroads

Results of researching