Speeches Shim
On January 19-21, Administrator Power is traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to partnering with the citizens of BiH in their quest to build a democratic and prosperous future in a stable, functional BiH of two entities, three constituent peoples, and all other residents.
During her visit, the Administrator will engage with USAID’s local non-governmental partners, in both BiH entities and from all major ethnic groups. She will meet with government officials, civil society and youth activists, investigative journalists, environment defenders, small business leaders, and survivors of the Bosnian War.
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Last updated: January 25, 2022
Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina finds itself at yet another crossroads. And the durability of its 26 years of peace are being called into question. Investigative journalists I met with yesterday spoke about the fear people across Bosnia and Herzegovina are feeling about the potential for increasing division and instability. I also spoke with a group of survivors of wartime detention camps, all from different ethnic backgrounds, all incredibly resilient and dedicated to reconciliation, but deeply concerned by the current political crisis. Deeply concerned about divisive rhetoric and believing that their experiences and their telling of their experiences, particularly the young people, offer a reminder that this country can never go back. Young leaders, public servants I spoke with yesterday also expressed how much they love their country, but openly worried for its future, and they described the cynicism that so many people have about politicians.
Administrator Power’s second day in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) began at Treca Gymnazium, an educational facility that was destroyed during the war and then rebuilt in 1999 with USAID’s support. She joined a group of young women during their volleyball practice and spoke with them about the many critical issues facing youth in BiH including insecurity, lack of economic opportunity, and barriers to future employment.
I would like to thank both Minister Djapo and Minister Gašić for their leadership, for their welcome of me to their country, and for their close collaboration with USAID and the dedication that they bring to growing tourism in this country everyday. I would also like to thank Justin Reid and Tripadvisor for their partnership with USAID’s Turizam project, and their commitment to promoting the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
My message is the same that it has been since I was this tall. As a reporter, since I was a young reporter in my early 20s in this country, which is that the United States is with you, the American people are with you. You can do this. I saw during the war the resilience and the creativity of people in this country. And channeling that resilience and that creativity and that dynamism into tackling this, the latest crisis that Bosnia and Herzegovina has faced but not the worst crisis. You can do this.
On January 20, Administrator Power was in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast commitment to building a democratic, inclusive, prosperous future for the people of BiH.
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