On 20th June 2022, the GNRC Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali together with the Nairobi Secretariat team, joined members from GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina to officially launch the GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina Committee. The virtual event was attended by twenty-four (24) participants, among them faith leaders, a psychologist, coordinators and contact persons from other countries, and children. Also, in attendance were Fred Nyabera (Director, End Child Poverty), Ms. Beth Gum, and Ms. Vera Leal, both representing Arigatou International Geneva office.
Ms. Ismeta Begic, the GNRC Coordinator for Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the meeting by giving her welcome remarks where she stated that their main goal is to promote inter-faith collaboration in advocating for children’s rights and their well-being. She then welcomed Dr. Ali, who, in his remarks, congratulated the members for the work they have been doing over the years. He further encouraged them to continue focusing on improving and building better conditions for children. He also reminded them that the goal of launching and re-launching the country Networks and Committees was to strengthen and reinvigorate GNRC, as one of the recommendations of the Network assessment.
Rev. Nyabera updated members on the tenth anniversary of the Interfaith Initiative to End Child Poverty. He also encouraged members to continue focusing on multi-stakeholder cooperation in their efforts to strengthen the Network. In her remarks, Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat, the GNRC Networks and Programs Coordinator, commended GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina for ensuring diversity in the committee membership, especially by including children.
Fr. Josip Ikic quoted a verse from the Quran and a similar one from the Bible on ‘prayer and work’, – laying emphasis on the importance of both, in our work towards ensuring a safe community for all children.
Children were represented during the launch with Sajra, a 13-year-old representative from Mozaik who played a song. Two other children, Muhamed and Melika led the opening prayers and gave their message of hope for children. Ms. Zvonimira Jakić, GNRC Youth Representative for Bosnia and Hezegovina highlighted some of the activities being implemented in the country with children and faith leaders.
Dr. Ali concluded the event by officially pronouncing GNRC Bosnia & Herzegovina Committee launched.
