Bosnia & Herzegovina has become the latest member of the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, marking a transformative step towards a more inclusive society through sports for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place at the Youth Inclusion Summit during the Special Olympics Bosnia & Herzegovina National Inclusive Games in Sarajevo on 28 May.
The agreement represents a long-term strategic commitment to inclusive development, and was signed by Dubravka Bošnjak, Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Njegoš Mihajlović, Special Olympics Bosnia & Herzegovina Athlete Leader, and Kada Delic-Selimovic, Special Olympics Bosnia & Herzegovina National Director.
"This partnership represents a significant moment for our country, both in policy and in principle,”said Minister Bošnjak at the ceremony.
"By joining the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, Bosnia & Herzegovina affirms its commitment to building a society where every child, regardless of ability, has access to opportunity, dignity, and full participation.”
The Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, made possible by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is a multilateral platform that works closely with governments, private sector and global philanthropy to expand the reach and impact of inclusive education through sports around the world.
As part of the agreement, the Government of Bosnia & Herzegovina has pledged 80,000 KM annually (approximately USD 45,000) through a public grant mechanism to support inclusive initiatives over the next three years. Furthermore, Special Olympics Bosnia & Herzegovina has been officially recognized as an organization of strategic importance in the federal budget, securing its role in the nation’s future development.
"This Coalition is about creating systemic, sustainable change that lasts beyond a single event or funding cycle," said David Evangelista, President & Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE).
"Bosnia & Herzegovina’s leadership in joining this movement reflects a powerful commitment to reimagining what inclusive development can look like. I want to thank the Government of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Minister Bošnjak, our partners in Special Olympics Bosnia & Herzegovina, and of course, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and all our partners, whose catalytic support makes this work possible."
According to UNICEF data from 2014, around 6.5% of children aged two to nine years old in Bosnia & Herzegovina have some form of disability. These children often face systemic challenges, including limited access to quality education, healthcare, and social services. Social stigma and discrimination further contribute to their exclusion.
Launched in June 2023 during the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, the Global Coalition has rapidly expanded, encouraging governments to invest in inclusive educational programs.
The Coalition, funded by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), also includes key global and civic stakeholders such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Lions Clubs International Foundation, Fondation Botnar and textile brand H&M.
Dr. Justine Coulson, UNFPA Representative for Bosnia & Herzegovina, said, "We have seen first hand how inclusive programming can rebuild trust, nurture community bonds, and empower young people—including those with disabilities—to step confidently into spaces where they were once unseen or unheard.
She added, "This journey of transformation is continuing and we appreciate all the young people, parents and professionals we work with who champion connection, inclusion and positive change. UNFPA remains committed to sustainable, inclusive development and building a brighter future for all young people in Bosnia Herzegovina - and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to achieve this."
Marc Lucet, Representative of UNICEF Bosnia and Herzegovina, noted, "It is both an honor and a responsibility to speak to you today under the banner of “Inclusion Without Borders.” On behalf of all partners, we thank Special Olympics Bosnia and Herzegovina for organizing this summit and commend the landmark agreement with the Ministry of Civil Affairs—a transformative step toward embedding disability rights into policy and practice." He added, "UNICEF is committed to addressing one of the most urgent yet overlooked issues: the rights and futures of children with disabilities. Despite global progress, these children remain among the most marginalized - excluded from education, healthcare, and community life."
By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, the Coalition aims to increase opportunities for over 2 million young people in more than 150,000 schools and extend Special Olympics programming to 180 countries.
The Coalition’s members span a diverse geographic footprint, including Angola, Bosnia & Herzegovina, China, Egypt, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kosovo, Malta, Mongolia, Montenegro, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Seychelles, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates.
For more information on the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion and its ongoing initiatives, visit the official Special Olympics website.
