18.09.2025 More than 100 European Universities Have Signed The Students’ Peace Declaration in Sarajevo

Over 100 European universities have joined forces in Sarajevo by signing the Students’ Peace Declaration, committing to amplify peace, cooperation and democratic resilience. Instigated by the University of Sarajevo and the EUPeace Alliance, the declaration empowers students to be more than witnesses—positioning them as active builders of dialogue and hope across Europe.

Initiated by the Students of the University of Sarajevo, Supported and Implemented by the Students of the EUPeace Alliance

At the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina today, the Students’ Peace Declaration was solemnly signed — a document through which more than 100 universities from across Europe, ten university alliances, and several student organisations jointly committed to strengthening the values of peace and cooperation. Students of the University of Sarajevo, as a partner university in EUPeace Alliance, were the hosts and initiators of the signing of this declaration. The Declaration will serve as a platform for dialogue with EU institutions, governments and international organisations, positioning students as active participants in building peace and democratic resilience.

„The students of EUPeace have drawn our attention to an important aspect: peace is not merely the absence of military force; rather, peace encompasses the opportunity for every individual and society to grow, develop and transform. We all have a responsibility to ensure that students have the opportunity to realise their dreams of a future worth living by experiencing themselves as part of the European community“, said Prof. Dr. Evelyn Korn, Chair of the Governing Board of the EUPeace Alliance.

“Peace is never something we can take for granted. It is not given once and for all – it is something we must work on every day, through respect, dialogue, and responsibility for one another. At the University of Sarajevo, we believe that peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the opportunity for every person to learn, to grow, and to dream of a better future. It lives in our classrooms, in our research, and in the way we choose understanding over division”, said Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, Rector of the University of Sarajevo.

“Sarajevo, a city once torn by war, now stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and reconciliation. The Students’ Peace Declaration, created by young voices committed to harmony, echoes Sarajevo’s message that peace must be protected and nurtured through dialogue and empathy. Together, Sarajevo and the declaration remind us that peace begins with education, courage, and the will to connect across differences”, said Imran Pašalić, President of the UNSA Student Parliament.

“At a time when peace is too often spoken of but not practised enough, we as students stand together to say it must live at the heart of our youth and our universities. This declaration is the proof that we as students, united across Europe, can make a real impact for peace, given the tools and the voice”, concluded Sibel Alara Tasa, President of the Student Council of the EUPeace Alliance.

The signing ceremony of the Students’ Peace Declaration was the central event during the five-day stay of representatives of all universities member of the EUPeace Alliance in Sarajevo. After the signing, the student delegation took a symbolic ride in a branded tram on a tourist tour of the city.

 

*The original press release can be found on the website of the University of Sarajevo: https://www.unsa.ba/en/novosti/more-100-european-universities-have-signed-students-peace-declaration-sarajevo