Submit a Proposal for BIHDC 2025
Idemo kući: Leveraging our Legacy for Progress
Proposal Theme
This year, our theme "Idemo kući: Leveraging our Legacy for Progress", invites diaspora and local communities in BiH to reflect on the rich history and cultural heritage that shapes our Bosnian identity while exploring innovative pathways for future growth. This conference aims to inspire dialogue on how we can honor our past experiences and achievements to inform and guide our collective progress in various fields, ultimately leveraging our legacy for continued community growth.
Present your work
Our content is primarily driven by proposals from: community activists, academics, healthcare professionals, business and trade professionals, artists and students.
All proposals must encompass our vision of solidarity and education, while also including our values of collaboration, ambition, and diversity and inclusiveness.
All submissions are peer reviewed and evaluated based on originality and relevance to the conference theme and the guiding questions.
Submissions are typically in English or Bosnian.
Let’s brainstorm!
Through workshops, panels, presentations, and networking opportunities, participants will engage in meaningful discussions about the intersection of tradition and innovation, fostering a collaborative environment to inspire actionable change.
In anticipation of our 10th conference, we want to take the time to reflect on some of the following questions listed in the next section. Our intent is not to answer every question during the conference but to think creatively about how some of these answers could be answered in collaboration with BiH residents and members of the diaspora.
If you have questions, reach out here: educate@bihdiaspora.com.
Proposal Guide Questions
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How can we effectively integrate lessons from our past into modern practice?
In what ways do our cultural legacies influence our approaches to innovation?
What are some successful examples of communities leveraging their history for modern day progress (both in diaspora and BiH)?
How can we ensure that future advancement remains respectful of our heritage?
How do our institutions shape our community’s growth by leveraging or limiting our historical and cultural legacies?
In what ways do our historical experiences and political tensions inform and influence our ability to make progress?
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How can we harness non-traditional community-building methods to address challenges like financial insecurity, disability access, healthcare, the climate crisis, and post-war infrastructure in BiH and the diaspora?
How can we utilize our community knowledge to create sustainable models for civic engagement that honor our heritage?
What barriers currently hinder or foster growth within our communities, and how can we leverage our history to overcome them?
How can we address the needs of our current generation while ensuring we do not compromise the future?
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How do we address and heal intergenerational trauma within our families and communities in BiH and the diaspora?
In what ways can we build supportive networks for community members facing financial hardship, living with disabilities, or healing from trauma, such as genocide or domestic violence?
How can we create more inclusive and affirming spaces for Bosnian People of Color and Multiethnic Bosnians within our communities?
In what ways can we transform our approaches to conflict resolution to promote healing rather than harm?
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How are we identifying and cultivating new leaders in BiH and the diaspora to ensure continued progress?
What strategies can we implement to cultivate and support academic researchers in BiH and the diaspora while leveraging their insights for community advancement?
How can we foster and support non-traditional researchers in BiH and the diaspora, ensuring that we maintain ethical standards while honoring our legacy?
How can we promote and support the arts in BiH and in the diaspora as a means of cultural expression and community healing?
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What strategies can we employ to establish sustainable diaspora organizations that support our communities and strengthen existing ones?
Check out our previous keynote speakers
From students to business owners to academics, our speakers have a variety of personal and professional experience in the subject matter that they present on at the conference.
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Tarik Jašarević, World Health Organization (WHO) Spokesperson & Humanitarian Expert
Bill Carter, Author, Filmmaker, Humanitarian Activist, & Assistant Professor Film Production, Northern Arizona University
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Riada Ašimović Akyol, Multimedia Journalist & Storyteller
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Velma Saric, Post Conflict Research Center
Dr. Jasmin Mujanovic, Political Scientist
Kyle Laitinen, Native American & Bosnian community member
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Emina Zahirovic-Pintaric, Restart.ba
Eddie Custovic, BH Futures Foundationon
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Jasminko Halilovic, Founder & Director, War Childhood Museum
Dr. Senahid Halilovic, Author, Novi Pravopis bosanskoga jezika
Lucas Jensen, International Republican Institute, Re:Generacija
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Selma Selman, Artist
Emina Bošnjak, Executive Director, Sarajevo Open Center
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Ajla Delkic, President, Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Harun Mehmedinovic, Photographer, Skyglow
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Elvisa Kovacevic, Life Coach
Aida Sehovic, Artist, Sto Te Nema
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Zlatko Filipovic, Journalist and Associate Producer, CBS News
Ready to submit your proposal?
How do I apply?
Submission are due February 28th, 2025. You’ll receive communication from us regarding the status of your proposal by March 12th, 2025.
If you have questions about the submission process, reach out to us here: educate@bihdiaspora.com.
Read about the 2025 theme.
Take a look at the guiding questions we have for this year’s proposals.
When you are ready, apply by filling out the form below. (If the form does not load on this page, click here instead.)
