Author: WeBalkans

Teodora is a 20-year-old psychology student currently studying at ELTE University in Budapest. She has been an active human rights advocate for nearly five years, beginning her journey with UNICEF through the Upshift workshop. Teodora represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the European Youth Event 2023 in Strasbourg and co-created a focus group discussion for the Empowering Futures 2024 initiative in Brussels.

Her commitment to social issues is reflected in multiple courses she has completed with UNICEF on democracy, human rights, feminism, and mental health. Beyond activism, Teodora is engaged in various social circles, has practiced theatre since age 12, volunteered at film festivals, and pursued numerous courses. Her poetry has also been published multiple times, highlighting her creative side.

Petar Spaić is a 23-year-old graduate student specializing in Applied Computer Science at the University of Montenegro, currently based in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. For over eight years, he has been actively involved in competitive cycling, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina in both mountain and road disciplines. Petar is a multiple-time national champion and runner-up and has competed in European and Balkan championships.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Petar contributes to youth advocacy as a member of the Youth Advisory Boards for the British and Swiss Embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, advising on youth-related issues and participating in various embassy initiatives. Outside of academics and advocacy, he works as a licensed adventure travel guide during the summer, specializing in cycling, hiking, sailing, and rafting, combining his passion for sport and nature.

Emina is a passionate advocate for sustainable development, democratization, and climate action. Since 2014, she has contributed to projects focused on EU integration, green entrepreneurship, environmental policy, and sustainability. As a young entrepreneur in green tech, she won a climate hackathon and was honored as the “Hero of the Generation in Ecology” in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Emina is also a Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador with the Global Youth Climate Network and a former trainee at the University of Oxford’s Global Youth Climate Training Programme.

A BOLD Fellow and mentor in green entrepreneurship, Emina is dedicated to supporting young leaders. She is a member of IRI’s Generation Democracy Network and was elected to the Forum Alpbach Network Committee, where she promotes youth engagement in European political and civic life. In 2024, she contributed a chapter to the European Forum Alpbach book, exploring the cultural significance of Bosnian coffee as a symbol of connection and resilience. Emina has represented Bosnia globally, participating in major events such as the Council of Europe’s World Forum for Democracy and the Young Ambassador Summit in Brussels.

Azra Mehmedović is a psychology student from Sarajevo with a strong passion for mental health, sexual and reproductive health education, and youth empowerment. With six years of experience in the NGO sector, she currently serves as Vice Chair of YSAFE’s Steering Committee, where she manages the podcast Sex Positivitea—a project dedicated to addressing important and often overlooked topics relevant to young people.

Azra develops digital campaigns, produces content, and leads discussions aimed at breaking stigma and fostering a more informed and empathetic community around sexual and mental health. Alongside her advocacy work, she enjoys exploring psychology research and connecting it to real-world challenges. Through education and open dialogue, Azra strives to create meaningful change for youth navigating health and identity.

Nudžejma Karajić comes from the resilient region of Krajina, specifically Velika Kladuša. Growing up in a small town with limited opportunities inspired her to strive for more, leading her to engage in numerous activism projects and educational programs that have shaped her commitment to civil and political engagement.

Currently enrolled at the Faculty of Political Science, Nudzejma focuses on building her knowledge in political awareness, economics, and psychology. Though studying over 300 km from her hometown, she remains deeply connected to Velika Kladuša as the founder and president of the informal group Youth of Velika Kladuša 5 until 12. Committed to making the most of her studies, she aims to build a future career dedicated to creating positive change and empowering her community.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: Health and Sustainability, Communication and Social Media, International Relations

Kenan Fehrić is a young leader from Bosnia and Herzegovina whose journey brings together activism, volunteering, and a genuine passion for supporting young people. He is currently studying International Relations at the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Sarajevo. Outside the classroom, Kenan is deeply engaged in youth work at both local and global levels. As a member of the UN Youth Reference Group within the UN Youth Office, he contributes to important conversations on global youth policies, working to ensure that young people’s perspectives are meaningfully included. At home, Kenan serves as President of the Youth Club of the Red Cross of the Federation of BiH, where he leads initiatives focused on first aid education, health promotion, and support for migrants and refugees. He also serves as a youth advisor to the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through everything he does, Kenan is driven by a simple goal: to create spaces where young people feel heard and empowered.

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