Naida Odobašić is a 22-year-old genetics and bioengineering student from Zenica, currently in her fourth year at the International University of Sarajevo. Alongside her passion for science, she has gained valuable work experience in diverse fields such as supermarket roles, office administration, and healthcare. These experiences have taught her the value of hard work and helped strengthen her communication and teamwork skills.
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Interests: Human Rights
My name is Adna Mujić, from Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I completed my secondary education at United World College, which provided me with numerous scholarship opportunities for further studies in the United States. My desire to contribute to the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the European Union inspired me to pursue my education in Europe. I studied at the University of Oxford, the University of Vienna, and the University of Sarajevo. My academic journey has led to my achievement as a polyglot, as well as receiving the Golden Badge and the Golden City Emblem of Sarajevo for outstanding academic performance.
I have engaged in various projects at the university and with NGOs such as Youth Power, SanChild, Humanity in Action, and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (e.g. ABA ROLI’s Fall Internship, Academy od Media Law, The Eco-Justice Project, School of International Humanitarian Law). Upon completing my studies, I commenced a legal internship simultaneously becoming a co-author of the book “Women Inspired by Peace” and an alumna of the Women in Law Initiative, held annually in Vienna, where I have had the opportunity to attend lectures by judges of the European Court of Human Rights. I believe in the strength and potential of youth, and that we all have something to contribute to the world; it is our responsibility to awaken that potential and take action.
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Interests: Agriculture and Farming
Mia Selena Lerch is a 19-year-old food engineering student at the University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. During high school, she took part in numerous community-focused programs, including the BOLD Fellowship in the United States, where she strengthened her knowledge of civic engagement and project development.
As a member of the Be A Man Club and a long-time participant in initiatives organized by Perpetuum Mobile – Institute for Youth and Community Development, Mia has developed a strong foundation in community activism. These experiences have fueled her passion for social change and inspired her to lead projects that promote activism, build connections among diverse groups, and advocate for positive impact in her community.
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Interests: Business and Enterpreneurship
Marija Malić is a passionate young advocate for debate and youth empowerment, recognized for her articulate communication and commitment to fostering critical thinking. She proudly represented her country at the prestigious World Schools Debating Championships in 2024, further developing her skills in public speaking and argumentation.
Driven by a desire to help young people find their voices, Marija is dedicated to creating opportunities for youth to engage actively with the world around them. Through her work, she seeks to inspire confidence, encourage dialogue, and promote active participation in shaping a more informed and inclusive society.
Alen Kubat is from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and European Studies and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Security and Peace Studies. He is passionate about security, public health, and policymaking, and has practical experience in both local and international project settings. He was accepted to a global fellowship in the United States, where he strengthened his leadership, policy design, and project implementation skills while working on a project to improve health awareness among minority groups. He also completed advanced policy writing training at a security research center, which enabled him to translate research findings into clear, evidence-based recommendations. Alen is committed to developing sustainable security policies and utilizing his research to benefit communities and enhance public well-being directly.
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Interests: Human Rights through EU integration
Amina Hadžić is a political science student specializing in international relations and diplomacy at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tuzla. She has participated in numerous projects and campaigns organized by the European Union, the U.S. Embassy, and other diplomatic missions, gaining extensive experience through volunteering, diplomatic schools, political academies, roundtables, and conferences.
Amina has published several scientific papers in respected journals, focusing on EU integration, electoral process analysis, and international conflicts. She also works as a young analyst at research centers and contributes as an author to a journal dedicated to international relations and politics. Her leadership roles in various organizations reflect her strong organizational and coordination skills.
Passionate about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future, Amina actively promotes youth inclusion and regional cooperation, advocating for stronger engagement of young people in shaping the country’s path toward the European Union.
Country: Albania
Interests: Climate and Environment, International Relations
Megi Marku is a water expert with an academic background in Hydrotechnical Engineering, holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the Polytechnic University of Tirana. She has worked as a Water and Sanitation Analyst at the World Bank, contributing to the Utility of the Future – Center of Excellence initiative, and has served as a member of the Youth Expert Group for the Economics of Water report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, bringing youth perspectives into the shaping of sustainable water policies.
Megi has been recognized and supported through distinguished programs, including the Youth Climate Action Fund by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the UNESCO x SEVENTEEN grant scheme, and ICMP. Through these opportunities, she has led and implemented impactful projects that create tangible benefits for local communities. Passionate about sustainability and innovation, Megi continues to advocate for water security and climate action, using her expertise to drive meaningful change.
Interests: Health and Sustainability, International Relations, Youth Entrepreneurship, Media, Arts and Culture
Ada Omuri is a medical student from Kukës, currently studying at the University of Medicine, whose lifelong dedication to social change has shaped both her personal and academic journey. For over a decade, she has been actively involved in volunteer work and programs focused on community development, youth empowerment, and personal growth, collaborating with organizations such as the Union of Students Council and initiatives supported by the US and UK Embassies. Passionate about providing young people with a platform to voice their concerns and contribute to local solutions, Ada also works to promote cultural awareness and strengthen community cohesion. Guided by the belief that change begins with the individual, she strives to inspire others through her dedication, example, and unwavering commitment to positive social impact.
Paola Pesjaka is a Project Coordinator for the Solidarity Action Day initiative in Albania, dedicated to empowering youth through education, creativity, and active community engagement. With a background in Political Science, she brings a strong understanding of strategic communication and its role in driving social change.
In her role, Paola designs and delivers educational workshops, develops content that inspires civic participation, and builds partnerships to expand the reach and impact of her projects. She is skilled at translating complex ideas into accessible and engaging messages, with a focus on fostering youth-centered development.
Passionate about collaboration and inclusion, Paola is committed to creating programs that amplify young voices and promote shared responsibility. Drawing on her experience in media and public relations, she uses storytelling and dialogue to strengthen community connections and encourage positive change.
Country: Albania
Interests: Infrastructure and Architecture
Debora Kolgegaj is a 19-year-old architecture student from northern Albania whose early experiences growing up in a peripheral region inspired a strong commitment to social activism. Motivated by the limited opportunities for self-expression and the underrepresentation of young women in her community, she began participating in voluntary initiatives from a young age as a way to advocate for empowerment and inclusion.
Alongside her studies, Debora is actively engaged in several grassroots initiatives, balancing her academic work with her passions for painting, writing, and civic engagement. Her creative background informs her activism, enabling her to convey ideas through both artistic expression and architectural thinking.
With a vision to contribute meaningfully to civil society, Debora aims to continue her work in social activism while building a professional career in architecture. She is committed to fostering inclusive spaces, both physical and social, where diverse voices, particularly those of young women, are heard, valued, and empowered.
