Bosnia and Herzegovina First in the Region: University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology, and Security Studies Officially Joins the Global WPS Compact
The University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology, and Security Studies signed the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Humanitarian Action (WPS-HA) Global Compact at a ceremony held on Friday, 5 December 2025, at the UN House, making Bosnia and Herzegovina the first country in the Western Balkans region to join this global mechanism.
The ceremony was jointly organized by the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH, the German Federal Embassy, the United Nations in BiH, and numerous international partners. Attendees included ambassadors from Germany, Norway, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, as well as representatives of Spain, Australia, the EU, and OSCE, alongside representatives from institutions, civil society organizations, and the academic community.
On behalf of the Faculty, Dr. Nerma Halilović-Kibrić delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the academic community in advancing the WPS agenda, while Dean Prof. Dr. Jasmin Ahić signed the Compact and confirmed institutional commitment to our contribution.
As a signatory of the Compact, our Faculty committed to several key activities:
- Strengthening research in the field of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS),
- Developing project proposals dedicated to WPS topics,
- Deepening cooperation with UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, and other partners,
- Developing a sustainable academic system that will position the University of Sarajevo as a regional center for WPS education, research, and policy dialogue.
In recent years, the Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology, and Security Studies has already implemented numerous activities focused on gender equality, security policies, peace processes, and empowering young researchers through education, conferences, scientific projects, and collaboration with international organizations.
In her address, Dr. Halilović-Kibrić highlighted: “For us, the Compact is not just a duty but an opportunity to connect institutions, empower young women and men, strengthen the links between global practices and local challenges, and show that Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a proactive, visible, and responsible actor within the WPS agenda. We look forward to working together, learning from each other, and building partnerships that will transform the Compact into a platform for real and measurable change.”
By signing the Compact, our Faculty confirms its long-term commitment to building a safer, more equitable, and inclusive society.
