Independence Day 2025 - Nihad Ferhatović highlighted 10 years of the foundation's work
Nihad Ferhatović, a member of the board of directors of the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation, spoke at Sarajevo City Hall on the occasion of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day, stressing the importance of education, innovation and connecting young talents in the country and the diaspora.
On this special occasion of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day, we celebrate not just a historic decision but an ongoing responsibility. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina chose a future of independence, standing alongside nations of the world as an equal. However, true independence goes beyond a political milestone—it requires continuous development, education, and innovation to ensure a prosperous future.
The Power of Collective Knowledge
"A country's wealth correlates with its collective knowledge." This insight, derived from a 2011 study by Harvard and MIT researchers, highlights a critical truth: the strength of a nation lies not just in the education of individuals but in the interconnected expertise of its people. Countries that cultivate diverse and specialized knowledge within their workforce can create complex, globally competitive products. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are rich in talent, both within the country and across the diaspora. Yet, there remains much work to be done in uniting these talents for a common goal.
The Role of the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation
Recognizing this potential, Rešad and Edhem Custovic took action in 2015, founding the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation. Their vision was clear: to empower young people through education, technology, and leadership, fostering a new generation of innovators and change-makers.
The Foundation achieves this by connecting experts from diverse fields within the global Bosnian community. Through mentorship, industry internships, study visits, participation in world-class conferences, and specialized research and entrepreneurial programs, young talents receive the support and skills necessary for success. Beyond technical expertise, the Foundation instills values of community engagement, volunteering, and philanthropy—key pillars of a thriving society.
A Decade of Impact
Over the past ten years, the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation has made remarkable strides:
5,000+ professionals and experts from over 40 countries have joined our network.
More than 10,000 young talents have benefited from our initiatives.
We have organized 170+ professional gatherings worldwide.
11 international conferences in Bosnia and Herzegovina have brought over 300 global experts with Bosnian heritage back to the country, some for the first time.
Our efforts have identified nearly 8,000 PhD holders of Bosnian origin worldwide, many of whom are now engaged in various projects with the Foundation.
An astonishing 170,000 volunteer hours have been dedicated to supporting young talent—equivalent to nearly 80 years of full-time work in just a decade.
The Future Depends on Education
Independence is an ongoing responsibility. Today, we must make a decision as significant as that of March 1st, 1992—the decision to invest in education and create opportunities for young people. Bosnia and Herzegovina has the potential to be a prosperous nation, but this vision can only be realized through collective effort.
At the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation, we are committed to this mission every day, but we cannot do it alone. We call upon all individuals—both within Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the diaspora—to support this cause. By investing in education and expanding our collective knowledge, we can build a stronger, more prosperous future for generations to come.
Happy Independence Day, Bosnia and Herzegovina!