The Students’ Peace Declaration

In September 2025, students from across Europe and the Western Balkans have united in Sarajevo to sign the Students' Peace Declaration - an ambitious call for peace, democracy, and cooperation, marking 30 years since the Dayton Agreement and reaffirming youth as agents of change.

Signing of Students' Peace Declaration

In September 2025, the Student Association of the EUPeace Alliance organised the signing of the Students’ Peace Declaration in Sarajevo. The event formed an important part of the broader EUPeace Alliance initiative and brought together representatives from more than 20 universities in the Western Balkans and 30 universities from across the European Union.

Dedicated to promoting Peace, Justice, and Inclusive Societies, the EUPeace Alliance unites nine core member universities that have committed their strategic international outlook in teaching, research, and administration to the Alliance’s shared values and principles. The gathering in Sarajevo provided a platform for intercultural dialogue, cooperation, and a joint commitment to strengthening peace and mutual understanding across Europe.

Strategic Importance and Symbolic Value

The Students’ Peace Declaration Signing brought together representatives of EU institutions, the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the leadership of the EUPeace Alliance, and student leaders from around 40 universities across Europe and the Western Balkans.

More than a ceremonial event, the initiative created a platform for youth-led advocacy, democratic dialogue, and regional cooperation. It highlighted the important role of universities and students in strengthening democratic resilience, promoting civic participation, and advancing peacebuilding in times of political uncertainty and conflict.

Held in Sarajevo on the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the event carried strong symbolic significance. At a time of renewed war in Europe and ongoing political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Declaration sent a clear message from a new generation committed to peace, cooperation, and shared responsibility for the future.

By standing together in Sarajevo – a city shaped by both conflict and coexistence – students reaffirmed that peace is not only a historical achievement, but an active and continuous commitment.

Imran Pašalić, President of the Students’ Parliament of the University of Sarajevo

Sarajevo, a city that carries a strong message of peace, proudly hosts the signing of the Students’ Peace Declaration.

The Signing Ceremony

Held at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 17 September 2025, the Declaration Signing Ceremony united students, decision-makers, and institutional partners around a shared commitment to democratic values, inter-university solidarity, and long-term peacebuilding. The ceremony highlighted the collective role of young people and higher education institutions in shaping a more peaceful, inclusive, and cooperative future for Europe.

10:00 – 10:30 Registration and Welcome
Arrival and registration of participants at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

10:30 – 11:15 Opening Ceremony
National Anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Academic Anthem: Gaudeamus Igitur
Welcome Addresses

Representatives of the Authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Representative of the European Commission
Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, Rector of the University of Sarajevo
Prof. Dr. Evelyn Korn, Chair of the EUPeace Governing Board
Representative of the Student Council of the EUPeace Alliance

11:15 – 12:00 Declaration Signing Ceremony
Formal signing of the EUPeace Declaration by key stakeholders.

12:00 – 13:00 Cocktail Reception
Networking and refreshments at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

13:00 – 13:30 EUPeace-Branded Tram Ride
Departure from the Parliamentary Assembly for a commemorative ride on the EUPeace-branded tram.

18:30-22:00 European Dialogue
Participation in the joint event “European Dialogue” & EUPeace Alliance organised by the French Embassy and the French Institute (Horizon project) – Botanical garden of National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Contact

Imran Pašalić

President of the Student's Parliament of the University of Sarajevo

imran.pasalic@unsa.ba

EUPeace Coordination Office

info@eupeace.eu

EUPeace @ University of Sarajevo

eupeace@unsa.ba

How to support the Students' Peace Declaration

If your institution, organisation or alliance would like to officially support the Students’ Peace Declaration, please submit an official statement of support and fill in the support form at the bottom of the page.

The Students' Peace Declaration

The ‘Students’ Peace Declaration 2025’ was adopted by the General Assembly of the Student Association of the EUPeace Alliance in September 2025 in Sarajevo with the goal of establishing and maintaining peace in the world.

We invite the students of the world to share our commitment to progressive values, while deeply appreciating, respecting, and valuing the language, culture, and traditions of Europe and of every country from which signatories hail.

This declaration originates from engaged and determined students, inspired by the energy within student and youth communities. Responding to the need for peace and a more dynamic transformation of the educational process, our goal is to encourage European society to recognise the value of students and improve higher education as a whole.

Peace is central to the European ideal. While we work hard to improve the conditions of students across the globe, we must remember that without peace there cannot exist any kind of education.

Accordingly, WE, the signatories of this declaration, solemnly affirm the following:

Article 1 – Commitment to Peace

We affirm that peace is the fundamental condition for sustained human dignity, freedom, and cooperative progress necessary for inclusive and transformative individual and social development.

We commit to be unwavering advocates for peace in our communities, institutions, and global society.

Article 2 – Respect for Human Dignity and Rights

We uphold the intrinsic dignity and equal rights of every human being. We commit to promoting and defending academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the rights of students to learn, question, and participate fully in shaping their educational environments.

Article 3 – Unity in Diversity

We recognise and celebrate the richness of linguistic, cultural, and historical diversity among students in Europe and across the world. We affirm that such diversity is a strength and source of mutual enrichment. We will work to foster inclusive environments that respect and uplift all identities.

Article 4 – Rejection of Violence and Discrimination

We unequivocally reject all forms of violence, hatred, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and discrimination. We stand against the use of force to resolve conflict. We call for peaceful, inclusive, and just solutions in all spheres of life.

Article 5 – Right to Study

We are committed to the idea that all students have a sacred right to peace, to study, debate, express their opinion without any fear of revenge. We claim unobstructed access to our rights guaranteed by international conventions as well as national laws, without limitations on any basis.

Article 6 – Role of Students as Agents of Change

We affirm the essential role of students as active agents of social transformation. We will engage in constructive activism, international cooperation, and dialogue to promote peace, justice, and an inclusive society within and beyond our universities.