The past two decades have been a remarkable journey of learning and growth—for both LDA Mostar and the citizens of Mostar and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Democracy is often described as a gradual process, and our experiences have affirmed just how true that is.
The Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in the Balkans embarked on their mission during the turbulent 1990s, amidst the devastating war period, the dissolution of an old societal order, and the creation of new states. These new beginnings were fraught with challenges: deep personal traumas, fragile foundations, and competing socio-political visions. Against this backdrop, the LDAs faced the formidable task of fostering societies rooted in equality, human rights, and opportunity for all.
Established in 1992 by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, the LDAs with the empowering support of our umbrella Association ALDA aimed to strengthen local democracy, promote human rights, and drive sustainable development. LDA Mostar, founded in 2004 as the eleventh Agency, inherited a clear mission but faced a complex reality in the divided city of Mostar.
Mostar’s post-conflict landscape was marked by personal and collective wounds, competing visions for the future, and persistent political and social tensions. It was not an easy environment for an organisation tasked with fostering democracy. Yet, these challenges became a source of motivation. We dedicated ourselves to the people of Mostar—those who live, work, learn, and raise future generations in this city. They deserve a safe, supportive environment where growth and development can flourish.
Over the past 20 years, our work has extended beyond Mostar to numerous communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region through partnerships. We have implemented over 120 projects, built more than 800 partnerships, organised countless events, and reached hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries, collaborators, and supporters. These efforts have always been guided by a single vision: to inspire citizens to become active participants and local authorities to be open, responsive, and accountable.
To make this vision a reality, we have worked diligently with local governments to develop and implement sustainable mechanisms that empower citizens to engage meaningfully in decision-making and policy creation. Building a democratic culture requires shared responsibility—local authorities, civil society organisations, and citizens must all play their part. Only by embracing democratic practices in everyday life can we ensure that democracy becomes a living, thriving culture in our society.
Stronger, more inclusive local communities contribute to global progress. As we reflect on our first 20 years, we are proud of the foundation we’ve built. These years of dedication and commitment to equality and inclusion have prepared us for the challenges ahead.
We remain ready to support those who need it and to collaborate with partners who share our vision. Our unwavering belief is that thriving communities and a just society can only be achieved through genuine cooperation and mutual understanding.
Together, we can continue visioning a better future for all by building democratic and inclusive local communities.
Good Governance
“It is a privilege to collaborate with the Local Democracy Agency Mostar in advancing good governance principles through the Council of Europe’s Centre for Expertise for Good Governance and the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) program, implemented for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. LDA Mostar’s tireless work on the ground over the past 20 years has been instrumental in shaping citizen-centred governance practices that reinforce the very foundations of democracy in local communities. Their efforts, alongside partners such as LDA Zavidovići, to bring the principles of transparency, accountability, and civic participation into 12 municipalities and cities in BiH demonstrate an enduring commitment to improving the quality of local governance and trust between citizens and their representatives. We warmly congratulate LDA Mostar on their 20th anniversary and commend their profound dedication to building resilient, democratic institutions across BiH. Their unwavering engagement, from supporting the first Citizens’ Assembly in Mostar to bringing the ELoGE methodology to life, exemplifies the crucial role they play as agents of change. The Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo looks forward to continued collaboration in fostering inclusive, responsive, and effective governance, which brings BiH ever closer to European standards and integration.” – Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo.
“Over the past twenty years, LDA Mostar has significantly contributed to the growth and progress of many local communities in BiH through its commitment, expertise, and vision. Thanks to your engagement, the municipality of Žepče is now more competitive and attractive for new investments and business. We have received the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE), which places us among the local governments that have demonstrated high management standards, making us one of the best-managed local governments. This brings us a reputation as a reliable and effective partner and opens opportunities for collaboration and experience exchange with other municipalities and cities.” – Mato Zovko, Mayor of Municipality Žepče.
Citizens Participation
“Welcome to Electionville’ allows participants to learn how the local government and democratic process’s function. It is also a tool for practising fundamental democratic rights and values. This is something we should all continuously practise because: Democracy is worth protecting – every day and by all of us. The freedom of choice, speech, opinion, and love can never be taken for granted. The same goes for every person’s right to make an impact, vote, and be treated equally under the law.” – H.E. Helena Lagerlöf, Swedish Ambassador to BiH.
“LDA Mostar has always been the voice of the citizens and reminded us to ask, ‘What do citizens want?’. You are such strong and effective advocates for bringing governments, administrations, and civil society closer together in the interest of citizens and voters. We are proud to be partners in a project that has enabled the formation of a consortium of civil society organisations and resulted in benefits for an unprecedented number of citizens in Mostar. We are especially proud of the collaboration between local authorities and civil society under your guidance, and of your commitment to ensuring that young people are fully included and help improve long-term opportunities for change and reform. I am confident that together we will continue to create positive changes.” – H.E. Julian Reilly, UK Ambassador to BiH.
“Twenty years of activity in the field of local democracy should be celebrated. Congratulations to all who are dedicated to the work of LDA Mostar and its noble mission. The Embassy of France in BiH, the French Institute in BiH and the French Development Agency (AFD) are proud to be one of the historic partners of LDA Mostar. Youth and entrepreneurship, rural development and environmental protection, cultural heritage and development of local communities, these are the foundations on which you will be able to work through the Boost program together with the French team.” – Nj.E. François Delmas, Ambassador of France in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I’m always inspired by the work that LDA does, not only here in Mostar but also across the country and the region. To me, LDA Mostar is a beacon of hope. When you bring the right people together, you bring the community together. You’ve shown time and again that real change is possible. LDA is a reminder that democracy thrives in local communities.” – Timothy Jenkins, Regional Representative to the WB, People in Need.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated team at LDA Mostar, whose tireless energy, expertise, and constant positivity were invaluable to our project’s success. Through the ‘Project Mostar – Spaces to Activate and Rejuvenate,’ we worked together to make inclusivity for all citizens of Mostar a tangible reality, bringing culture from the margins into the heart of the community. Thank you, LDA Mostar, for 20 years of inspiring commitment that continues to motivate organisations and individuals alike.” – Alen Mašić, ”Klub Mostrip” president.
‘’When we finally reach our end and settle down, we won’t be returning to our birthplace first, but Bosnia, where you are. You gave us hope and faith in humanity once more. Great men live here. Thank you all. We’ll see you next time.’’ – beneficiary of the project ‘’IMPACT’’.
Active Youth / Youth Participation
“After completing my studies, I worked as a youth worker with LDA Mostar on the project ‘’Balkan Regional Platform for Youth Participation and Dialogue’’. In addition to regional activities, I would emphasise the establishing and co-leading the Local Advisory Group in Mostar. Through this project, we collaborated with young leaders from the city and representatives of the relevant institutions, actively contributing to proposal development and activity planning. At that time, Mostar hadn’t held elections for years, and I felt especially proud of LDA’s activism in pushing for the electoral process to be re-established” – Vlatka Lučić, Youth Worker, ‘’Balkan Regional Platform for Youth Participation and Dialogue’’ project.
“Through years of involvement and volunteering with LDA Mostar, I’ve gained valuable experience in both formal and informal education. These experiences have enriched not only my academic journey but also my personal life in countless ways. Above all, I’m grateful for the friendships and connections I’ve made with young people from diverse cultures, which have broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding.” – Tarik Kreso, participant of several Erasmus+ projects of LDA Mostar and certified trainer for PAR methodology.
“Aside from the necessary knowledge and skills we have acquired, I dare say that the Fronterra program was an eye-opening experience encouraging us to be proactive, to connect with each other, and to create our own career paths. This program enriched me personally and professionally. I met my colleague, and now my friend as well, psychologist Vedina Ajanović. After our first meeting, we combined our individual ideas related to psychology and nutrition, resulting in the Multidisciplinary Center for Healthy Habits. Throughout our journey, up to today, LDA has been our companion and support. Thank you for everything, and I look forward to seeing what innovative ideas you have prepared for us in the next 20 years.” – Fronterra Program participant, Nevena Pandža