Almost 300 citizens from 237 civil society organization and 14 municipalities and cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina attended presentation of activities of Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans - ReLOaD3 that will be implemented in the next three years.

ReLOaD3, programme that empowers people to take a more active role in decision-making and fosters stronger collaboration between governments and civil society organizations, is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Presentations were held in Bihać, Bileća, Gacko, Han Pijesak, Ilijaš, Kalesija, Nevesinje, Novi Travnik, Prijedor, Rogatica, Sanski Most, Travnik, Trebinje, and Tuzla.

During the presentations, citizens and representatives of civil society organizations were introduced to the program's objectives, cooperation opportunities, and activities that ReLOaD3 will implement to promote constructive dialogue at the local level. 

Citizen forums and dialogues with civil society organizations were also presented, through which an open space for the exchange of opinions, ideas, and joint planning will be developed.

The programme will finance civic initiatives created through the citizen forums, which aim to strengthen the active participation of citizens in improving living conditions and in decision-making processes. In addition, a public call for funding projects by civil society organizations has been announced for Bihać, Gacko, Tuzla and Trebinje, which will be fully aligned with development strategies and local priorities. 

One of those present at the presentation of the ReLOaD3 program in Kalesija was Halid Hadžić from the Youth Association "TRIK". For this Association, which is dedicated to youth activism, ReLOaD3 represents an opportunity to contribute to positive changes in their community. 

"We have many ideas and many creative members, but we need funds to realize and present our ideas to the local community. We want to help our fellow citizens," said Halid. 

ReLOaD3 is a continuation of the previous two phases of the ReLOaD program, which were implemented in the period from 2017 to 2024. The City of Bihać participated in the second phase. 

“We are continuing the success story that in the previous years gave rise to 16 projects of civil society organizations in the Bihać area. We are looking forward to the third phase,” said Elmedin Mehadžić, Deputy Coordinator of ReLOaD3 at the City of Bihać.