The findings of the SCORE survey on social cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina were presented at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, during a meeting with the Joint Committee on Economic Reforms and Development, with the aim of bringing closer data that can help institutions better understand trust among people, relations in communities and the needs of citizens.

SCORE, the Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index, is a research tool that shows how people in Bosnia and Herzegovina live together, how much they trust one another and institutions, how strongly they feel part of a shared society, and where there is room to strengthen cooperation. SCORE helps translate complex social relations into clear data that can be used by institutions, local communities, civil society, the media and international partners.

The presentation was organized within the project “Bridges of Trust: Improving social cohesion and resilience in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development (SeeD).

The new SCORE findings show that Bosnia and Herzegovina is more resilient than dominant public narratives often suggest. Social cohesion is at a moderate level, while improvements compared to 2020 have been recorded in several important areas, including intergroup harmony, constructive citizenship and support for Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions.

At the same time, the findings point to challenges that require attention. Intergroup trust remains limited, civic awareness is still relatively low, trust in institutions is uneven, and many citizens express pessimism about the country’s future direction.

One of the most important findings is the gap between everyday life in communities and the broader picture citizens have of the situation in the country. While local relations are often more functional and stable than assumed, concerns about political instability, economic conditions and the future remain strongly present.

“Social cohesion begins with trust, among people, communities and institutions. The SCORE Index provides important data-based insights that can help decision-makers better understand the real needs of citizens and communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Denmark supports this process because we believe that inclusion, dialogue and evidence-based public policies are key to a more resilient and stable society,” said H.E. Åge Sandal Møller, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The findings of the SCORE survey are important because they provide insight into how citizens experience social cohesion, trust and opportunities to participate in public life. For the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, such data can serve as a useful basis for discussions on public policies that respond to the real needs of citizens and communities,” said Ermina Salkičević-Dizdarević, Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Reforms and Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“SCORE is a practical tool that helps us better understand where trust exists, where further investment is needed and how data can be translated into concrete action. The findings show that Bosnia and Herzegovina has significant potential for cooperation, but that this potential needs to be strengthened through civic participation, accountable institutions and work in local communities,” said Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the presentation, SeeD representatives presented key trends from the survey, including five dimensions of social cohesion: intergroup harmony, inclusive belonging, constructive citizenship, support for BiH institutions and sense of progress.

The SCORE survey in Bosnia and Herzegovina was conducted in 2014, 2020 and 2025, providing more than a decade of data on social cohesion, intergroup relations and social resilience.

SCORE findings are designed to be used, not only read. They can help institutions better understand citizens’ needs, support the media in reporting more effectively on social trends, and help communities identify where there is room to strengthen trust, cooperation and civic participation.

In the coming period, the “Bridges of Trust” project will continue with further local-level analyses, dialogue processes and community activities, with a particular focus on women, youth and other underrepresented groups.

SCORE data are available through this link: Social Cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina | United Nations Development Programme