The Sarajevo Fellowship
Overview
The Humanity in Action journey begins with a rich summer experience of inquiry, debate, and community building rooted in trust and empathy.
July 9 – 31, 2025 | Hybrid Program
The 2025 Sarajevo Fellowship: Through the Prism of the Community
2025 Sarajevo Fellowship is an intensive, interdisciplinary program designed to critically examine Bosnian-Herzegovinian society that brings together young leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe, and the United States, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage with accomplished professionals who have made significant contributions in various fields, including academia, journalism, activism, business, and diplomacy. This year’s fellowship will also leverage the diverse perspectives of Alumni, Senior Fellows and other experts who, though originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, are now active across the globe.
The Sarajevo Fellowship program will provide fellows with an immersive experience that blends interactive workshops, expert-led lectures, and study visits to sites of historical and political significance. Engaging directly with policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives, fellows will explore critical contemporary issues shaping Bosnia and Herzegovina today. They will examine the effects of brain drain and the role of the diaspora, considering how migration impacts economic and social development and how diaspora expertise can contribute to progress. The program will also delve into Bosnia’s geopolitical position, assessing foreign policy challenges, regional cooperation, and global political influences. Economic discussions will focus on the role of the international community and diaspora investments in fostering sustainable development and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the fellowship will investigate the impact of neighboring countries and external forces on Bosnia’s political and economic landscape. Human rights and transitional justice will be central themes, addressing ongoing challenges, post-war justice efforts, and the role of civil society in fostering reconciliation. The program will also explore post-war trauma and collective memory, considering intergenerational impacts, identity struggles, and social cohesion. Through site visits, fellows will gain firsthand insight into the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction, memory politics, and reconciliation efforts, deepening their understanding of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s past and present.
Program Structure
A virtual learning phase (July 9-15, 2025)
Prior to the in-person segment, fellows will participate in a series of online discussions led by Alumni and Senior Fellows, as well as external experts. These sessions will provide foundational knowledge and introduce key themes that will be further explored in Sarajevo. The online portion will serve as a preparatory stage, enabling fellows to familiarize themselves with the complex issues Bosnia and Herzegovina faces today while engaging in critical dialogue with experienced professionals.
Phase 2: In-Person Fellowship in Sarajevo (July 17-31, 2025)
The Sarajevo residency will offer fellows an immersive experience, combining interactive workshops, expert-led lectures, and study visits to historically and politically significant sites and institutions allowing them to witness firsthand the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction, memory politics, and reconciliation efforts.
Phase 3: NED Action Week – Civic Engagement and Advocacy (July 26-31-, 2025)
The program will culminate in the NED Action Week, during which fellows will develop and implement small-scale civic initiatives addressing critical societal issues. With guidance from Alumni and Senior Fellows, they will conceptualize projects that promote democratic engagement, social justice, and community-driven change. These campaigns will serve as tangible outcomes of the fellowship, equipping participants with practical skills and fostering long-term civic engagement.
Dive into the 2024 NED Action Week
2024 NED Action Week Civic Campaigns
The Action Project
After their time in Sarajevo, Fellows run impactful Action Projects in their own communities.
Action Projects are civic ventures led by Humanity in Action Fellows, designed to drive change in their communities and serve as a core, required component of the Humanity in Action Fellowship. Rooted in three core tenets—facilitating dialogue, cultivating understanding, and inspiring action—these projects are implemented across Europe, the United States, and beyond, addressing local challenges with a global perspective. They span diverse focus areas, including educational initiatives, artistic interventions, policy advocacy, and community organizing, reflecting the unique expertise of Fellows and the needs of their communities.
Humanity in Action provides Fellows with project development mentorship and networking opportunities through a dedicated support program, ensuring that each Action Project translates Fellowship insights into tangible community impact. Successfully completing an Action Project grants Fellows entry into the Humanity in Action Senior Fellows network, which offers a wide range of work and research opportunities, as well as potential professional collaborations and personal connections.
The Application Process
Applicants should be aware that the application form does not allow for saving draft responses or returning to complete it later. To streamline the application process, a PDF version with all the questions has been provided for reference. Click here to download.
1. Application Requirements
- Personal Statement (max 500 words)
- An Action Project idea pitched in a 90 sec video
- CV / Resume without a picture
- Name and contact information of one reference
2. Admissions Process
(for Bosnian-based applicants)
Application Deadline: March 16, 2025 (midnight)
Applicants are required to complete the online application form and ensure all necessary attachments are prepared before beginning. It is essential to read all instructions at the start of the form carefully.
First Selection: Late March
All applications will be thoroughly reviewed by a panel of Humanity in Action Senior Fellows, who will select a pool of finalists for further evaluation by the national Humanity in Action Selection Committee.
Online Interviews: throughout April
Finalists will be interviewed by the national Selection Committee. All interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom in small groups of two or three finalists.
Final Selection: first half of May
The final selections will be made. Finalists will receive an answer during the first half of May.
3. Further questions?
Please review our FAQ section below carefully to find answers on eligibility, accommodation, finances and much more.
Become a Fellow
Every year, new Humanity in Action Fellows come together in six cities across Europe and the United States to study how and why people resist intolerance and protect democratic values.
