Youth welfare and recognition initiatives in Croatia and BiH

In Croatia, the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) launched the ‘ABeCeda mentalnog zdravlja’ (ABC of Mental Health) digital campaign to mark World Mental Health Day. Based on the ‘Act, Belong, Commit’ program, the initiative promotes mental well-being through community connection and personal action. In Zadar, local authorities expanded these efforts through Mental Health Month, offering school-based workshops, lectures, and theatrical performances to address issues such as body image, social pressure, and academic anxiety.

Further youth-focused initiatives emerged in Bjelovar, Croatia, where the Children's City Council introduced the ‘Mali ljudi, velika djela – ponos Bjelovara’ (Small People, Big Deeds – Pride of Bjelovar) program. This initiative recognizes children aged 6 to 14 for acts of humanity, solidarity, and selflessness.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, BH Pošta held an awards ceremony for the 55th international youth letter-writing competition. The event highlighted the value of human connection in a digital age, with winners including Adna Omerović, Anđela Ćorić, and Milica Nikoletić.