The Mayor of Sarajevo, Mr. Samir Avdic, visited the International Burch University (IBU) to discuss the guiding principles of his work and explore opportunities for collaboration between the City of Sarajevo and the University. He emphasised that his mandate is founded upon a principled approach, adherence to due procedure, and patient and careful decision-making. The Mayor underlined the importance of the public good as the cornerstone of his administration’s mission, expressing openness to cooperation with all institutions that share these values — including those in higher education.
“Public good must remain the compass of every public institution,” stated Mr. Samir Avdic, adding that the City of Sarajevo aims to strengthen communication with universities and civic organisations in order to create lasting value for citizens.
The Rector of International Burch University, Prof. Dr. Mersid Poturak, proposed a synergy between the City of Sarajevo and IBU, aimed at developing joint initiatives that will contribute to both the local community and the labour market. The University remains open to cooperation with all types of organisations, with the shared goal of generating long-term social and economic value.
“Our mission is to educate both the heart and the mind — to nurture knowledge that serves the community,” said the Rector of IBU, adding that the University’s doors remain open for all partnerships that promote innovation, education, and youth development.
A Dialogue with Students
As part of his visit, the Mayor participated in an interview with IBU students, engaging in an open and inspiring dialogue. He answered a wide range of student questions, addressing topics such as public administration, civic responsibility, opportunities for youth in Sarajevo, and the importance of transparency in local governance. The exchange reflected the Mayor’s commitment to listening to the voices of young citizens and to encouraging their active participation in public life.
IBU – Educating the Heart and the Mind
IBU continues to position itself as a meaningful alternative for young people considering emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering internationally recognised education through its partnership with Stirling Education. Its academic philosophy, built around the concept of “education of the heart and the mind,” promotes not only academic excellence but also empathy, cooperation, and social responsibility.
Through student clubs, sports activities, and the KK Igman Burch basketball team, the University actively promotes sport, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle. Sport is regarded as an integral part of the University’s culture and an important bridge connecting students, academics, and the wider community.
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Youth Empowerment
IBU is a regional leader in fostering entrepreneurial spirit among young people. The University’s Business Incubator has so far hosted over 10,000 young participants through competitions, workshops, and innovation programmes. Some of these participants have gone on to establish their own start-ups, supported by IBU’s comprehensive infrastructure — including workspace, mentoring, and a dedicated University Fund for Start-up Support aimed at the commercialisation of innovative ideas.
Such initiatives directly contribute to reducing unemployment and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The University is actively engaged in Horizon Europe projects, as well as initiatives related to the Green Agenda and digital transformation.
Bridging the Public and Private Sectors
The Rector also highlighted that IBU already cooperates with all public universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is committed to further enhancing dialogue between the public and private higher education sectors. The Mayor, in turn, stressed the importance of properly channelling projects through the City Office for Partnerships, particularly those contributing to the public good, which remains the cornerstone of his administration’s work.
It was agreed that IBU students could take part in meetings with ambassadors and international partners within the framework of the Mayor’s office activities. The Mayor expressed his readiness to directly communicate with relevant IBU offices to facilitate student engagement in these initiatives.
The meeting demonstrated that the synergy between the City of Sarajevo and International Burch University holds significant potential for creating tangible value — from generating new employment opportunities and supporting start-ups to advancing education and improving the quality of life for young people. A shared focus on youth, entrepreneurship, and public good forms the cornerstone of this partnership and serves as a foundation for future cooperation and sustainable community growth.