After Barcelona, All Roads Lead to Mostar: Center for Peace Participates in URI Europe General Assembly
Photo: Center for Peace Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
BARCELONA – As part of strengthening international cooperation and preparing for upcoming major projects, a representative of the Center for Peace participated in the General Assembly of the United Religions Initiative (URI) Europe, held in Barcelona from April 29 to May 3, 2026.
The gathering in the capital of Catalonia, organized under the inspiring slogan “Seeds of Peace,” brought together peace leaders from around the world to exchange experiences in combating hate speech, strengthening dialogue, and building more stable societies.
Mostar Among the Key Topics of Dialogue
During the assembly, the Center for Peace actively participated in several working sessions, including one held at the Barcelona City Hall (Ajuntament de Barcelona).
The international forum was also used as an opportunity to present the mission of the Center and the role of Mostar as a symbol of reconstruction, coexistence, and lasting peace in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the wider region.
Special attention during meetings with European partners was given to the “Mostar Stories” project and other cultural initiatives of the Center, which promote universal human values through historical heritage.
Diplomatic Preparations for the Peace Ceremony in Mostar
Participation in Barcelona also carried strategic importance, as the Center for Peace is currently in the final stages of coordinating an international peace awards ceremony and global gathering to be held in Mostar.
Building International Networks: During the visit, meetings were organized with the influential Japanese organization Sukyo Mahikari, as well as with key representatives of the URI network and the organization AUDIR regarding logistical protocols and institutional branding of major peace events.
International Support: Leaders from across Europe expressed strong support for the work of the Center, recognizing Mostar as an important focal point for future regional peace initiatives.
Exchange of Tools and Knowledge: The Center for Peace was introduced to new tools and methodologies for youth engagement and conflict prevention, which will be implemented in future local projects.
Photo: Center for Peace
A Message of Peace from the Heart of Catalonia
The experiences and conclusions from the URI Assembly in Barcelona, including joint visits to symbols of peace such as the Sagrada Família, will be invaluable in shaping protocols for upcoming activities in Herzegovina.
The Center for Peace emphasized that participation in the Barcelona gathering is yet another confirmation that the voice of Mostar is present on the global map of peace. The experiences gained in Spain will be directly incorporated into the organization of upcoming events in the city, further strengthening Mostar’s role as a true center of dialogue and cooperation.
What is URI?
The United Religions Initiative (URI) is the world’s largest grassroots network dedicated to interfaith cooperation and peacebuilding, actively operating in more than 110 countries through over 1,200 partner organizations and cooperation circles.
Officially founded in 2000 and headquartered in San Francisco, URI also holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Mission and Vision
URI brings together people of different religions, spiritual traditions, and beliefs with one shared goal: to prevent religiously and culturally motivated violence and to build a daily culture of peace, justice, and sustainable coexistence for communities around the world.
Through strategic partnerships, such as this one with the Center for Peace, URI carries a universal message of solidarity from the local level directly onto the global stage.