URI Europe Leaders Gather in Mostar to Promote Interfaith Dialogue and Peace-building
MOSTAR, June 16, 2026 – The Center for Peace and Multiethnic Cooperation Mostar hosted representatives of the United Religions Initiative (URI), the world’s largest interfaith cooperation network, bringing together organizations and individuals from more than 100 countries worldwide.
As part of the URI Europe regional gathering, Mostar welcomed 35 distinguished representatives of religious communities, civil society organizations, and peacebuilding initiatives from across Europe and beyond. During the multi-day program, participants discussed the challenges facing modern societies, the importance of interfaith dialogue, trust-building, and the role of local communities in preserving peace.
A special highlight of the gathering was the presentation of the International Peace Award of the Center for Peace and Multiethnic Cooperation Mostar to Bishop William E. Swing, founder of URI, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the promotion of peace, interfaith understanding, and the connection of people from different cultures and faiths around the world. The award was also presented to the United Religions Initiative in recognition of its decades-long commitment to building bridges between people and communities.
Addressing participants through a video message, Bishop Swing expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the symbolic importance of Mostar as a city that demonstrates how dialogue, understanding, and cooperation remain the only path toward lasting peace.
During their stay, guests visited Mostar’s most significant cultural, historical, and religious sites, gaining insight into the city’s experience of reconstruction, reconciliation, and coexistence in the aftermath of war. Participants highlighted Mostar as a powerful example of how communities can overcome divisions and build a future based on mutual respect.
Safet Oručević, Director of the Center for Peace and Multiethnic Cooperation Mostar, stated that the visit of URI representatives represents a significant recognition for both Mostar and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Mostar is a city of bridges, encounters, and dialogue. It is our responsibility to share the lessons we have learned through the processes of reconstruction and reconciliation, while also learning from others who work every day to build peace. Gatherings such as this confirm that Mostar holds an important place on the international map of cities promoting a culture of peace and cooperation," Oručević said.
The gathering concluded with a shared message that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a continuous process of building trust, respecting diversity, and creating opportunities for future generations to live in a safer and more just society.