Division of Global Affairs Media Relations

On September 24^th, 2009 the Division of Global Affairs had the honor to host Dr. Haris Silajdzic, Bosniak Member of the Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina. President Silajdzic’s lecture focused on the Balkan Diaspora and the future of the Balkans. The event commenced at 7:00pm in the Bove Auditorium, Engelhard Hall, drawing a crowd from the Bosnian community in the NJ/NY area. Following introductory and welcoming remarks by Simon Reich (Director, Division of Global Affairs), Steven J. Diner (Chancellor, Rutgers-Newark) and Aras Konjhodzic (President, Federation of Balkan American Associations), the President took the podium and charmed the audience with his fresh perspective on Balkan politics.

President Silajdzic focused his lecture on the Bosnian Diaspora. He talked about how Bosnians living overseas could contribute vastly to Bosnia & Herzegovina’s political, economic and educational institutions if they returned. Making research and education at Bosnian universities a top funding priority, he stressed, is essential to the transformation of the Bosnian economy into one that can contribute to Europe. This was the basis on which he built an optimistic prediction for Bosnia’s future. With a sound and well funded research and education program, that had close collaboration with universities in the West, President Silajdzic argued that Bosnia could then exploit its geographic position and natural resources in a way that would benefit all segments of Bosnia’s diverse ethnic demographics. Thus, citing Bosnia’s rich renewable energy resources, including hydro-electric and geothermal energy, the President laid out his vision for Bosnia as an energy hub providing clean sources of energy to Western Europe. He thanked the Division of Global Affairs and Rutgers University for initiating partnerships with Bosnian universities which he felt was a historic step to fulfilling his economic objectives for Bosnia.

President Silajdzic’s road to prosperity in Bosnia was not limited to research and education. The President also emphasized that Bosnia’s eventual admission into multilateral institutions, such as NATO, is essential to changing the psychology of the diverse ethnic communities to one of unity rather than one teetering on the brink of civil war. He also gave a realistic assessment of Bosnia’s admission to the European Union, acknowledging that Bosnia would require more time to become a member however he is optimistic about an accelerated path to EU membership.

Following the lecture, a formal reception took place in the Berson Board Room where invited guests had the opportunity to informally interact with the President and his staff.