The annual meeting of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS) was held in San Diego (USA). For more than a decade, this organization has been connecting experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora with the aim of advancing science, medicine, technology, art, and education. During the meeting, participants discussed how to present the value and importance of joining BHAAAS to young successful people in the United States, as well as how to make this platform even more appealing to new generations of professionals and leaders.
This year's meeting reflected the organization’s growth and increasing international influence, with the key decision being the election of Prof. Dr. Zlatan Akšamija as the new president of BHAAAS, along with the confirmation of new partnerships and institutional support.
Prof. Dr. Zlatan Akšamija, a distinguished scientist and long-time member of BHAAAS, assumed the leadership role with the message that the organization is entering a new phase of development, particularly focused on creating opportunities for young researchers and professionals.
“It is a great honor for me to take on the role of President of BHAAAS, an organization that has grown into an established and internationally recognized institution. For years, BHAAAS has connected experts from the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina through the exchange and transfer of knowledge in both directions, strengthening academic, scientific, and professional ties between the two countries. Our greatest strength is our people, especially the young generations of experts and innovators from BiH and the diaspora. We have recognized that one of the key challenges for our growth in the U.S. is involving younger generations of our diaspora, and their enthusiasm and new perspectives will be crucial for future development. As president, I want to further strengthen this two-way cooperation and open even more space for projects that will bring concrete results and long-term impact for both countries.”
During the meeting, the importance of BHAAAS in connecting the two countries through professional networks, knowledge exchange, and joint projects was emphasized. Special support was expressed by the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The Bosnian-American diaspora is a strong bridge that connects our countries through science, technology, and intellectual exchange. I encourage BHAAAS to expand its activities to attract American companies and investments to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The U.S. Embassy remains your partner and we will continue to support your activities,” stated the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in BiH, Mr. John Ginkel.
A clear message on the importance of cooperation with BHAAAS, especially in the medical sector, also came from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The General Director of the University Clinical Center in Sarajevo, Prim. Doc. Dr. Alen Pilav, emphasized the desire to bring science and education back into clinical practice:
“We are very interested in training programs and view BHAAAS as an important partner. Our goal is to return knowledge and science to the Clinical Center. I would like the next BHAAAS Days conference to be held partly at our center.”
The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Washington, Sven Alkalaj, praised the volunteer and professional contributions of BHAAAS:
“Through your engagement, a community has been created that connects Bosnia and Herzegovina with the United States in the fields of knowledge, science, and technology. BHAAAS Days have become a key event for the academic community in BiH, and your work contributes to the development of new generations of experts. On behalf of the Embassy of BiH in Washington, I thank you for everything you do for the prosperity of our country.”
A strong message of support was also sent by the Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, Mr. Sevlid Hurtić, highlighting the importance of the academic diaspora:
“You are the strength of our diaspora—top experts, intellectuals, and visionaries. The Ministry recognizes the importance of your work and your contribution to our country,” he said, calling on other state institutions, organizations, and experts abroad to get involved in the work of BHAAAS.
Speeches and support for the work of BHAAAS were also given by Prof. Asif Šabanović, Secretary of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ANUBiH), as well as representatives of the BH Nordic Forum (Dr. Amra Osmančević), the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Medical Association in Germany (BHAEG – Dr. Damir Smajlović), and the Bosnian Academic Society in Austria and the EU (Siradja Duhan).
The annual meeting in San Diego presented a clear vision: strengthening scientific and professional ties between BiH and the United States, creating opportunities for young talents, and advancing international cooperation.
With strong support from domestic and international partners, BHAAAS is entering a period of intensive expansion of its activities. The organization will further develop projects in the fields of medicine, technical and natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, arts and creative industries, sustainable development, and student programs.
The crown of these efforts remains the organization’s largest annual gathering—the BHAAAS Days conference, which continues to be a key platform for knowledge exchange, scientific development, and professional networking among experts from BiH and the diaspora.
Through these activities, BHAAAS continues to build strong bridges of cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and experts around the world, strengthening its role as the leading diaspora organization in the fields of science and education.
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