At the 20th Annual Meeting of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS), held from October 16 to 18 in Chicago, Dr. Azra Sadiković succeeded Prof. Dr. Zlatan Akšamija as President of the Academy. The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on BHAAAS’s achievements and discuss its future direction, with a particular focus on engaging younger generations in strengthening connections between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its diaspora.
Dr. Sadiković is an expert in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Born in Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, she has built her professional career in the United States, where she serves as Head of the Division of Gynecology and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
Addressing Academy members, Dr. Sadiković emphasized that one of the key priorities of her presidency will be engaging young people, fostering connections, and creating opportunities for them to use their knowledge and experience to contribute to the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Young people are essential to the future of BHAAAS and to building stronger ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina. We want to encourage them to get involved, connect with our community, and recognize the ways in which their knowledge and engagement can contribute to their homeland,” said Dr. Sadiković.
In his farewell address, Prof. Dr. Zlatan Akšamija reflected on the Academy’s development and the changes he had witnessed during his tenure.
“There was a time when we felt that our work was a constant uphill struggle. Today, I see BHAAAS members and their contributions, and that makes me optimistic,” said Prof. Dr. Akšamija.
The speakers also emphasized the importance of engaging the generation of Bosnian-Herzegovinian descent born abroad, many of whom are now entering their thirties. Strengthening their connections with Bosnia and Herzegovina is essential for long-term cooperation, knowledge transfer, and maintaining ties with their homeland in a broader sense, extending beyond membership in the Academy itself.
BHAAAS is built on connecting scientists, professionals, and artists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and its diaspora, facilitating knowledge exchange, and fostering cooperation that can contribute to the country’s development. The 20th Annual Meeting reaffirmed the importance of this bridge and opened discussions on how to engage younger generations more actively and expand cooperation with institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the years ahead.
BHAAAS extends its sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Zlatan Akšamija for his dedicated service and contributions to the Academy and congratulates Dr. Azra Sadiković, wishing her every success in her new role.
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