The Symposium 'Diplomacy in Sports as a Social Phenomenon for International Promotion and Development of Bosnia and Herzegovina' was held under the organization of the Association International Academy of Sciences and Arts in Bosnia and Herzegovina (IASAinBiH) and the special partner, the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In a time of complex international relations and challenges, diplomacy is taking on new forms and mechanisms of action. One of the most effective, yet often underutilized tools of modern diplomacy is sports. Sports is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies – and at the same time serves as a powerful instrument for international promotion of a country, affirmation of positive values, building internal cohesion, and connecting with global actors.

In a packed multimedia hall of the Olympic Committee of BiH, before numerous guests, renowned lecturers, academics, ambassadors, BiH diplomats, Olympians, and sports professionals delivered lectures and participated in a panel discussion on the topic of 'Diplomacy in Sports.' The symposium was opened with a video address by Academician Asim Kurjak, President of IASAinBiH, who emphasized the importance of diplomacy in all spheres of life. After the opening of the symposium, on behalf of the member of the Presidency of BiH, H.E. Dr. Denis Bećirović, the head of the cabinet, Dr. Alija Kožljak, addressed the audience, concluding his inspirational speech with the sentence: 'Let our goal be simple yet magnificent: for the world to recognize BiH for its values, for its athletes, and for its ability to always play fair, bravely, and with dignity – both on the field and in diplomacy.' The symposium was officially opened by the President of the Olympic Committee of BiH, Academician Izet Rađo.

Dr. Semir Osmanagić spoke about sports as a universal ambassador for dialogue and development, MSc Ivan Tomić discussed the power of sports diplomacy at the global level, and Academician Srgjan Kerim prepared a video presentation on how sports knows no boundaries.

The panel discussions addressed key issues of sports diplomacy, featuring H.E. Luigi Soreca, the Ambassador of the European Union in BiH; H.E. Francois Delmas, the Ambassador of France to Bosnia and Herzegovina; H.E. Sarah Eti Castellani, the Ambassador of Italy in BiH; H.E. Dragan Jaćimović, the Ambassador of BiH to North Macedonia; Academician Nerkez Arifhodžić, diplomatic advisor to a member of the Presidency of BiH and a long-time ambassador of BiH; Mr. Sci. Samir Avdić, the Mayor of the City of Sarajevo; and Academician Izet Rađo, President of the Olympic Committee of BiH.

The second panel focused on the contribution of top athletes to creating the best image of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the world, featuring sports ambassadors of BiH: Amel Tuka, Olympian and BiH athlete; cyclist Lejla Njemčević; Toni Zorić, president of the Cycling Federation of BiH; Mire Klepić, president of the BiH Curling Federation; Dževad Alihodžić, Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of BiH; Dr. Sci. Fuad Čibukčić, Executive Director of IASAinBiH and Vice President of the International Relations Commission of the Olympic Committee of BiH; as well as video addresses from Edin Džeko, the celebrated BiH footballer; Lana Pudar, Olympian and the best BiH swimmer; Jure Franko, Olympian and silver medalist at the 1984 Winter Olympics; Adis Bećiragić, the recent head coach of the BiH basketball team; and Momir Jelovac, a prominent sports journalist, who shared with us the importance of representing Bosnia and Herzegovina through sports.

All panelists unanimously accepted the Symposium Declaration presented by the President of the Olympic Committee of BiH, Academician Izet Rađo.

The Declaration sets the following priority goals and directions of action:

1. Inclusion of sports diplomacy in the official foreign policy and promotion strategies for BiH, recognizing sports as a key tool for international promotion and peacebuilding.
2. Increasing state support for elite athletes and Olympians as ambassadors of BiH through adequate preparations, rewards, and state protocol.
3. Introducing the diplomatic category of 'Athlete Ambassador of BiH' and their active involvement in diplomatic activities worldwide.
4. Developing programs to support young talents and gender equality in sports and diplomatic initiatives.
5. Encouraging collaboration with embassies, international organizations, and connecting sports with culture, education, and youth.
6. Investing in international sports events and sports infrastructure in BiH as important segments for promoting the country.
7. Establishing mechanisms for transparent monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the declaration.
8. Connecting sports diplomacy with sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

The symposium demonstrated that sport is a universal language and a powerful tool of diplomacy. It strengthens the reputation of a country, connects people, attracts investments and opens doors to international cooperation.