Dear friends, we are proudly presenting you the Network for Building Peace new Steering Board for the period 2021 – 2025.
Aleksandar Žolja (President of the Steering Board), born in 1973 in Bugojno. He lives and works in Banja Luka. Aleksandar is a professor of philosophy and sociology by education, but as a Program Manager and activist he has 16 years of work experience in the field of human rights of marginalized groups and the media, and reconciliation. The Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Banja Luka (HCA), the organization which he represents, has been a member since the establishment of the Network for Building Peace. In the period from 2012 to 2018, HCA acted as the Secretariat of the Network, where Aleksandar was in charge of coordinating and managing activities and membership of the Network. HCA organized the first strategic planning for the Network, where it all started. Also, HCA transferred the ownership of the Srđan Aleksić Journalist Award to the Network, which enriched its work. Aleksandar advocates for the regional representation of the Network. Through its activities, he wants to strengthen civil society, build reconciliation, develop dialogue and tolerance throughout BiH.
Anja Haverić is a doctor in biological sciences, a geneticist. She works as a senior research associate at the Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo. She has 20 years of experience in scientific research and higher education and 10 years of experience in the non-governmental sector. She is one of the founders and activists of the Association of Geneticists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through which she cooperated with the Network for Building Peace. Through its scientific activities at the local and international level, she wants promote and advance BiH scientific capacities in the field of genetics, genetic toxicology and biomonitoring. By participating in both formal and non-formal education, she helps young people to take full advantage of the opportunities available to make Bosnia and Herzegovina a better place for generations to come. Given her commitment to scientific work and active engagement in higher education, experience in implementing international projects and organizing scientific and professional gatherings, she believes that she can contribute to the work of the Network for Building Peace in the field of education, environmental protection and advocacy for better conditions for young people in BiH.
Dženana Dedić, director of the Local Democracy Agency Mostar. Commercialist with 25 years of experience in non-governmental and international organizations in project management, budgeting and finance. After many years of experience, Dženana has additional informal education in project management in the field of democracy, human rights and local development. Also, she is a member of teams for the development of local development strategies. She is one of the founders of the Balkan Network for Local Democracy and a member of the Steering Board of the Network for Building Peace.
Gordana Bulić was born in 1959 in Tuzla, where she lives and works. Gordana has a master’s degree in economics and has more than 35 years of experience in project management, marketing, organizational management, research implementation and education. She is the founder and manager of the Association of Citizens “Consumer’s Club” Tuzla Canton Tuzla, and co-founder of the Association of Consumers of BiH. She regularly appears in the media and gives statements on the topics of consumer protection and human rights, and participates as an expert in public consultations in the drafting of laws and regulations. Through her engagement on the Steering Board, she wants to support the work of the Network for Building Peace, an organization whose values she shares.
Nerdžis Čaplja (Vice President of the Steering Board), graduated in cultural studies and a master’s degree student in Business Management. Happily employed as a project manager at the Muharem Berbić Foundation. She has been working in the non-governmental sector for over 12 years. Her roles were usually related to program and project management. Areas of interest are peacebuilding, fostering diversity, promoting social inclusion and intersectionality, and entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative sectors. She also loves hiking and to visit mountains in BiH and study cultural and historical heritage of BiH. She advocates the idea of creating a better present and socio-economic prosperity in BiH, using the potential of this beautiful country.
