prijava
SARAJEVO, December 18 (FENA) – On the occasion of International Migrants Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is organizing an event to present the exhibition 'Imagine Migration', with the support of Sweden through the SDG2BiH program.
More than twenty large-format photographs, accompanied by personal stories and symbolic interpretations presented through AI technology, depict the dreams and journeys of migrants. The exhibition is also an example of how art can strengthen dialogue on inclusion and human dignity.
An Opportunity that Contributes to Development and Prosperity
In an interview with FENA, Chief of IOM Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, David Womble, said that the exhibition is of great importance for everyone because in this way we celebrate culture, creativity, and everything that migrants bring with them—their creativity as a whole.
''Generally, people perceive migration as a negative phenomenon. However, at the International Organization for Migration, we see it as something positive, as a great opportunity that contributes to development, prosperity, economic growth, and truly something that migrants bring to help society as a whole. We celebrate migration through the fashion and art we present,'' Womble said.
According to him, such events carry great significance and meaning.
''In the first week after I arrived in BiH, I attended the opening of Sarajevo Fashion Week. The event also featured creations by the brand 'No Nation Fashion'. It was truly something incredible, because it shapes awareness and perceptions of migration and genuinely brings something positive,'' Womble noted.
Strengthening Culture and Economic Ties
He said that migration should be seen as something that brings richness and diversity, and that this is precisely how the concept of migration should be understood.
''All of us can contribute regardless of who we are or what kind of work we do. The first thing is to see all these people as human beings. These are people who need support, who need a helping hand. These are people who should be seen in terms of their full potential and truly gotten to know,'' Womble believes.
He emphasized that migration should be viewed as an opportunity, not as a difficulty or a challenge that needs to be solved.
He called on everyone to ''see migration as a great opportunity that contributes to strengthening culture and economic ties, and ultimately to strengthening societies themselves''.
Migration Must Be Safe and Orderly
''But for this to be possible, for it to be realistic, migration must be safe, orderly, and organized legally. That is why we all need to make an effort to ensure this happens. If it does, the world will be a much better place, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be much better as well,'' Womble concluded.
At the end of the interview, he thanked the Government of Sweden, which participated in the implementation of today’s event.
''The International Organization for Migration and the Government of Sweden are strong partners. There is also a special connection between Sweden and BiH. As far as I know, a large number of BiH citizens live in Sweden. Therefore, the diaspora link between Sweden and BiH is well known. For this reason, we are truly grateful to the Government of Sweden. The Government of Sweden is very active here in organizing such events,'' Womble said.
The event at which the exhibition ''Imagine Migration'' will be presented begins at 5:00 p.m. at the European House of Culture and National Minorities in Sarajevo (Austrian House).
This activity is part of the program ''Transforming the Sustainable Development Goals Framework in BiH into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth'' (SDG2BiH), financed by Sweden and implemented by UNDP in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women, within the framework of United Nations support to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals Framework, IOM stated.
(FENA) A. B.
