Strands
Leadership Wisdom Series
Speaker Bio
Session
Q&A
SPEAKER BIO
Bakir Izetbegović served as President of Bosnia & Herzegovina from 2012 to 2018. He worked as a consultant at an architectural consulting firm from 1982 to 1992 before entering politics in 2000. After serving in two regional assemblies, he was elected to the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia & Herzegovina. His Leadership Wisdom Series session focused on the strong legacy of his father, Alija Izetbegović; the trauma of the Srebrenica genocide; and the importance of justice.
Achieving peace and stability in a world plagued by war and conflict
Former President of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bakir Izetbegović shared his reflections on leading a country which has witnessed a difficult birth, the legacy and challenges of the Bosnian War, the legacy of his father Alija Izetbegović and his vision for achieving peace and stability in a world plagued by war and conflict.
President Izetbegović shared the importance of focussing on the future and the greatness that can be achieved by maintaining this perspective. This is one of the many lessons he learnt from his father, Alija Izetbegović, who spent 14 years of his life in prison for publicly voicing his opposition to the state.
President Izetbegović reinforced that if politics hadn’t affected him and his family so significantly - through the imprisonment of his father - he may not be as politically involved as he is today.
He reiterated that much like his father, one can rise above even the greatest of trials. Despite his imprisonment and the difficulties faced, his father founded his own political party; one that he believed embodied a synergy between Islam and democracy. Consequently, President Izetbegović believes there is a successful future ahead for Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Q&A
Are you optimistic about our collective future? Is there a global crisis in leadership that is now more evident due to Covid-19?
There is a general crisis of ideology and moral code that touches upon and extends to leaders. There is less and less global thinking with leaders turning more inward to their own nations – this was highlighted with the migrant crisis and approach to Covid-19. The closing of borders shattered the EU in the process.
If we look at what is happening around the world, especially in places like North America and Europe, we see a shift towards the far right and ideologies driven by hatred and bigotry. How do we learn from Srebrenica to prevent another genocide taking place?
There is a general crisis of ideology and moral code that touches upon and extends to leaders. There is less and less global thinking with leaders turning more inward to their own nations – this was highlighted with the migrant crisis and approach to Covid-19. The closing of borders shattered the EU in the process.
What is your inspiration?
There is a general crisis of ideology and moral code that touches upon and extends to leaders. There is less and less global thinking with leaders turning more inward to their own nations – this was highlighted with the migrant crisis and approach to Covid-19. The closing of borders shattered the EU in the process.
What is your advice for young politicians?
There is a general crisis of ideology and moral code that touches upon and extends to leaders. There is less and less global thinking with leaders turning more inward to their own nations – this was highlighted with the migrant crisis and approach to Covid-19. The closing of borders shattered the EU in the process.