30 years later, Dayton remains deeply committed to the spirit of peace that first brought the world’s attention here.
In 1995, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base hosted world leaders to sign the Dayton Peace Accords, ending the war and bringing peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was a remarkable moment in history — and Dayton’s involvement didn’t stop there.
Twenty years later, the Bosnian Youth Leadership Program was created through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of State, the City of Dayton and the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo to commemorate the accords’ 20th anniversary. Run by the Dayton Mediation Center and local partners, the program helps students and teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina explore democracy, dialogue and civic engagement.
As the city prepares to mark the accords’ 30th anniversary, it will also welcome this year’s delegation of 18 high school students and three teachers. During their stay, the group will live with host families, experience American culture and visit local sites — including the Human Rights Center at the University of Dayton.
Before the delegation arrives, students working in the Human Rights Center receive dialogue training from UD’s Dialogue Zone and become certified in global competency to help create a collaborative, welcoming environment.
When the Bosnian students are on campus, they participate in discussions on democracy and human rights led by UD students in the Human Rights program, learn about college life in the United States led by the Global and Intercultural Affairs Center and exchange ideas with their peers on how to be engaged in their communities back home.
Human rights studies graduate and current UD law student Gabriela Garlo shared, “My favorite has always been at the start, when everyone participates in a dialogue focused on democracy. Every year, I leave the dialogue learning more from the Bosnian students, recognizing the small differences between us and how those differences shape our perspectives on life.”
The experience benefits everyone involved. The Bosnian students arrive eager to learn and engage, while UD students gain just as much insight and inspiration in return.
“I think experiences like these can broaden your perspective, which is crucial not only from a career aspect but for becoming a more well-rounded person,” Garlo said. “By speaking with people from around the world who have incredible stories and passions, I’ve learned to approach life after college with less of a small-bubble mentality and a greater focus on global development.”
Now in its 10th year — and during a milestone anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords — the program continues to show how peace grows through connection, understanding and shared experience.
If you are interested in the events or programs happening to honor this milestone anniversary, please visit the Dayton Peace Accord Anniversary Committee website.