LJETNE ŠKOLE 2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

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Women, Peace and Security Summer School – Second Edition

Women, Peace and Security in Practice:

Preventing Divisive Narratives and Strengthening Social Cohesion

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The University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security Studies, with the support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund, invites students from the Western Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo1) to apply for the second edition of the Women, Peace and Security Summer School, to be held in Sarajevo from 14 to 18 September 2026.

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This year’s programme will explore the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the context of growing polarization, hate speech and divisive narratives, with a particular focus on on their impact on peacebuilding, security, social cohesion and women’s meaningful participation. Recognizing the important role of young people in building more inclusive and resilient communities, the programme will also introduce a youth, peace and security perspective, examining how students and young peacebuilders can contribute to prevention, dialogue and more inclusive peace processes. Through interactive lectures, discussions and practical exercises, participants will strengthen their understanding of the links between gender, youth, security and peace, while developing practical tools to recognize, prevent and respond to harmful narratives in their communities.

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Programme Overview

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The five-day programme combines lectures by international and regional experts with practical workshops, case studies, and simulation exercises. Special emphasis will be placed on prevention-oriented approaches within the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including the role of education, media literacy and inclusive dialogue in addressing hate speech and divisive narratives. The programme will also examine policy and institutional responses, as well as practical strategies for strengthening women’s and young people’s participation in peacebuilding and social cohesion efforts.

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Eligibility

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The programme is open to students in their 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate studies and 1st or 2nd year of graduate studies in:

• Security studies

• Law

• Political science

• Gender studies

• International Relations

• Related disciplines

 

Applicants must be from Western Balkan countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo1).

 

 

Costs and Funding

 

Participation in the programme is free of charge. Participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses.

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The organizer provides:

• Accommodation for participants outside Sarajevo in shared hotel rooms, half board

• Lunch for all participants during programme days

• Refreshments during sessions

• Study materials

• Certificate of completion, awarded to participants who attend all sessions

 

 

Application Requirements

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Applicants must submit:

• CV

• Motivation letter (max. 500 words)

• Proof of student status

All interested candidates are required to submit their application via the official online form no later than July 12, 2026.

 

 

Selection Criteria

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Selection will be based on:

• Quality and clarity of motivation letter

• Academic relevance, performance and engagement

• Demonstrated interest in Women, Peace and Security, peacebuilding, social cohesion, prevention of hate speech and divisive narratives, and/or youth engagement

• Previous experience, including academic, volunteer, community or advocacy work

• Leadership potential and motivation to apply acquired knowledge in studies, work and/or local communities

 

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to using the knowledge and skills gained through the Summer School to contribute to inclusive dialogue, peacebuilding and social cohesion in their communities.

Regional and gender balance will be taken into consideration.

Selected candidates will be notified via email.

 

1 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.