Reimaging return to Bosnia & Herzegovina: Unforgettable meetup in the US Capitol

More than 70 Bosnians and Herzegovinians from across the United States came together this weekend in Washington, DC for a memorable and energizing community meetup. Guests arrived not only from the immediate DC metro area but also traveled from New York City, Virginia, Maryland, and even North Carolina, showcasing the remarkable reach and commitment of our diaspora community.

Organized by the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation (BHFF) — in partnership with BHeart Foundation, the Institute for Development Impact (I4DI), and the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council — the event blended networking, storytelling, professional exchange, and a forward-looking workshop exploring how diaspora talent can actively contribute to Bosnia & Herzegovina’s future.

A Diverse Community — From First-Generation Immigrants to a New Generation Born in the USA

One of the most striking features of the gathering was the broad diversity of attendees. Among them were: First-generation Bosnians who have lived in the U.S. for decades, young professionals who recently arrived, a new generation of American-born Bosnians discovering their heritage, leaders across business, academia, diplomacy, engineering, medicine, technology, and the arts. This blend created a lively environment where identity, memory, and professional experience came together in an inspiring way.

Opening Remarks: A Unified Message Across Institutions

The event opened with remarks from Andrea Pozder, who addressed the audience on behalf of both the Institute for Development Impact (I4DI) and the Maryland–BiH Exchange Council.

I4DI (https://i4di.org) is a global leader in evidence-based development, analytics, and research, working with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to design impactful programs worldwide.
MBHEC strengthens ties between Maryland institutions and the Bosnian diaspora, supporting economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and community development.

Sabina Djutović-Alivodić spoke on behalf of the BHeart Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering Bosnian women and families across the diaspora. BHeart provides scholarships, mentorship, and community-driven programs that uplift both individuals and the broader diaspora ecosystem.

Dr. Edhem Čustović then delivered a short presentation marking 10 years of the BH Futures Foundation, reflecting on a decade of supporting young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina through scholarships, mentorship networks, internships, industry partnerships, diaspora connections, and global mobility.

His message set the tone: Bosnia’s greatest resource is its people, and its diaspora remains one of its greatest untapped strengths.

Workshop: “From Brain Drain to Brain Gain”

Although many attendees did not expect an interactive workshop, they quickly embraced it, and enjoyed every moment. The 90-minute session was conducted in rotating groups, with participants engaging in two rounds of brainstorming, followed by a lively all-attendee summary discussion.

The workshop explored what it would take to transform Bosnia’s long-standing “brain drain” into a sustainable “brain gain.” Based on all group discussions, the synthesized insights are summarised below.

Workshop Insights: A Synthesis of Community Perspectives

1. Motivations — The Desire to Reconnect is Strong

Participants expressed a deep emotional and cultural connection to Bosnia.
People want to:

  • Give back and contribute to Bosnia’s development

  • Reconnect with heritage, family, and identity

  • Enjoy Bosnia’s social culture, lifestyle, and sense of community

  • Feel purpose in helping build a better future for the country

The motivation to engage or return exists — it simply needs pathways.

2. Barriers — Real Obstacles Require Coordinated Solutions

Across discussions, several consistent challenges emerged:

  • Limited job opportunities and lower wages

  • Political instability, bureaucracy, and corruption

  • Healthcare and education gaps

  • Infrastructure issues (transport, housing)

  • Challenges navigating RS/Federation administrative divisions

  • Cultural, family, and mental health considerations

  • Nepotism and lack of merit-based systems

These are solvable — but require collaboration between government, institutions, and the diaspora.

3. Models of Return — Engagement Beyond Relocation

Participants emphasized the need to expand the definition of “return.”
New models included:

  • Seasonal or part-time return

  • Remote work from BiH

  • Investment-led engagement

  • Mentorship platforms for youth and professionals

  • Exchange programs for diaspora students

  • Business ecosystem development

  • Retirement-focused relocation supported by healthcare options

Return is not binary — it can be hybrid, flexible, and modern.

4. Ecosystem Support — Bosnia Must Be Ready to Welcome Talent

To unlock diaspora potential, Bosnia needs:

  • A Diaspora Hub for support, networking, and business facilitation

  • Better healthcare, education quality, and training systems

  • Improved infrastructure (roads, rail, airports)

  • Incentives for returning professionals

  • Administrative support for dual citizens

  • Digital services and e-governance

  • Programs to attract international students

Bosnia must evolve to match the aspirations of its global citizens.

5. Diaspora Leverage — Impact Without Physical Return

Not everyone can return — and that’s okay.
The diaspora can still transform Bosnia through:

  • Mentorship networks

  • Business-to-business links between U.S. and BiH

  • Cultural promotion and storytelling

  • Leadership summits in STEM, arts, and innovation

  • Creative industries support (film, design, music)

  • Digital platforms connecting diaspora expertise

  • Global marketing to redefine Bosnia’s image

Bosnia’s diaspora is one of its strongest strategic assets.

6. Call to Action — What the Community Wants Next

Participants proposed realistic and high-impact ideas:

  • Pilot projects in tourism, IT, renewable energy, digitalization

  • A diaspora-wide digital collaboration platform

  • Youth immersion and summer engagement programs

  • Short-term medical exchanges

  • A dedicated structure for diaspora conferences and coordination

  • Clearer pathways for diaspora professionals seeking jobs in BiH

  • Initiatives promoting pride, unity, and belonging

The community is not only willing — it is ready to act.

Special Thanks

This event was made possible through the generosity, leadership, and collaboration of several partners: A very special thank you goes to Dr. Azra K. Nurkić and Dr. Emir Nurkić from I4DI, who graciously opened the doors of their outstanding institute and hosted our community with exceptional warmth and professionalism. We are deeply grateful to Sabina Djutović-Alivodić and the BHeart Foundation for partnering with us on the event, facilitating valuable connections, and generously sponsoring the catering. Our appreciation also goes to Merisa Nišić, BHFF Ambassador, who traveled from New York City to support the event on the ground and ensure everything ran smoothly. We extend thanks to Andrea Pozder, representing both I4DI and the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC), for her coordination and logistical support. Finally, we acknowledge Adnan Hadrović and MBHEC for their continued engagement, encouragement, and representation of the Maryland–BiH community.

Looking Ahead

BH Futures Foundation and its partners will continue to build platforms and opportunities for global Bosnians to connect, collaborate, and contribute.

The path from brain drain to brain gain begins with conversations like these — and with people like those who joined us in Washington, DC.

Together, we are building a global network committed to helping Bosnia & Herzegovina grow, innovate, and thrive.

community, meetup, networkingEddie Custovicbosnia, herzegovina, diaspora, washington dc, DC, maryland, virginia, bosna, hercegovina, bosanci, meetup, USA