The Sarajevo Conversations – 2011, as part of the First International Conference on Strengths-Based Management of Social Change, piloted and promoted the use of the metaphor “solution societies” in place of the commonly used term “problem societies.” The event offered a modest yet meaningful agenda around which a wide range of papers, ideas, and narratives from across the globe were welcomed.

This inaugural conference laid the foundation for what became known as the Sarajevo Conversations—a platform for ongoing dialogue centered on positive people, positive change, and positive societies, both within the region and globally.

Conference Vision and Purpose

The conference was held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and envisioned vibrant discussions around key themes including:

• The role of youth in national development

• Entrepreneurship and business development

• Corporate social responsibility

• Governance and people-centered practices

• Volunteerism in development

Participants were invited to help shape this initiative, designed to foster transformational dialogue and learning. The event aimed to build a learning society capable of adapting to the increasing demands and aspirations of its people while promoting peace and hope-driven progress.

The conference recognized the monumental challenge societies face in transitioning from centralized control toward empowerment of individuals, communities, and grassroots institutions. This shift, while complex, was seen as both necessary and achievable.

Global and Regional Reflections

The event explored how societies across the globe have responded to transition and adversity. Case studies and success stories highlighted how some nations managed to thrive despite economic, political, or social upheaval, showcasing their ability to foster attitudinal change and resilience-building practices.

Examples were drawn from countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Turkey, and various African regions, all of which have navigated significant political transformations while implementing innovative social strategies. Nations like India and Australia provided insight into how businesses and communities withstood global economic downturns and continued to prosper.

The conference emphasized the central role of youth in national development. It highlighted the importance of nurturing a culture where young people are empowered to engage meaningfully in economic and civic life, supported by leadership committed to their growth.

Conference Sub-Themes

Given the wide-ranging nature of social change and nation-building, the conference focused on transformational change at individual, group, and collective levels. The themes included:

• Transitioning from resilience to hope-building

• Enhancing practice-based skills in social development

• Promoting strengths-based approaches (SbPs) in policy, practice, and research

• Encouraging empowering alternatives to traditional intervention methods

Participants were encouraged to explore questions such as: What has worked? What hasn’t worked? What might work now?—fostering parallel thinking and collaborative frameworks for change.

Illustrative Topics Included:

• Cross-cultural models of transformational change and resilience

• Demographic shifts due to migration and their social impacts

• Human resource consolidation for national progress

• Development of entrepreneurship and small business leadership

• Youth mentoring and leadership building

• Interventions for vulnerable populations, including children, youth, the elderly, and marginalized groups

• Crisis support and asset-based community development

• Public service efficiency and user-focused systems

• Indigenous heritage enterprises and technology-based community strengthening

Conference Participation

The conference attracted a diverse group of professionals, including:

• Corporate and public-sector managers, project leaders, CEOs

• Academics and students in management, psychology, and social work

• Health and medical practitioners, psychiatrists, psychotherapists

• Social workers, rehabilitation consultants, youth workers

• NGO personnel, community developers, spiritual and cultural leaders

• Emergency and disaster response teams, defense and law enforcement officials

• Policy makers, legal professionals, and media representatives

This broad representation ensured that the conference addressed a wide spectrum of applied, clinical, policy, and practice-related issues, enhancing the richness and relevance of its outcomes.