Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe marked its 30th anniversary of humanitarian aid and development assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina with a formal event held in Sarajevo on Monday, 17 February 2025. The gathering brought together local and international key stakeholders, and partners to reflect on Help’s three decades of work. The event featured a video showcasing Help-supported micro and small businesses adopting energy efficiency measures, and a panel discussion on “Local Communities and the Integration of their Economy into the European Market”, with a focus on environmentally friendly production, energy efficiency, and the development of a digital and innovative economy.
In his opening speech, the German Ambassador Dr Thomas Fitschen, underscored the significance of Helps’ work over the past three decades, stating:
“Today, we mark 30 years of humanitarian work, foreign aid, and emergency relief with a German touch. Help became active in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war, providing immediate humanitarian relief under dire circumstances. It has since maintained a stable presence, supporting families who lost everything to rebuild their lives. In recent years, Help has expanded into innovation and fair-trade initiatives, such as establishing the fair-trade store “Spajz” in Sarajevo. The German Embassy has been a steadfast partner of Help from the beginning, and I am proud to see the positive impact made.”
Help’s Secretary General Dr Thorsten Klose-Zuber highlighted the organisation’s longstanding commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating:
“Three decades of solidarity, sustainable support, and strong partnerships is an extraordinary achievement. Since 1995, Help has not only provided emergency relief but also laid the foundation for long-term recovery. From demining land and reconstructing homes to supporting 4,500 small and micro businesses, our focus has always been on enabling people to help themselves. Moving forward, we will continue working in three key areas: socio-economic empowerment, environmental and climate protection, and emergency humanitarian assistance. “
The panel discussion, featuring Ms Mojca Krisper Figueroa, Team Lead for Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms Majda Tolic, GIZ TVET and Labour Market Adviser, Dr Daniel Stinsky, First Secretary and Head of Economics and Development at the German Embassy Sarajevo, and Dr Thorsten Klose-Zuber, Help’s Secretary General, provided valuable insights into how Bosnia and Herzegovina’s local communities can integrate into the European market through sustainable and innovative economic models. The discussion emphasised the need for environmentally friendly production, energy efficiency, and digital innovation as pathways to long-term economic resilience. It also engaged an active audience, who posed thoughtful questions, further enriching the dialogue.
Over the past 30 years, Help has supported more than 70 local communities through 265 projects, positively impacting nearly one-third of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s population. Help’s efforts in reconstruction, economic empowerment, and humanitarian relief have been reinforced by strong collaboration with civil society organisations and partnerships with key donors and supporters ensuring continued impact on communities across the country.
