PRAGG – Proactive Citizens

Across Bosnia and Herzegovina, citizens often find it difficult to turn everyday concerns into decisions that improve their lives. With responsibilities spread across multiple levels of government, navigating institutions and influencing public policies can be complex and discouraging. Even when formal opportunities to participate exist, such as online public consultations, many citizens are unaware of them or do not know how to use them effectively. Yet people are more likely to get involved when they see a clear connection between their participation and the issues that matter most: the needs of their communities, the rights of vulnerable groups and practical solutions to shared problems. This makes local communities essential starting points for collective action, where citizens can organize, make their voices heard and work together to influence decisions that affect their everyday lives.

Target Group

The project puts women, young people, persons with disabilities and other socially excluded groups at the heart of efforts to shape public policies and decisions. Working alongside the civil society organizations that represent their interests, PRAGG builds bridges with authorities at the local, cantonal, entity and state levels to ensure that citizens’ needs and priorities are heard and translated into meaningful change.

PRAGG – KEY RESULTS

PRAGG has contributed to strengthening civic space and democratic practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina by placing citizens and CSOs at the center of change.

More citizens shaping the decisions that affect them
More than 200 civil society organizations and thousands of citizens have taken part in community dialogues, participatory activities and advocacy initiatives across 35+ local communities. Through local campaigns and media outreach, PRAGG-supported initiatives have positively affected the lives of more than 100,000 people. 

Stronger partnerships, greater collective impact
PRAGG has supported the development of 20+ Strategies of Change and the establishment of 13 strategic partnerships, bringing organizations together to address shared challenges and advocate for solutions that reach beyond individual communities.

A stronger voice in public decision-making
Through capacity development, events and Strategic Partnership Grants, CSOs have strengthened their ability to engage in public consultations, policy dialogue and advocacy at local, cantonal, entity and state levels. This support helps bring citizens’
needs and priorities into the processes where public policies and decisions are shaped.

Advocacy that puts people and inclusion first
PRAGG has strengthened the skills and confidence of civil society organizations and citizen activists to represent citizens’ interests and advocate for change. Gender equality, social inclusion, bridge-building, integrity and environmental responsibility are embedded in this work, helping ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are part of public debate.

Dialogue that leads to action
Annual Policy Forums, Civil Society Festivals and other PRAGG events have brought together citizens, CSOs, public authorities, media, academia and the private sector to exchange perspectives and identify shared priorities. These platforms have also helped turn dialogue into concrete follow-up. After the Civil Society Assembly, a joint letter was submitted to the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Shortly afterwards, the Council of Ministers adopted the Strategy for Creating an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development - the first strategy of its kind in the country.

Civil society as a driving force for democratic change
Beyond individual activities and partnerships, PRAGG has invested in the long-term capacity of civil society to mobilize citizens, influence public policies and hold institutions accountable. Broader ambition is a stronger civic space in which citizens and their
organizations are recognized as essential partners in democratic governance and lasting change.

Project website