Reimagining Peace Through Constitutional Reform — Insights from Sarajevo Conference

On April 28, 2025, legal scholars, researchers, and practitioners gathered at the Faculty of Law, University of Sarajevo, for the international conference Constitutionalism and Post-Conflict Societies. Co-hosted by the University of Sarajevo and the University of Barcelona, the event was part of the broader “Constitutions for Peace” research initiative supported by the International Catalan Institute for Peace (ICIP).

The conference provided a platform for critical reflection on how constitutional reform can support coexistence, justice, and democratic renewal in societies emerging from violent conflict or authoritarian rule.

A Journey Through Comparative Perspectives

The agenda brought together a diverse lineup of presentations spanning the Balkans, Latin America, and Cyprus. The opening sessions set the tone, with keynote speaker Dr. Elisenda Calvet Martínez examining how constitutional frameworks shape post-conflict reconstruction.

In the regional panel on the Balkans, Dr. Damir Banović offered reflections on the foundational challenges of constitutional design in divided societies, followed by Dr. Carna Pistan’s insights into the North Macedonian experience. Alenka Antloga discussed the role of international actors in shaping constitutional justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A dedicated session on Bosnia and Herzegovina addressed urgent topics such as electoral law, denial of genocide, and the potential of citizens’ assemblies to promote inclusive reform. These contributions underscored the complexity of navigating legal pluralism, historical grievances, and fragmented governance.

The afternoon session expanded the focus globally. Case studies from Guatemala and Colombia demonstrated the potential—and limitations—of constitutional recognition for marginalized groups, especially Indigenous peoples. A presentation on Cyprus explored the dilemmas of power-sharing in ethnically divided contexts.

The conference also featured a brief intervention by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN BiH), underlining the role of media and civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability during transitional periods.

Looking Ahead: What Next?

The closing discussion emphasized several key takeaways:

• Inclusive constitutional processes must be built from the ground up, integrating citizen participation beyond elite negotiations.

• Transitional justice and constitutional reform should be seen as parallel tracks reinforcing one another.

• Comparative learning remains vital. Despite contextual differences, lessons from Latin America and the Balkans can inform more adaptive, rights-based approaches to post-conflict governance.

• Future work will focus on deepening case study research, fostering regional collaboration, and creating spaces for public dialogue around constitutional questions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.

The Sarajevo conference was a reminder that peace is not only built through treaties and institutions—but also through inclusive dialogue about the values, identities, and structures that shape our shared future.