From 7–12 August 2026, participants from the diaspora, civil society, and local communities will gather
in Bosnia and Herzegovina for this year’s edition of Di-Lok 2026 – a unique event that strengthens
connections between people, ideas, and development opportunities across borders.
Di-Lok is an initiative of the Center for Local Development and Diaspora, launched in connection with
the organization’s establishment in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2010. Since then, the event has evolved
into an important meeting place where diaspora members and local stakeholders can exchange
experiences, build networks, and discuss future opportunities for sustainable development.
A Forum for Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange
The purpose of Di-Lok is to create connections between the diaspora and local communities through joint
activities, dialogue, and the exchange of experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to gain
insights into current opportunities, challenges, and initiatives related to diaspora engagement, return
migration, and local development.
The event is organized during the summer period, when many members of the diaspora return to their
countries of origin. During five intensive days, conferences, study visits, meetings, and cultural activities
will be held, forming a comprehensive program focused on learning and collaboration.
A Program Focused on Diaspora and Local Development
This year’s program begins in Sarajevo and continues to Doboj and Vitez, where participants will meet
local organizations, municipal representatives, and engaged members of the diaspora.
During the study visit, participants will:
• Participate in meetings with local associations and community stakeholders.
• Exchange experiences related to diaspora engagement and voluntary return migration.
• Analyze the success factors that have made Di-Lok a successful initiative.
• Discuss how the concept can be further developed and adapted to other countries and regions.
• Create new networks between diaspora organizations and local communities.
Conference: Return Without Borders
One of the highlights of Di-Lok 2026 is the conference “Return Without Borders – Diaspora Seniors
and Society”, where experts, policymakers, and representatives of the diaspora will gather to discuss how
the experiences, expertise, and resources of diaspora communities can contribute to social development
and create new opportunities for future generations.
The conference will focus particularly on issues related to voluntary return migration, active ageing within
diaspora communities, and how international experiences can be transformed into local development
opportunities.
Building Bridges Between People and Communities
Di-Lok is about more than meetings and conferences. It is about building long-term relationships between
people who share a common heritage but live in different parts of the world. Through dialogue,
cooperation, and knowledge exchange, opportunities are created for new projects, investments, and
initiatives that strengthen both diaspora communities and local societies.
Di-Lok 2026 is a meeting place for everyone who wants to contribute to future development through
cooperation, engagement, and international perspectives. Together, we create new opportunities – across
borders.