Yesterday in Sarajevo, the Federal Conference titled "Speaking about opportunities and creating them" took place, focusing on reforming the system for assessing children with disabilities, in line with the International classification of functioning, disability, and health. The conference was jointly organized by the Federal ministry of labor and social policy and UNICEF, with funding from the European Union.

The ultimate goal of the reform is to maximize the use of a child's functional capacities for better inclusion in all life activities. During the conference, the results achieved so far were presented, along with the next steps for expanding the reform. The reform model is currently fully implemented in the Herzegovina-Neretva and Zenica-Doboj cantons, while in the Una-Sana and West Herzegovina cantons, it is in the introduction phase.

Belma Mujezinović, director of Foundation Second, also attended the conference and stated:

"Participating in today's event is an exceptional opportunity for us to contribute to strengthening the support system for children with disabilities and their families. The key to successful reform lies in an interdisciplinary approach and the participation of all relevant stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child. Foundation Second remains committed to raising awareness about the importance of this topic and providing support for its implementation."

At the opening of the conference, Prof. Dr. Sc. Milenko Bevanda, Minister of health, labor, and social welfare of the Herzegovina-Neretva canton, emphasized:

"Our shared goal is to establish a fairer support system for families and children with developmental disabilities through continuous support in enhancing the abilities of children with developmental difficulties. I am confident that the conference participants, through discussions, examples of best practices, and challenges faced during the reform of the current system, will contribute to the development of a new assessment system."

Antonio Šimunović, Minister for labor, social policy, refugees, and displaced persons of the Zenica-Doboj canton, highlighted:

"The challenges in child development clearly point to the significance of timely identification of difficulties, the need for multisectoral collaboration, and the improvement of standards in this vital process, to ensure the child's best interest and enable their development without delay."

The conference brought together experts from various sectors, government representatives, civil society, and international organizations, who shared best practices and identified challenges in the further implementation of the reform. The presence of Foundation Second at this event further confirms its role in empowering the rights of children and families in Bosnia and Herzegovina.