On February 14, 2026, on the premises of the Union of National Minorities of the Republic of Srpska, the working Electoral Assembly of the Association of Slovenians "Triglav" was held.
After the introductory part, the election of the working presidency and the election of the president of the Assembly of the Association, the current president Mladen Lunić presented the results of the work of the previous three years, through a detailed narrative and financial report.
When it comes to the results achieved, in the period from 2023 to 2025, the Association of Slovenians of the Republic of Srpska "Triglav" Banja Luka achieved a significant volume of activities (84) that confirms its role as a leader in preserving the Slovenian identity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Key results include:
- Cultural continuity: Successful implementation of traditional events such as "Slovenian Day" and "St. Martin’s Day", as well as noted performances of choirs and folklore in the country and abroad.
- Educational stability: Revitalization of Slovenian language classes, resulting in an increase in the number of students in the school year 2025/26.
- Historical testimony: Production of the documentary film "100 years of Slovenians in Slatina", which remains a lasting heritage and a key tool for strengthening national consciousness.
- Expansion of activities: Establishment and successful operation of new sections (mountaineering section "Runolist" and culinary section), which enriched the content for membership of all generations.
- Institutional cooperation: Strengthening ties with the mother country Slovenia, the Embassy, local authorities and the academic community through projects such as the "Slovenian Classroom" and the planting of the oldest grapevine.
Lessons learned and good practices were highlighted, of which the following can be highlighted:
- Adaptation as a key to survival: The ability of the Association to recognize challenges (such as student dropout or changes in teaching staff) and respond in a timely manner has proven to be crucial for stability.
- The importance of inclusion: Closer cooperation within the Association can contribute not only to a better promotion of Slovenian culture, but also to stronger intergenerational connections among our members.
- The power of volunteerism: The management of the Association through 70 consensus-based Executive Board sessions has confirmed that transparency and democratic dialogue are the best models for preserving the unity of the membership.
- Digital and media presence: Regular communication via the website and excellent cooperation with public services (RTRS, RTV Slovenia) have proven to be essential for the visibility and social impact of the Association.
This was followed by the report of the Supervisory Board, presented by Mira Dojčinović. All three reports were unanimously adopted.
After that, the next item on the agenda was the election of the new leadership. Those present unanimously adopted the proposal of the new leadership in the following composition:
EXECUTIVE BOARD:
- Ivan Memon, President,
- Olga Suvajac, Vice President,
- Bernarda Pleša, President of the Board for Cultural Activities,
- Marija Petković, President of the Board for Education and Sports,
- Dubravka Gaćanović, President of the Board for Humanitarian and Social Affairs,
- Aleksandra Kelečević, President of the Board for General and Legal Affairs,
- Ana Marjanović, President of the Board for Public Relations and Marketing Activities,
- Boris Katan, Member,
- Mladen Bubonjić, Member,
- Boris Kecman, Member and
- Anita Čemažar Marković, Member.
SUPERVISORY BOARD:
- Mladen Lunić, President,
- Mira Dojčinović, Member and
- Zdenka Jelić, Member.
The new president briefly addressed those present and, among other things, noted that in the coming period he would continue in the same direction as the previous president and that he would work on greater inclusion of young people in the work of the Association.
The item discussed various ways to attract new members, as well as announcing the Association's activities and organizing culinary and networking workshops.
The most significant conclusions of the Electoral Assembly are that the Association of Slovenians of the RS "Triglav" Banja Luka in the period 2023–2025 operated in a stable way, continuously and fully in accordance with its statutory commitment. The achieved results do not only represent a statistical success, but also form a solid moral and organizational basis for further development and improvement of work.
Despite objective limitations in financial and human resources, the Association, thanks to the enthusiasm of its members, achieved top results in preserving Slovenian culture, language and tradition. In this way, we have not only preserved the roots of our ancestors, but we have additionally strengthened the role of the Slovenian community as a respected and indispensable partner in the local community but also in the wider European cultural space.
Ana Marjanović
