Young people and students are the most valuable resource of The Republic of Srpska, said Prime Minister of The Republic of Srpska, Savo Minić, during the lecture “The Republic of Srpska – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”, delivered on 2 June 2026 at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Banja Luka.
Addressing students and members of the academic community, Minić emphasized that the Republic of Srpska is expected to undertake significant investments in road infrastructure, energy capacities, rural development, demographic policy, as well as in opening up to new markets and strengthening regional cooperation.
He particularly highlighted the importance of investing in education and young people, stressing that long-term development is impossible without science and quality education.
“We are continuously working to improve student standards, facilitate studying and everyday life for young people coming from other areas, and provide the best possible conditions for education through modern infrastructure, equipment, academic programs, and student exchanges,” said Minić.
He noted that the Republic of Srpska needs educated, determined, and responsible young people who will direct their knowledge and capabilities towards its progress and development.
“The Republic of Srpska needs all of you—determined and ready to dedicate your knowledge and capacities to its progress and development. Together, we should build a more secure future devoted to advancement and prosperity,” Minić stated.
He added that all citizens have an obligation to preserve the Republic of Srpska and contribute to its continued progress, stressing that it is economically and politically stable, self-sustainable, and capable of responding to contemporary challenges.
The Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, pointed out that the University enjoys strong support from the institutions of the Republic of Srpska in creating better conditions for work and study, emphasizing that the results of this cooperation are visible through numerous infrastructure projects currently being implemented in the Campus.
“We have had the opportunity to see several projects that are being implemented in the University Campus thanks to funding provided by the President of the Republic of Srpska and the Government of the Republic of Srpska,” said Rector Gajanin.
He emphasized that study conditions in the Republic of Srpska are improving year after year and expressed confidence that this positive trend will continue in the future.
“Study conditions are constantly improving, and we are confident that this trend will continue. The same applies to the working conditions of academic staff, which have been significantly enhanced thanks to the continuous support of the institutions of the Republic of Srpska,” Rector Gajanin stated.
According to him, the Government of the Republic of Srpska is also paying special attention to improving the financial status of employees in higher education.
“The Government of the Republic of Srpska is committed to improving the standard of living of employees in higher education, and we are grateful for that support,” the Rector said.
The Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Draga Mastilović, PhD, stated that students are the most important strategic resource of the Republic of Srpska and announced increased investment in science and research.
He noted that an intensified cycle of funding for scientific research activities is planned for this year and that allocations for research projects next year will be significantly higher than in previous years.
“A very important project awaits us this year—the construction of a Science and Technology Park in the University Campus, which will serve as the backbone of scientific and technological development in the Republic of Srpska,” said Mastilović.
He thanked the Government of the Republic of Srpska and Prime Minister Minić for supporting development activities in higher education, science, and student welfare, emphasizing that significant progress has been achieved in these areas.
Mastilović recalled that substantial funds have already been invested in the construction and renovation of university infrastructure, directly contributing to the improvement of higher education quality.
“Our goal is to keep as many young people as possible in this region and provide them with the highest-quality education in the Republic of Srpska. I believe we are moving in the right direction,” Mastilović emphasized.
The lecture was attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Milica Balaban, PhD, Prof. Dalibor Kesić, PhD, Prof. Aleksandar Ostojić, PhD, and Prof. Kristina Pantelić Babić, PhD, University Secretary General Josif Ilić, Chair of the University Steering Board Prof. Biljana Antunović, PhD, deans, vice deans, students of the University, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska Prof. Željko Budimir, PhD, as well as representatives of institutions of the Republic of Srpska.
Tour of the Campus
Prior to the lecture, Prime Minister Minić, accompanied by Rector Gajanin, Minister Mastilović, and members of the Rector’s team, visited the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, the Academy of Arts building, the Center for Support for Students with Disabilities, and the University Campus.
Photo: D. Desnica
