Jasmina Ovčina of CISP is a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy

A special recognition for extraordinary work

On September 4^th, the Ambassador of Italy in Sarajevo, Marco Di Ruzza, presented Jasmina Ovčina, CISP Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the title of Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy), awarded to her by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and ‘conferred to those who have acquired particular merits in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation with other countries and ties with Italy*’.

Jasmina, a crucial figure in CISP's work in Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years, received the prestigious award for her constant commitment and dedication to cooperation and development projects and, in particular, for the successes related to the NaturBosniaHerzegovina initiative, financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and dedicated to protecting the environment and nature and promoting sustainable tourism in the country.

In the words of Ambassador Di Ruzza, ‘Dr. Jasmina Ovčina is a reference point of consolidated importance and complete reliability for the presence of Italian civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, perfectly harmonising her work with the action of the Italian Authorities, which is aimed at promoting national reconciliation processes and at the same time developing in the country a green diplomacy that is particularly focused and sensitive to environmental issues.’

‘This important recognition,’ Ambassador Di Ruzza emphasised, ’confirms the attention Italy pays to green diplomacy in its action in Bosnia and Herzegovina through a broad and articulated package of initiatives, which also includes the now well-known Via Dinarica project. I recall with particular pride that our Embassy, precisely for its constant commitment in this sector, was awarded the 2022 Green Farnesina prize. Another aspect I would like to emphasise is the crucial role of Italian civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, of which CISP certainly represents one of the most dynamic and authoritative expressions’.

‘I dream big dreams,’ said Jasmina, “that is my motto, but I would never have imagined an acknowledgement like this” as she thanked, with emotion, the Ambassador, her family members, Paolo Dieci - late director of CISP, who started the activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 1993 - and all colleagues for the support and cooperation, and renewed her commitment to lay those fundamental bricks to build the bridge that unites Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy and make it stronger and stronger.

Sandro De Luca,CISP Director, also expressed his deep gratitude to Jasmina for her ability to make the values of solidarity and cooperation concrete by working to promote a development based on rights and common goods such as environmental heritage and biodiversity, which are crucial for the future of communities emerging from a history of division and conflict.

Deborah Rezzoagli, a colleague and friend of Jasmina Ovčina for more than 20 years, underlined how Jasmina is a very deep and sensitive woman, always attentive to the needs of the most vulnerable and of young people, as well as being wise and determined in handling complex and emergency situations. “She carries within her a rich cultural and life background that she is constantly able to transform into a powerful tool for dialogue and inspiration for anyone who is lucky enough to work with her.”