Sarajevo has implemented two Peace Circle® spaces: one on the University of Sarajevo campus and another in the courtyard of Aleksa Šantić Primary School. Together, they offer a concrete example of how peace, nature, education and community can be connected in different settings within the same city.
Developed in Finland by educator Mika Vanhanen, the Peace Circle® model uses a Heart–Head–Hands approach to connect care, understanding and practical action for people and nature.
The two locations bring this approach into both a university community and a primary school environment. Sarajevo’s experience is particularly relevant to Mayors for Peace’s objective of promoting a culture of peace — bringing peace into everyday awareness and action.
The school’s location adds a further layer of meaning. It lies close to the airport area, which held particular significance for the city and its residents during the siege of Sarajevo. In this context, creating a space dedicated to peace, nature, education and dialogue for a new generation carries special resonance.
The City of Sarajevo has also continued to present the Peace Circle concept through its international exchanges.
In September 2026, the campus Peace Circle was included as a study visit stop during the URBACT Pioneers Accelerator Final Event, hosted by Sarajevo. More than 70 international guests representing European cities and organisations were introduced to the site.
In October, Sarajevo presented the concept to Bauhaus Bites project partners from ten countries. This Horizon Europe project applies New European Bauhaus values to the development of sustainable, healthy and inclusive food environments.
According to the city, these experiences have shown that the concept is easy to communicate across different contexts. Its message is immediately understandable, while opening a broader conversation about the role of public space, nature, education and community in promoting a culture of peace.
Sarajevo’s two Peace Circles demonstrate how the model can be adapted to different local and educational environments. They offer other cities an example to explore when considering how to make a culture of peace visible in community spaces and everyday life.
For more information about the Peace Circle® approach, please contact:
Mika Vanhanen
Plant And Care For Peace ry
Email: mika.vanhanen@peacecircle.world
Photo_Dr. Sabrija Čadro