Building Institutional Trust: NATO HQ Sarajevo hosts specialized crisis communication training

Organised under NATO’s Defence Capacity Building (DCB) package for Bosnia, the five-day programme is delivered by a mobile training team from North Macedonia’s Regional Public Relations Center. The sessions gather public relations and communications professionals from the BiH Ministry of Security alongside various domestic security agencies.

The opening address was delivered by Ambassador Vladimir Vucinic, Head of the Political Engagement and Support Division at NATO. Vucinic emphasised that effective communication is a vital component of institutional resilience, especially when operating under pressure without complete information. He highlighted that NATO’s DCB initiative aims to strengthen local capabilities and resilience, aligning with broader NATO 3.0 objectives that encourage partners to take greater responsibility for their own security.

Unlike the previous two courses, which provided foundational communication tools, this installment focuses on practical application in dynamic, uncertain environments. Participants are engaging in modules covering crisis statements, interview preparation, social media management, and strategies to counter disinformation. The training will culminate in a live simulation exercise designed to test decision-making and inter-institutional coordination under tight time constraints.

Ultimately, the training aims to ensure security institutions can communicate clearly, credibly, and in a coordinated manner during critical moments, thereby reinforcing public trust and long-term institutional resilience across Bosnia and Herzegovina.