OSCE Mission supports BiH Ministry of Defence and BiH Armed Forces in promoting responsible use of social media

To help uphold the effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the BiH Armed Forces, on 31 May and 1 June the OSCE Mission to BiH supported the Ministry’s General Inspectorate in holding a two-day roundtable in Konjic on promoting responsible social media use among defense sector personnel.

Participants discussed approaches to ensuring the optimal balance between professional conduct online and freedom of expression. They also considered the intricate landscape of internet regulations, privacy, security, handling of sensitive information, and combating misinformation and disinformation.

"In today's interconnected world, the pervasive use of social and digital media platforms for communication means there is not always thorough consideration of the implications of online conduct and its impact on employers," emphasized Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. "Given that the standing and effectiveness of the Armed Forces of BiH are at stake, military personnel are naturally held to a higher standard of diligence than an average employee. It is our shared responsibility to act with integrity, preserving trust and camaraderie."

Brigadier General Mirsad Ahmić, the Inspector General of the BiH Ministry of Defence stressed that he is pleased that this exchange of best practice, opinions, and ideas among representatives of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, the Ministry of Defense, the BiH Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, the OSCE Mission, and the academic community will help shape practical guidelines and recommendations on the responsible use of social media. “These results will further strengthen the framework for ensuring the ethical and professional online conduct by members of the defense sector of BiH,” concluded Brigadier General Ahmić.