The Second Scientific Conference with International Participation “NEXT GEN HEALTH 2026”, dedicated to the mental and physical health of preschool and school-age children, was held in Zenica on 10 June 2026. The Conference was organized by the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica, the Ministry of Health of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, with the support of UNICEF as a partner.
Held under the slogan “Healthy Children – Society’s Most Important Team”, this year’s Conference focused on developing a joint strategy and establishing a “Prevention League” aimed at creating a healthier future for new generations. The event brought together representatives of the health and education sectors, national and international experts, representatives of institutions, the academic community, and organisations dedicated to the health, development, and protection of children and young people. Representatives of the Pedagogical Institute also attended the Conference and participated in the exchange of experiences and professional practices.
The rich conference programme featured, among other activities, a keynote plenary lecture by Prof. Dr. Ranko Rajović entitled “The Development of the Child’s Brain in Contemporary Society: Challenges for the Educational and Healthcare Systems”, three thematic panels, and expert discussions addressing key aspects of child development. Among the most engaging segments of the Conference was the panel “Six, Seven… GEN-Z!”, moderated by and featuring students from Medical School Zenica, Primary School “Musa Ćazim Ćatić” Zenica, and Primary School “Edhem Mulabdić” Zenica.
The Pedagogical Institute congratulates the organizers on the successful implementation of the Conference, which provided a strong platform for the exchange of ideas and the definition of strategic directions aimed at creating a higher-quality, safer, and more supportive environment for the growth and development of children and young people.
