From March 25-27, 2025, Sarajevo proudly hosted the Workshop 5 within the EU project "Transcultural Competence in the Western Balkans (TCCWB)." This event brought together experts, educators, and healthcare professionals from across the region, all committed to advancing transcultural competence in healthcare.

Strengthening Transcultural Competence in Healthcare

The workshop provided a platform for discussing the importance of cultural competence in healthcare settings, particularly in diverse societies such as those in the Western Balkans. Through interactive presentations, workshops, and expert discussions, participants explored ways to enhance healthcare education and equip medical professionals with the necessary skills to provide culturally sensitive care.

During the three-day event, attendees had the opportunity to:

✅ Gain valuable insights from the World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Ministry of Health and other public health leaders on transcultural competence in healthcare
✅ Learn about innovative teaching methodologies
✅ Participate in the development of a pilot training program for healthcare professionals to strengthen transcultural competence
✅ Engage in constructive discussions on the role of nursing education in improving culturally responsive healthcare

Project Partners and Their Contribution

This event would not have been possible without the active participation of our esteemed project partners, who played a crucial role in sharing expertise, developing training programs, and fostering collaboration in healthcare education.

The workshop welcomed representatives from:

🏫 University of Zenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
🏫 University of East Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
🏫 "Dzemal Bijedic" University of Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
🏫 ODISEE University of Applied Sciences in Brussels (Belgium)
🏫 "Luigj Gurakuqi" University of Shkodër (Albania)
🏫 Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
🏫 Eqrem Çabej University of Gjirokastër (Albania)
🏛 Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures - SMOC (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
🏛 FAMI Foundation (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Each of these institutions contributed valuable insights, experiences, and best practices in transcultural healthcare education, helping to shape a sustainable and effective training program for the region.

A Step Forward for Healthcare Education

The discussions held during the workshop emphasized the importance of integrating transcultural competence into healthcare curricula. By fostering inclusive and patient-centered care, healthcare professionals will be better prepared to work in multicultural environments and address the diverse needs of patients.

Additionally, the event highlighted the role of nurses and educators in driving this change, with a focus on enhancing nursing education in the Western Balkans to align with international standards.

Looking Ahead – Next Steps

As the TCCWB project continues, the outcomes of this workshop will serve as a foundation for further development and implementation of the pilot training program. The insights and recommendations gathered during the sessions will be used to strengthen transcultural competence training across the region.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for making this workshop a success. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive and culturally competent healthcare system!