The Director of International Relations of the NGO Medicus Mundi Mediterrania from Barcelona, and a long-time friend and professional associate of Foundation of LOcal Democracy, is this year’s recipient of the Honorary Citizen of Sarajevo Canton award (Photo: Sarajevo Canton Government and private archive)
Last Friday (08 May), the Ceremonial Session of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly marking Sarajevo Canton Day 2026 was held at the National Theatre Sarajevo. In a deeply emotional yet celebratory atmosphere, we remembered those whose lives and work helped shape present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina. Awards and plaques were presented, and we are especially proud that among this year’s laureates is Ivan Zahinos Ruiz, Project Director of Medicus Mundi Mediterrania and a true friend of Sarajevo and the Foundation of Local Democracy.
Ivan received this recognition thanks to his exceptional commitment, dedication, and humanity demonstrated during the war in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for his continuous promotion of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the international level.
Together with the Foundation of Local Democracy, he has for many years been devoted to securing funding and implementing programmes that provide social and economic support to women victims of violence in Sarajevo Canton. His efforts in connecting institutions from Barcelona with institutions in Sarajevo, along with cooperation with civil society organisations and social, security, and healthcare institutions, have brought concrete changes to our community.
As a passionate admirer of Sarajevo and all its cultural diversity, he has also contributed to promoting our city worldwide as the author of the documentary film Maldita - A Love Song to Sarajevo, which tells the story of Bosnian sevdah artist Božo Vrećo, as well as Sarajevo’s generosity and openness in embracing people of all religions and gender identities. The film has been screened at more than 64 festivals, including the Sarajevo Film Festival. It also received the renowned Spanish Goya Awards for Best Documentary Film.
Ivan, congratulations for everything you have selflessly done for Sarajevo from the post-war years until today.
We would also like to thank the Sarajevo Canton Assembly for supporting our initiative and awarding Ivan the Plaque of Honorary Citizen of Sarajevo Canton.
We also extend our congratulations to all other recipients of special awards and plaques.
