- by croatiaweek
- January 13, 2026
- in
ZAGREB, 13 Jan (Hina) – The recently established Council of Young Croats Abroad will soon hold its first meeting, after drawing strong interest and motivation from young Croats worldwide, Alen Matanić, spokesman for the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, told Hina on Monday.
The government decided last year to set up a body to advise it on preserving Croatian identity overseas and encouraging young people to move to Croatia.
“We recognised the need to involve young Croats abroad more directly in shaping policies and programmes that affect them,” Matanić said, adding that interest had been “exceptionally high”, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, countries with Croatian national minorities and the wider diaspora.
Croatian communities worldwide nominated representatives through embassies, selecting candidates from the largest and most active associations and institutions.
Sixty-five members aged between 18 and 30 were appointed.
“The main challenge was ensuring that each community proposed young people who are active, understand local needs and can credibly represent their peers,” Matanić said.
Among them is Dalma Rojas Avila, 28, born in La Paz, Bolivia. She was named after Dalmatia, the region from which her ancestor Jorge Kuljiš Radišić left the island of Vis in 1902.
“I feel a deep affection for Croatia, and curiosity too,” said Avila, who represents Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.
She is active in Croatian community initiatives in La Paz and Argentina, where she studies at the University of Buenos Aires. A data specialist at a technology and app development company, she also applies her professional skills to community work.
“We collect and analyse data on descendants of Croats,” she said.
Around 5,000 people of Croatian origin live in Bolivia. Avila said she was organising meetings with young descendants across the region to understand their aspirations while promoting Croatian identity. She will also brief them on education and employment opportunities in Croatia, based on information from Zagreb.
The council will meet at least once a year, with additional sessions as needed, either in Croatia or online, depending on circumstances, Matanić said.
The aim is to ensure regular, direct communication among members and with government officials and institutions, and to monitor the implementation of proposed policies. Members will not be paid.
This year, the council will begin drafting policy proposals, measures and programmes for young people abroad, offering recommendations based on local experience.
It will also work to strengthen links among young Croats worldwide, preserve identity, prevent assimilation and encourage return.