Sarajevo – The renowned basketball player, Džanan Musa, IOM Goodwill Ambassador for Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited to the temporary reception centers in Sarajevo Canton, Ušivak and Blažuj, currently hosting migrants.

IOM staff hosted Džanan at the centers to familiarize him with their work, humanitarian services, and available assistance for migrants. During his visit to the Ušivak center, where families with children, people at risk and unaccompanied children are accommodated, Džanan met boys and girls for a discussion about the role of sports in promoting social connection, inclusion, and multiculturalism. Džanan, a member of the Bosnian national team, finished the basketball season as the Spanish league's most valuable player and was crowned champion of Spain with Real Madrid. He shared his inspiring sports journey with the children and teenagers present, showcasing the impact sports can have in bringing people together and instilling hope.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to use my new platform as Goodwill Ambassador to raise awareness on the role and potential of sport in migration. By working together, we can create a world where everyone is welcomed and valued, regardless of their origin, by advocating for safe, orderly, and regular migration. The joy that sports bring is the greatest tool for building trust and through it, we are able to create new connections and celebrate diversity”, said Džanan, whose involvement outside of the sports field regularly involves a deep dedication to humanitarian work.

Born in Bihać, Džanan gained recognition by playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). 
He was awarded the EuroCup Basketball Rising Star Award in 2018. Currently, he plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish ACB league and has won the Euroleague in 2023 and the Spanish championship in 2024 with this team. His remarkable career serves as an inspiration for many young athletes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world. In addition to sports, his humanitarian efforts highlight his dedication to the community, especially towards the youth, which confirms his commitment to humanitarian work. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the International Organization for Migration, Džanan strives to raise awareness and encourage reflection on migration, as well as promote human stories. In addition, he aims to engage young people in local communities and advocate for the transformative power of sports.

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM joined the United Nations system as a related organization in 2016. IOM Goodwill Ambassador Programme and Celebrity Engagement aims to harness the influence and reach of prominent figures from various fields to promote and advocate for IOM - UN Migration’s mission. This initiative enhances IOM’s visibility, amplifies message, and fosters collaboration at national, regional, and global levels. 

For more information, please contact: 
Press requests: Majda Balic, mbalic@iom.int, François Lhoumeau, frlhoumeau@iom.int 
GWA program requests: Karima Zerrou, kzerrou@iom.int