Hello! I'm Edo...
Slovenian by birth, Swiss by business, French by way of life, Bosnian & Croatian by heart and origin, and above all, a sincere European.
Born and educated in Ljubljana, Slovenia, I was invited in 1989 by the esteemed Bosnian businessman Adil Zulfikarpasic and his respected wife Tatjana to join their newly established foundation, the “Bosniaken Institut,” in Zurich, Switzerland. From 1989 to 1998, I lived and worked in Zurich, closely observing and participating in the activities of Adil and Tatjana. My time at the Bosniaken Institut was dedicated to promoting Bosnian culture and heritage, driven by a deep sense of commitment to my roots and the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this period, I developed a profound understanding of the Bosnian people and the Bosnian spirit, and I knew that the rest of my life would be dedicated to supporting the welfare of Bosnia & Herzegovina and its people, no matter where they may reside.
Despite my professional ventures, Bosnia has never left my heart.
Since 1998, I have resided in France, first in Nice and then, from 2000, in Paris. For a brief time, I worked in banking, specifically with Citibank Paris, but soon realized my true passion lay elsewhere. I transitioned to the luxury industry, first as the founder and co-owner of a company distributing French and Swiss cosmetics, perfumes, and nutritional supplements to the former Yugoslavia. After selling the company, I continued working as a Business Development Manager, providing consulting services for business development in the luxury sector across Central and Eastern Europe.
Despite my professional ventures, Bosnia has never left my heart. From 2015 to today, I have been an active board member on the Swiss charitable foundation La Terra Nostra.
Our mission focuses on the education, growth, and healthy development of children and youth, grounded in Bosnian values of togetherness and love. We strive to foster inclusivity, encouraging young people, regardless of background, to realize their talents, pursue opportunities, and contribute to a prosperous Bosnian society that honours its cultural traditions of kindness, truth, and benevolence.
The global COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) dramatically impacted my business activities in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Caucasus region. Yet, this loss allowed me to pursue a lifelong dream: to help Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Bosnian people. This dream took shape as the 5 Million Friends of Bosnia and Herzegovina (5MFBH) association, which my son Edwin and I co-founded in March 2020. Over time, professionals from various fields around the world have joined the project, contributing as volunteers to its growth. By early 2022, 5MFBH was officially launched with headquarters in Paris.
Why my dedication to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia & Herzegovina stand as a defender of universal and European values, which are currently under threat. By supporting Bosnia & Herzegovina, we also strengthen the European Union. That is why I invite all Europeans to join our mission. I particularly emphasize the importance of connecting the Bosnian diaspora and friends of Bosnia & Herzegovina with the rest of the world. My priority, and that of 5MFBH, is to foster cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and France, and to strengthen ties between the peoples of former Yugoslavia while advocating for Bosnia & Herzegovina as an integral part of the European Union.
Since its inception, the association has garnered recognition from international individuals and institutions. This support, both for the people in Bosnia and its diaspora, brings me immense joy.
The name “5MFBH” symbolizes the approximately 5 million Bosnians and Herzegovinians living in Bosnia & Herzegovina and the diaspora.
Our goal is to unite at least 5 million people within the next decade by setting aside differences, politics, and ego, and prioritizing the collective good of Bosnian society. Our mission extends an open invitation to friends from Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, and all people of goodwill to join us. Ultimately, we aim to unite 10 million or more friends of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Today, 5MFBH is my foremost priority. Through this platform, I am committed to connecting Bosnians, Herzegovinians, and friends worldwide, leveraging their expertise and networks to link Bosnia’s economic and cultural entities with markets in the European Union and beyond.
I want to showcase the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as they truly are: creative, resilient, and successful. Above all, I wish to introduce the world to the beauty of the Bosnian spirit, its natural landscapes, and its vast economic potential. With one of the most well-integrated diasporas in the world, we have the unique ability to serve as a bridge between Bosnia & Herzegovina and the global community.
I have always been passionate about projects that bring together positive, forward-thinking people, regardless of their political, religious, or cultural affiliations.
I look forward to continuing my active role in such initiatives because I believe that every success story from every Bosnian is a success for all of us.
Edo Sabangic
"Wisdom is to have dreams big enough not to lose sight when we pursue them"
-Oscar Wilde
