The project represents a transformative initiative aimed at redefining the mission and future direction of Muslim Aid Association in BiH – which runs large scale multimillion programs for the most vulnerable populations in the country in over 80 municipalities. Implemented over a seven-month period in 2024, with support from Muslim Aid UK and Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), this strategic shift was designed to move MAA BiH from a primarily humanitarian aid provider toward a long-term, impact-driven development actor focused on resilience, livelihoods, and social inclusion. 

The project was grounded in participatory foresight and co-creation methodologies. It began with a wide-scale consultation process involving over 60 stakeholders, including beneficiaries, local authorities, civil society organizations, diaspora representatives, religious communities, and humanitarian and development partners. These consultations, conducted across diverse geographic and institutional settings, were critical to understanding the evolving needs of communities in BiH and the systemic challenges facing marginalized populations such as returnees, the rural poor, and persons with disabilities. The inclusive dialogue also enabled MAA to assess its legacy, organizational capacities, and comparative advantages in the development field. 

One of the cornerstones of the project was the use of foresight and scenario planning to analyze strategic trends, anticipate future risks, and align MAA’s vision with the emerging needs of society. This forward-looking approach enabled the development of multiple strategic pathways, each grounded in realistic projections and informed by current shifts in donor priorities, labor market dynamics, climate change impacts, and institutional reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through iterative co-design workshops and expert sessions, the project ultimately produced a comprehensive five-year Programme Strategy (2024–2027), a multi-sectoral work plan, and a detailed budget framework. 

Key thematic shifts identified through this process included a stronger emphasis on sustainable rural livelihoods, early childhood and inclusive education, green social entrepreneurship, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian development-peace (HDP) nexus interventions. The strategy underscored the need to strengthen MAA’s role in enabling systemic change by supporting marginalized communities to transition from aid dependency toward self-reliance and resilience. To ensure internal coherence, the project also introduced new results frameworks, principles of localization and dignity, and tools for cross-sectoral collaboration and community accountability. 

The finalized Programme Strategy and accompanying documents were presented to core donors and development partners in a series of high-level dialogues and working meetings. These discussions not only validated the reorientation of MAA but also generated new opportunities for long-term funding partnerships and collaboration across humanitarian and development sectors.