From stronger workplace practices to smarter use of resources, the eighth generation of SDG Business Pioneers Award winners shows how sustainability is becoming part of everyday business in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This year’s overall winner is Lactalis BH d.o.o., which achieved the highest overall score and was also recognised as the best large company in both award categories.
The SDG Business Pioneers Award, part of the Sweden-funded SDG 2030 BiH programme, recognises companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina that show measurable commitment to sustainable business practices. Awards were presented in two thematic areas, “People” and “Resources & Environment”, across four company-size categories.
In the “People” category, which recognises companies committed to equal opportunities, decent working conditions, employee development and inclusive workplace practices, Gorsen d.o.o. was recognised among micro companies, Softhouse Balkans d.o.o. among small companies, Atlantic Argeta d.o.o. among medium-sized companies, and Lactalis BH d.o.o. among large companies.
In the “Resources & Environment” category, which honours companies that reduce their environmental footprint through more responsible use of energy, water, materials and waste, Ego d.o.o. was recognised among micro companies, Smrčak d.o.o. among small companies, Atlantic Argeta d.o.o. among medium-sized companies, and Lactalis BH d.o.o. among large companies.
By earning awards in both thematic categories for large companies and achieving the highest overall score, Lactalis BH d.o.o. was named the 2026 absolute winner of the SDG Business Pioneers Award.
“Each year, the SDG Business Pioneers Award shows how companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina are moving sustainability from strategy documents into the way business is actually done. This matters for workers, for local communities and for the economy as a whole. Sweden will continue supporting partnerships that help businesses grow while also contributing to a greener, fairer and more resilient future,” said Helena Lagerlöf, Ambassador of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, sustainable business practices are increasingly linked to competitiveness, export readiness, resilience and trust among employees, partners and consumers.
“What stands out in this year’s generation is how practical sustainability has become. The awarded companies are changing workplace practices, improving processes and making better use of resources. These are the kinds of business decisions that make the SDGs visible in real life and show that sustainable growth can be built step by step, in companies of different sizes and sectors,” said Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina continuously works with businesses to adapt to the standards required above all by the European Union. There is no alternative to this market, as shown by the fact that more than 70 percent of our exports go to EU countries. This award is proof that our country has companies, resources and people who can respond to these challenges and contribute to sustainable development by creating quality jobs and protecting the environment,” said Ahmet Egrlić, President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH.
The ceremony also featured a No Nation Fashion runway show, presenting an IOM initiative that brings together people on the move and local designers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the creative reuse of textile waste, No Nation Fashion connects circular economy principles, cultural exchange and artistic expression.
Recognising that the 2030 Agenda cannot be achieved without stronger financial mechanisms, the SDG Business Pioneers Award will introduce a dedicated category for banks as of next year. This new category will highlight the role of the financial sector in directing capital towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.
The SDG Business Pioneers Award is implemented under “Accelerating Agenda 2030 through Governance and Sustainable Growth” (SDG 2030 BiH), a Joint Programme of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina funded by Sweden and implemented by UNDP, ILO, IOM and UNICEF, under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator. The official partner of the award is the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
