The sixth SDG Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina will take place from 19 to 23 October 2026 under the message “Lead the change”. With Sweden’s support, conferences, workshops and thematic sessions across the country and online will bring together representatives of institutions, local communities, the private sector, academia and civil society, young people and international partners.
How can cities and municipalities plan their development better, reduce energy poverty, increase women’s influence in decision-making and ensure greater participation of persons with disabilities in society? These are some of the questions this year’s programme will address. The common theme is leadership for inclusive and just transformation, with particular attention to the needs of people in vulnerable situations.
Opening in Sarajevo: new partnerships with 26 local communities
The Week will open on 19 October at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo with the event “From data to decisions: Localizing the SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
Panel discussions on the first generation of Voluntary Local Reviews and urban transformation will bring together representatives of cities, municipalities and key institutions, as well as local and international experts. Discussions will focus on how local data can support decision-making and investment planning, and how governance, spatial planning and development projects can be better connected to create more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.
The signing of Protocols of Cooperation with 26 cities and municipalities will establish new partnerships for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level, with Sweden’s support. This cooperation will help local authorities integrate the Goals into planning and translate them into concrete action in their communities.
From sustainable business to equal opportunities
In Tuzla, discussions will focus on the application of environmental, social and governance principles in business, known as ESG, as well as the challenges and opportunities of sustainable transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Sarajevo will host sessions on energy poverty and sustainable public projects, while Konjic will host training on site remediation and land restoration. The programme in Banja Luka includes an event dedicated to a special report on air quality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Sarajevo will also host the “Recycle and Win” activity.
Women’s influence on decision-making and development will be the focus of a session in Tuzla. An online ideathon will bring together young people to develop ideas that contribute to gender equality, social cohesion and safer digital spaces. In Neum, the Fourth Congress of Persons with Disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina will focus on the role of their organizations in building a more inclusive society.
Mostar and Banja Luka will host activities on expanding the Special Olympics model in schools, as well as events dedicated to systems that help ensure vaccine safety.
In Sarajevo, the No Nation Fashion initiative will connect fashion and inclusion through a creative dialogue at the Academy of Fine Arts. The programme also includes a discussion on the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the “Coffee with IOM” format, as well as activities promoting peace education and social cohesion through play. Part of the programme will take place in Vienna, where discussions will focus on new institutional frameworks for tackling organized crime and corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Events are organized by United Nations agencies and partner organizations, in cooperation with the SDG Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By exchanging experiences, showcasing successful practices and connecting different sectors, SDG Week supports implementation of the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Announcements of individual events and programme information will be available through the communication channels of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and partner organizations, using #SDGWeekinBiH and #sedmicaodrzivograzvoja.
SDG Week is supported through “Accelerating Agenda 2030 through Governance and Sustainable Growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (SDG 203 0BiH), 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.
