The final conference of the project “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Roll-out Support and Private Sector Engagement”, funded by Sweden and implemented by the United Nations Development Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP in BiH), was held today in the premises of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH.

The project worked to engage and prepare the private and public sector partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the implementation of the SDGs. The key results of the project were presented during the conference, among them the adoption in April 2021 of the SDGs Framework in BiH by the Council of Ministers of BiH and the simultaneous establishment of the Council for Monitoring the Realization of SDGs. The Framework was previously adopted by the entity governments, as well as by the Government of the Brčko District of BiH.

Zoran Tegeltija, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina: “Considering our humble beginnings, we could not have been aware how the work of this project would have far-reaching effects. I would like to thank Sweden and the UN for significant and continued support that they provide to BiH in achieving the SDGs”.

In addition, through activities such as the SDG Business Pioneers Award, the Sustainable Development Week, SDG Accelerator for SMEs in BiH and the Decarbonization Challenge, the project supported engaging private sector in the Agenda 2030 and bringing their contribution to implementation of SDGs. More than 200 private companies participated and 25 companies were declared the SDG Business Pioneers Award winners demonstrating their commitment to creating quality jobs, to zero tolerance for corruption and to reducing environmental impact.

Also, on this occasion, a new programme was announced, to work on acceleration of the implementation of SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sweden finances the new programme with approximately 4.2 million euros and it will be implemented by UNDP together with UNICEF and UN Women.

Johanna Strömquist, Ambassador of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina: “I am proud that Sweden has supported the efforts by the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to translate the ambitious, global goals of Agenda 2030 into a concrete action plan for this country by bring relevant stakeholders together. Building on this success, Sweden will continue to support its implementation into green, sustainable and inclusive growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Coordinator in BiH: “While we look back on the achievements of this project, we will continue to work on opening new paths, creating new partnerships and building on the foundations laid to ensure that the next eight years lead us to the full realization of the 2030 Agenda.”

Stephen Kinloch, UNDP BiH Deputy Resident Representative: “The project put focus on the important role of the private sector in the context of Agenda 2030, including in terms of their social responsibility and greening businesses, as well as SDG acceleration, innovation, and creation of new business models through circular economy and decarbonization, new business opportunities and markets.”