At a ceremony held on 18 June 2025 in Sarajevo, the winners of the seventh edition of the SDG Business Pioneers Award in Bosnia and Herzegovina were announced. Among a record-breaking 484 applicants, eight companies were awarded for their outstanding contributions to community wellbeing and environmental protection through employee care and the implementation of sustainable practices.
Awards were presented in two thematic areas: “People” and “Resources & Environment”, while company iFORM was named the overall winner.
In the “People” category, which recognises companies committed to equal opportunities, decent working conditions and staff development, the winners were: Zdravo (micro), P.U. Internationale Deutsche Schule Sarajevo – Međunarodna Njemačka Škola Sarajevo (small), Walter AEC (medium), and Trio (large companies).
In the “Resources & Environment” category, which honours companies actively reducing their environmental footprint and implementing green technologies, the winners were: Desinfecta (micro), PIK (small), iFORM (medium), and Alma Ras (large companies).
Company iFORM earned the highest overall score across both categories, excelling in employee care and the implementation of sustainable practices in line with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thus earning the title of 2025 Absolute Winner.
The award ceremony took place at the headquarters of Energoinvest, a historic symbol of innovation, dedication to people, and belief in bold ideas, and gathered around 200 guests. Attendees included representatives of leading BiH companies, the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, and key institutions from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Helena Lagerlöf, Ambassador of Sweden to BiH, stated:
„Sweden is proud to support initiatives that recognize and celebrate the role of businesses in building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. The companies awarded today are not only leaders in their industries, but they are also champions of values that benefit all of society. Their commitment to people, the environment, and the Sustainable Development Goals is a powerful example of how business can be a force for good. We congratulate all the winners and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said:
“For the seventh year in a row, this award shows how companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina are making tangible contributions to building a fairer society and a healthier environment, despite the many challenges they face. Their achievements are not only business successes but serve as inspiration to others. We are especially encouraged by the growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises that recognize the value of the SDGs and actively integrate them into their business models.”
Ahmet Egrlić, President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated:
“More than 70 percent of BiH exports go to the European Union, and we must apply the standards set by our most important trade partners. Expectations are high, and it is up to all of us to work together and provide proactive support to companies in aligning with EU standards and building a sustainable, competitive, and socially responsible economy. This award highlights exceptional companies that contribute to sustainable development—through creating quality jobs, improving business models, or reducing environmental impact.”
The award is part of the programme “Translating the SDG Framework in BiH into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth” (SDG2BiH), financed by Sweden and implemented by UNDP in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women, as part of the United Nations’ support to authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the SDG Framework. The official partner of the award is the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
