As we enter the year 2024, we are proud to announce the call for the sixth generation of the SDG Business Pioneers Award in in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is an annual award aimed at promoting and supporting sustainable development within the Bosnian business community.
📅 Application opening and duration: from January 1 to March 15, 2024
🏆 About the awards: SDG Business Pioneers Award in BiH is not just a recognition; it is a symbol of progress and innovation. Every year, this award highlight exceptional companies contributing to sustainable development, whether through creating quality jobs, improving business models, or reducing their ecological footprint. This award is an opportunity for companies to stand out as leaders in sustainability and serve as inspiration to others. Past recipients of the Award include: dm, Klika, GS Tvornica mašina, Ministry of Programming, Heidelberg Cement, ZEOS eko-sistem, Dekonta, SEEBA, Isatis, Lanaco, Šumska Tajna, and many others.
✅ Who can apply: All private companies, registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their size (micro, small, medium, and large) can apply for two thematic areas (“People” and “Resources & Environment”).
💼 How to apply: The application process is simple and transparent, and somewhat different from previous years. It is based on an e-application: https://businesspioneers.zamisli2030.ba/ The further selection process for finalists and winners follows the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Each application provides the company with a blueprint for its first annual sustainability report. This report includes identifying the SDGs in focus, setting goals, and analyzing pathways to achieve them.
🏢 Why apply: In today’s business world, adopting sustainable strategies is not just a moral obligation but also a key to long-term success. Companies that adopt sustainable practices not only improve their competitiveness but also contribute to a better social, economic, and environmental environment. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as guidelines for assessing and managing these aspects of business, improving reputation, and strategic positioning in the global market. Finalists will be promoted through communication channels by the SDG2BiH program, as well as the communication channels of donors and partners, with the award winners announced and trophies presented at a formal award ceremony.
♻️ Enhanced methodology: The methodology of the SDG Business Pioneers Award in Bosnia and Herzegovina reflects market changes and is in line with new trends, with the entire application process updated to simplify applications for companies. The innovated application includes ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards, a concept relating to environmental protection, social responsibility, and ethical management, crucial for business sustainability. Market and legal pressure, financial institution conditions, and comprehensive social responsibility have led to prioritizing the adoption of ESG practices that assist companies in further business operations. By completing the application for the Award, companies gain direct insight into their current status regarding ESG principles.
🎉 Join us: This initiative is more than recognition; it is a movement. Through it, we can together demonstrate the power of sustainable development and how it can transform our economies and societies. We invite all companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their size, to apply and be part of this transformation. Let’s build a more sustainable and prosperous 2024 together!
🌱 Our mission: At the heart of our vision for 2024 is the determination to build a better future together. Our key message – “Innovate, inspire, and integrate sustainable practices in every aspect of our business and community” – reflects our commitment to creating a sustainable future that is inclusive, prosperous, and bright for everyone. Every step we take is a step towards a better tomorrow.
The Award is organized as part of the “Translating the Framework for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in BiH into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth (SDG2BiH)” program, financed by Sweden and implemented by UNDP in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women, with the support of the United Nations to the BH authorities in implementing the SDG Framework in BiH. The official partner of this Award is the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”