From Data to Decisions: Localizing the SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The sixth SDG Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina officially opened at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina under the message “Lead the Change”. This year’s Week focuses on leadership for inclusive and just transformations for sustainable development, with particular attention to decisions based on reliable local data and the development of more sustainable, resilient and accessible cities and communities.
The opening brought together representatives of institutions, cities and municipalities, the United Nations, the diplomatic corps, academia, the private sector and civil society. Protocols of Cooperation were signed with 26 cities and municipalities, launching a new phase of support for localizing the Sustainable Development Goals through the SDG 2030 BiH Joint Programme.
H.E. Helena Lagerlöf, Ambassador of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that Sweden’s long-standing support for sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina is increasingly focused on concrete change at the local level.
“Reliable data and strong local leadership are essential for turning the Sustainable Development Goals into changes people can experience in their daily lives. Sweden supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in helping cities and municipalities plan better, make evidence-based decisions and invest where needs are greatest. The new partnerships with 26 local communities are an important step towards more inclusive and sustainable development across the country,” said Ambassador Lagerlöf.
Arnhild Spence, UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressed the importance of joint action by institutions, local authorities, the United Nations and partners to translate development goals into measurable results for people.
“People across Bosnia and Herzegovina share hopes for decent jobs, quality public services and a better future for their families. These shared priorities call for faster reforms: advancing the green and digital transitions, strengthening the business environment, investing in people and upholding the rule of law. With reliable evidence and strong partnerships, we can turn commitments into results that improve lives across the country and support a more sustainable future,” said Resident Coordinator Spence.
Amra Fetahović, representing the Directorate for Economic Planning of Bosnia and Herzegovina on behalf of the institution chairing the SDG Council in BiH, highlighted the importance of the first generation of Voluntary Local Reviews, which Bosnia and Herzegovina will present in 2027 alongside its third Voluntary National Review.
“This means that cities and municipalities become co-authors of the story of our country’s progress. And good decisions are based on reliable local data,” said Fetahović.
The opening programme focused on two connected themes. In the panel “Local Data for Sustainable Development”, Professor Nedim Čelebić, Suad Huskić, Mayor of Tešanj, Mirko Ćurić, Mayor of Trebinje, and Aida Laković Hošo, Head of the Effective Governance Sector at UNDP BiH, discussed how reliable data can improve planning, budgeting and the monitoring of results. The second panel, “Cities Leading the Way: Urban Transformation”, connected the experience of the Swedish municipality of Falköping with examples from Tuzla, Gradiška and Banja Luka, with Erna Pezić, Zijad Lugavić, Darko Vrhovac and Irena Joldžić.
SDG Week 2026 takes place from 19 to 23 October across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The programme includes conferences, workshops and thematic sessions on sustainable business, energy poverty, social inclusion, gender equality, health, peace, air quality, safe digital spaces and other issues that connect the SDGs with everyday life.
SDG Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina provides a platform for dialogue, exchange of experience and cooperation among institutions, local communities, civil society, the private sector, academia, young people and international partners. By showcasing successful practices and jointly examining challenges, the Week contributes to implementation of the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
SDG Week is supported through the United Nations Joint Programme “Accelerating Agenda 2030 through Governance and Sustainable Growth (SDG 2030 BiH)”, funded by Sweden and implemented by UNDP, ILO, IOM and UNICEF under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
