Parliamentary Assembly of BiH a step closer to sustainable development
December 17, 2024
The first seminar dedicated to strengthening the capacity of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PSBiH) in the field of sustainable development was held in Sarajevo. The seminar was organized by the Joint Committee on Economic Reforms and Development of PSBiH, whose mandate on sustainable development issues was formalized through amendments to the Rulebook of the House of Representatives of PSBiH, with the support of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and within the framework 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.
The event was attended by members of the Joint Committee on Economic Reforms and Development, secretaries of other committees, representatives of the Public Relations Sector of PSBiH, representatives of the Audit Office of the Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and members of the Intersectoral Working Group for Monitoring the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in BiH (SDG Council in BiH).
The synergies between the SDGs and our EU accession process cannot be overstated. By integrating sustainability into your national legislation and governance, you reinforce your commitment to the values of the European Union—values of democracy, human rights, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion. The role of Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this endeavor is paramount.“Helena Lagerlöf, ambassador of Sweden to BiH
The seminar provided insights into Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on presenting the SDGs Framework in BiH – the only development document adopted at all levels of government in BiH.
The integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina marks a crucial step towards inclusive and sustainable progress for our citizens. Through legislative processes, such as enacting laws and ensuring policy coherence, the Parliamentary Assembly has the power to address economic disparities, environmental sustainability, and social inequalities.”Ingrid Macdonald, resident coordinator of United Nations in BiH
Additionally, the already established mechanisms for implementing the SDG Framework in BiH were presented, as well as key challenges and opportunities for integrating the SDG Framework into the legislative process in BiH, with particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation between PSBiH and the SDG Council in BiH.
"The strength of the Parliament of BiH lies in its ability to create a legal framework that supports the integration of SDGs into all sectors of society and in its responsibility for monitoring progress. Training for Parliament employees enhances their skills and understanding of sustainable development, aiding in policy creation that integrates SDGs across various sectors."Ermina Salkičević-Dizdarević, Chairwoman of the Joint Committee for Economic Reforms and Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH.
Ms. Aleksandra Blagojević, representative of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, led an interactive session that initiated a self-assessment of PSBiH's readiness to engage in achieving sustainable development in BiH. This session also examined global perspectives on sustainable legislative practices and their potential application in BiH.
This seminar represents an important step towards integrating sustainable development into the work of PSBiH and further improving legislation that contributes to inclusive and sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.