Role of Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Achieving Sustainable Development

May 15, 2024

The role of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in furthering the 2030 Agenda is crucial for sustainable development in BiH. This was explored at the conference which brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and international partners.

This conference was organized by the Joint Commission for Economic Reform and Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, with the support of the Programme “Translating Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth" (SDG2BiH), supported by Sweden and implemented by UNDP in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women as part of the overall support provided by the United Nations to the BiH authorities in implementing the SDGs Framework in the country.

The primary goal of this inaugural conference is to promote, discuss and investigate the role of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH in encouraging sustainable development in BiH. The conference provided the most appropriate forum for discussion on the integration of sustainable development issues into legislative and budgetary frameworks, as well as for the exchange of experiences with representatives of parliamentary assemblies of other countries. An important segment of the conference is the contribution to the understanding of the direct links between the EU accession agenda and the 2030 Agenda.

“Through our work in the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, we are practically demonstrating that Agenda 2030, as well as documents derived from its principles, represent an opportunity for improving the social, economic, and environmental aspects of life in the country, as well as significant enhancement of regional cooperation. Bosnia and Herzegovina aspires to become a member of the European Union family, and together with these documents, it represents processes that are complementary and mutually supportive."

Marinko Čavara, member of the Collegium of the House of Representatives

“Today's conference marks the initial stride towards integrating sustainable development into the operational procedures of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We emphasized that the EU accession agenda is entirely synchronized with the 2030 Agenda. This signifies that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals - namely, prioritizing sustainable development - propels us nearer to our country's strategic objectives."

Ermina Salkičević-Dizdarević, Chairsperson of the Joint Commission on Economic Reforms and Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH

“Today's event underscores our collective commitment to realizing the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I commend the important steps taken by the Parliamentary Assembly. The endorsement of the SDG Framework in BiH by all levels of government, the establishment of the SDG Council, and Bosnia and Herzegovina's eligibility for the Peacebuilding fund reflects our joint determination to promote inclusive, green, and just prosperity and stability for all, especially for those who need it the most. The Sustainable Development Goals represent a pathway toward reconciling economic and geopolitical disparities, a pathway for fostering trust and solidarity. Failure to achieve them is something no country can afford, especially BiH given its ambition to progress on the EU accession path.”

Dr. Ingrid Macdonald, resident coordinator of United Nations in BiH

“In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden is the largest donor when it comes to implementation of Agenda 2030, together with our partners we will continue to work with the authorities at all levels, with the private sector, civil society and academia building on good results and measuring even better and greater progress in implementation. EU accession agenda and Agenda 2030 are in many aspects complementary and mutually reinforcing. Sweden is committed to both and will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in succeeding on both fronts.”

Dr. Jakob Granit, Director General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for participants to exchange experiences with representatives from parliamentary assemblies of Sweden and Serbia, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared learning.

English