SARAJEVO, March 24 (FENA) – This year’s edition of the SDG Business Pioneers Award in Bosnia and Herzegovina has broken all records, with an impressive 484 companies applying—a remarkable 35 percent increase from last year’s 360.

This figure clearly demonstrates that sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority for the BiH business sector, attracting companies of all sizes, from micro-enterprises to major industry players.

Applications have come from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting a diverse range of participants: 52.78 percent are micro-enterprises with up to 10 employees, 22.27 percent are small companies with 10 to 49 employees, 15.46 percent are medium-sized businesses with 50 to 249 employees, while 46 applications were submitted by large companies with more than 250 employees. This trend confirms that sustainability is not reserved for corporate giants alone but has become a mission for smaller businesses as well.

Companies have stood out with innovative initiatives. More than half of the applicants—56.36 percent—have reduced plastic use by switching to reusable tableware. Half of them are actively working on reducing food waste at events, while 41.82 percent are implementing measures to cut harmful emissions. Notably, 45.45 percent of companies are educating their employees about the circular economy, fostering awareness of long-term sustainability.

Social issues have not been overlooked either. As many as 67 percent of applicants offer wages equal to or above the industry average, while in 31.82 percent of companies, women make up more than 55 percent of the top management team. This is a clear indicator of progress in gender equality.

The award is part of the ”Translating the SDG Framework into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (SDG2BiH) program, funded by Sweden and implemented by UNDP in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women, as part of United Nations support to authorities in BiH in implementing the SDG Framework. The official partner of the award is the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The selection process for the finalists will conclude by the end of April, and the names of those competing for the trophy will be announced on www.zamisli2030.ba. The award ceremony is scheduled for June this year when Bosnia and Herzegovina’s SDG Business Pioneers will be officially recognized, announced the UNDP in BiH.