The third Sustainable Development Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2023 opened today in Sarajevo with the conference “Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina – from big ideas to action”.

The resident coordinator of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald, stated at the opening that the goal of the event is to review the successes achieved, the lessons learned and explore innovative approaches to achieve sustainable development.

She reminded that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that due to climate change, we are facing an existential crisis, not only when it comes to the planet but also humanity.

Macdonald praised the work of the SDG Council in BiH, which she said has been working successfully for years to promote sustainable development at all levels of government in BiH.

The Ambassador of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Helena Lagerlof, pointed out that, together with the UN and local partners, they are working on planning, monitoring and implementing Agenda 2030 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

She added that the realization of that agenda is a demanding and expensive process, but also extremely valuable because it positively affects the lives of all of us.

“Sweden is pleased to be in a position to share its positive experiences and challenges we face in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda,” stated Lagerlof.

It was emphasized that the Sustainable Development Week provides a platform for meetings, consultations and discussions aimed at promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.

It is a UN instrument for supporting the SDG Council in BiH in raising awareness and involving the key audience in conversations about success stories, new trends and lessons learned that lead to the implementation of Agenda 2030 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.