UN Resident Coordinator and Newly Elected Officials Commit to Strengthening Cooperation

Taking into consideration the formation of new legislative and executive authorities at different levels, the Resident Coordinator discussed current issues in the country and the need for increased investment in sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth, quality accessible and inclusive education, health, and social protection, people-centred governance and the rule of law and citizen and community engagement for social cohesion.

In all of these meetings, newly elected officials highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration with the United Nations for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and took note of the lead-up to the United Nations Secretary-General’s Summit of the Future planned for September 2024. The Resident Coordinator encouraged a renewed social contract anchored in human rights and referred to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Among a series of meetings, the Resident Coordinator met with the Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Denis Bećirović, and Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto. The discussions highlighted the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s contributions to addressing global challenges, with the completion of the country’s mid-term review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the upcoming submission of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Voluntary National Review to the High-level Political Forum in June. These meetings also discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s recent granting of eligibility by the Secretary-General to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.

The Resident Coordinator also met with the Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Sevlid Hurtic, the Minister of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Davor Bunoza, the Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms Dubravka Bošnjak, the Minister of Transport and Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Edin Forto, and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Staša Košarac. The meetings explored the continuation and enhancement of cooperation between the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations, including the promotion and protection of human rights, development and employment, social inclusion through education and healthcare, and youth and women's participation and empowerment.

These meetings reflect the strong dedication of the United Nations and the newly elected officials to work towards building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. By fostering collaboration and promoting dialogue, the United Nations and Bosnian and Herzegovinian authorities aim to address pressing challenges and support the country's journey towards EU integration.