United Nations Day Celebrated in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted a reception at UN House in Sarajevo to celebrate United Nations Day, 24 October, gathering representatives from government, international organizations, civil society, media, and the private sector to mark 79 years of the UN’s commitment to peace, prosperity, human rights, and sustainable development. 

Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, welcomed attendees and emphasized the United Nations’ strong partnership with the country to advance shared goals under the Cooperation Development Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration, she noted, aims to foster social cohesion, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind as Bosnia and Herzegovina moves towards sustainable development and its EU path. She expressed appreciation to government officials, local authorities, civil society, international partners, and communities for their support, also recognizing donors and United Nations staff for their commitment.

Reflecting on the United Nations Charter’s enduring principles, she said: “Seventy-nine years ago, the United Nations was founded on the vision of ‘We the Peoples of the United Nations’, calling for solidarity in peace and in crisis. Today, as we face unprecedented challenges—from climate change and pandemic to rapid technological shifts—solidarity and swift, collective action are essential. Today’s challenges necessitate that we work together as countries and people, to find collective solutions the benefit the planet, people and our children’s future – no one person or country can do it alone.” 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković stated: “Our commitment to peace and security—the core values of the United Nations—remains strong and unwavering. Bosnia and Herzegovina, having endured a challenging journey from war to peace, profoundly understands the immense value of peace. Our goal is not only to heal the wounds of the past but also to offer valuable lessons to the world on the importance of peace. We deeply value our strong partnership with the United Nations and the Resident Coordinator in BiH, which, together with the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, further strengthens our efforts in advancing sustainable development goals, complementing our EU integration path, and building a future of peace and stability for all.”

Dr. Macdonald commended Bosnia and Herzegovina’s active global engagement, citing its participation in the recently agreed Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Youth Compact, as well as its role at the upcoming COP29. She also highlighted the opportunities of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s engagement in the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, which seeks to strengthen peace, reconciliation, and resilience efforts.

Acknowledging the recent floods affecting communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, she praised citizens’ solidarity and the prompt response of United Nations Agencies alongside local governments, civil society, the European Union, the Red Cross, and the World Bank. Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina, she reiterated the call of the Secretary-General: “Hope requires all countries working as one. Hope requires the United Nations. On United Nations Day, let us keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining.” 

The event highlighted the United Nations’ ongoing partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina across its core areas of action. Looking forward, the UN reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and building a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina for all.