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Advancing Digital Transformation in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the EU-UN Strategic Collaboration

01 January 2021

Advancing Digital Transformation in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the EU-UN Strategic Collaboration

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the EU-UN strategic partnership globally, enhancing cooperation on policy priorities, and fostering effective multilateralism. The guidance underscores that “the EU and the UN are policy partners aiming towards a strengthened strategic partnership at a country level and continued commitment to effective multilateralism, anchored in the values of the UN Charter, human rights, and international law.” In Bosnia and Herzegovina ), the complementary roles of the EU and the UN are key to delivering on shared priorities, including the 2030 Agenda and the EU accession pathway, which is a priority for the country.

To implement these, the EU Delegation and UN Country Team in Bosnia and Herzegovina have established policy dialogues on energy and the green transition, digitalization, human rights and gender, and human capital development in education, health, and social protection. These dialogues help align efforts with the broader EU-UN strategic vision while addressing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s specific challenges and opportunities.

In an era when technology is increasingly shaping our daily lives, the EU and the UN are joining forces to accelerate Bosnia and Herzegovina's digital transition. This strategic partnership aims to support the country's EU accession goals while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, e.g., making digital work for people, businesses, and the environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Under the leadership of UNDP and ITU, UNICEF, IOM, UNHCR, UN Women, FAO, ILO, WHO, and UNESCO have joined forces with the EU Delegation to support policy development in the area of digital transformation in BiH. The focus is on three key digital development pathways:

Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity in the context of Public Administration Reform,
Digital Skills and Education, and,
Digital Infrastructure and the Digitalization of Businesses.

The scope of work is anchored in the EU Digital Decade policy program and the UN-developed whole-of-society approach to inclusive digital transformation and its inclusive digital transformation framework.

Aiming to lay a foundation for system-level interventions and shift from isolated efforts to a portfolio of interconnected, scalable solutions addressing the root causes of digital transformation challenges, the UNCT and EU Delegation established a joint endeavor for the exchange of knowledge and co-design of solutions.

From fragmented to a systemic approach to digital transformation

The EU Delegation and the UN Country Team adopted a system approach to drive this change. Multiple sensemaking workshops — structured socializing and learning sessions organized around each digital development pathway, that bring relevant government agencies, development agencies implementing EU-funded projects, and UN agencies together to share their work experiences and learnings. These workshops helped gain a shared, system-wide perspective on the work being done and the current situation, as well as uncovered key challenges, gaps, and opportunities, preparing a foundation for exploring the solutions space and joint co-design of the vision for the future and actionable interventions that would help drive a meaningful change. Another immediate and practical benefit of these workshops was the ability to identify synergies between the ongoing projects – e.g. thanks to Giga – the joint initiative of UNICEF and ITU, the map presenting BiH schools’ connectivity status and quality of connection collected in real-time was further exchanged with GIZ as they outline criteria for supporting connectivity agenda in BiH and the region. With this, GIZ and other partners can make informed decisions and investments towards the most vulnerable areas in the country, ensuring the effectiveness of collective efforts for improving internet connectivity in BiH.

Sensemaking workshop on digital transformation and cybersecurity in the public administration brought together representatives from 12 major projects and initiatives implemented by state institutions, GIZ, e-Governance Academy Estonia, CSI Piemonte Italy, UNDP, and UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The workshops contributed to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in digital transformation and cybersecurity in public administration. The EU Delegation and the UN brought together key actors whose perspectives and practical experiences in these areas enabled joint work on a shared vision of a digital future.”

Marko Zekić

Senior Advisor in the Development and Maintenance of E-Government Systems Dept. of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of BiH

Building on strategic insights from the sensemaking workshops, the EU Delegation and UNCT Digital Task team continue the collaboration by defining key system shifts or transformative changes needed to address the root causes of problems and move from current challenges toward desired results. These portfolio sketch workshops helped co-define contours of future efforts. As an example, for the digital transformation and cybersecurity in the public administration development pathway, the portfolio sketch workshop helped identify three key areas of future interventions:

Strengthening cross-government coordination of digital and cybersecurity governance, strong political ownership and leadership aligned with the EU policy framework, supported by sustainable national funding,
Supporting interoperable and user-centric digital services with secure horizontal and vertical data exchange, coupled with a culture of innovation, co-creation, and experimentation embedded in public administration, and,
digital inclusion, cybersecurity awareness, and public engagement so that no one is left behind benefiting from digital services and opportunities.

Discussing "system shifts" needed in "digital transformation and cybersecurity in public administration" development pathway

These events and follow-up activities will serve as a foundation for system-level intervention in this problem space.

“We are well aware that even with limited resources, a country can make significant progress in digitalization by prioritizing cost-effective solutions, leveraging international support, and investing in digital skills. The key is to start small, scale up gradually, and create a regulatory environment that fosters both investment and innovation. Every effort counts. That’s why the joint EU–UN strategic dialogue — aimed at identifying shared priorities across key thematic sectors such as digitalization — holds great potential to make a real difference in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Karel Lizerot

Head of Operations Section for Good Governance and Human Services, EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina; EU Component Leader of the EU–UN Digital Working Group

The Road Ahead

As this learning journey continues, the path is clear - the EU and UN remain committed to driving digital transformation that benefits everyone and ensures no one is left behind. From improving everyday interactions with authorities and institutions to fostering a digitally literate, inclusive society and vibrant digital economy, this collaboration will help shape a brighter future for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the achievement of both its EU membership aspirations and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Digital transformation is critical for building a modern economy, creating decent jobs, promoting transparency and ensuring inclusive access to education and public services. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, digitalization holds enormous potential to unlock innovation, promote competition, and better prepare future generations. The EU–UN Strategic Dialogue brings together knowledge, expertise, partnership, and a shared vision to turn this potential into real progress. Together with the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are helping to lay the foundation for a more connected, inclusive and prosperous society.

Ingrid Macdonald

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Stay connected and join us as we explore new ways to advance digital transformation and ensure equitable access for the development and participation of every citizen and business in Bosnia and Herzegovina!