United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

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Event

07 July 2023

Call for applications within the project “Supporting local agricultural and rural development planning”

Background The call for application is implemented under the project titled “Supporting local agricultural and rural development planning” (TCP/BIH/3804) and is funded by the Technical Cooperation Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The aim of the project is to support the enhancement of institutional capacities in rural development and community development planning, programming, coordination and implementation at cantonal and municipal levels in the Republika Srpska and in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rationale for intervention Under the TCP/BIH/3804 project seven Agriculture and Rural Development Plans are under formulation in the Republika Srpska and two in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the Plans sustainable development of rural communities are vital for creating lasting positive change in the country. Sound planning and strategizing at the local level results in more targeted public sector interventions and expenditures related to rural development and agriculture, which leads to improved sustainable management of natural resources and better economic well-being of the rural communities in the long-run. The project is implemented in Una-Sana Canton and city of Bihac in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the municipalities of Gacko, Rogatica, Rudo, Visegrad, Osmaci, Foca and the City of Zvornik in Republika Srpska – all of these local authorities have committed to developing and later adopting the Local Agriculture and Rural Development Plans following the guidance and support of FAO. Agriculture has a strategic role in providing employment, nutrition and food security in the target municipalities. On farm processing and direct sale to intermediaries are the main marketing channels for the agriculture producers in the project areas, and in order to strengthen the market position of primary producers, a number of interventions are needed in the value chains of the priority agricultural products in the project areas. In Republika Srpska this call for application is aimed for piloting funding of a few small-scale demonstration projects, corresponding with the strategic priorities defined by the Local Agriculture and Rural Development Plans of the municipalities listed below: Osmaci: The municipality covers an area of 78,10 km². The municipality of Osmaci is located in the eastern part of Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina in a region that is regionally known as Srednje Podrinje or the Birač region. Using data from the 2013 Census, it was determined that the total number of inhabitants is 5,546. According to statistical records, 1,675 households live in the territory of the municipality, of which all households, as already mentioned, are located in an area classified as rural. The average age of the owner of an agricultural holding determined by survey research is 58 years. Agriculture of the region mainly includes subsistence and semi-subsistence farming. Land fragmentation, lack of agricultural machinery and technologies, abandoned lands, outmigration from the rural area and negative demographic trends are the main obstacles to agricultural development. As priority value chains for development in Osmaci were selected raspberry production and distribution, beekeeping and honey production. City of Zvornik: Zvornik is located in the eastern part of the Republika Srpska. The town of Zvornik lies on the eastern slopes of the Majevica mountain at an altitude of 146 m. The area of the city of Zvornik is 382 km2. Using data from the 2013 Census, 54,407 inhabitants live in the territory of the city of Zvornik. According to statistical records, 17,690 households live in the city area, of which we can assume that 80% are rural households. The average age of the owner of an agricultural holding determined by survey research is 59 years. The food sector in this city is one of the strongest in the project area. Despite the relatively high production, small and medium farmers are facing similar constraints as in small municipalities: a strong focus on primary production and challenges related to the storage and marketing of the produce. As a priority value chain for development in the city of Zvornik was selected fruit production and processing, both organic and conventional. Višegrad is located in the eastern part of the Republika Srpska. The area of Višegrad is 448 km2. Using data from the 2013 Census, 10.118 inhabitants live in Višegrad. The total rural population is 5,289, or 49.6%. Despite the accelerated development of urban tourism in the area of this municipality, this growth did not spread to rural areas and agricultural development, and the main reason is migration from rural areas and negative demographic trends. As priority value chains for development in Višegrad were selected raspberry production and processing, greenhouse production, honey production and beekeeping. Rogatica: The municipality of Rogatica is located in the middle of the eastern part of the Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, on an area of 645.92 km2. According to the results of the last population census in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2013), the total number of inhabitants in the Municipality of Rogatica was 10,302. About 40% of the population lives in the rural part of the municipality. This is the largest agricultural area within the project site in terms of resources and production intensity. However, despite a good resource base, there is a low degree of product finalization and added value. As priority value chains for development in Rogatica were selected production and geographic identity protection of rogatic potatoes, meat production and processing in the cow-calf system, and milk production and processing. Rudo: The territory of the municipality of Rudo is located on the triple border of Republika Srpska, Serbia and Montenegro. The area is distinctly hilly and mountainous, with villages scattered and intersected by mountain passes on an area of 344 km2. According to the results of the last population census in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2013), the total number of inhabitants in Rudo Municipality was 7,578 inhabitants in 89 associated settlements. The rural population numbers 6,203 people or 77.9% of the total. Despite the modest resource base, the small number of farms and low economic development, the municipality is distinguished by a strong agricultural cooperative and good projects of established value chains in raspberry production and milk processing, which should be further developed. As priority value chains for development in Rudo were selected, raspberry production and distribution, milk production and processing, and rural tourism. Foča: The municipality of Foča is located in the southeastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the Republika Srpska entity. Foča is located on the banks of the Drina River. The municipality of Foča covers an area of 1,115 km2. According to the 2013 census, the municipality had 18,288 inhabitants. 7,051, or 38.6% of the population, live in rural areas. The municipality, which lies in the heart of the national park and which does not sufficiently take advantage of the links that can be developed between agriculture and tourism, needs to strengthen value chains in fruit growing and meat and milk production through the improvement of production and processing technology. As priority value chains for development in Foča were selected meat and milk production and processing, plum and raspberry production and processing, and beekeeping and honey production. Gacko: The municipality of Gacko is located in the southeast of Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In terms of altitude, it is the highest mountain part of Herzegovina, with an average altitude above 1000 meters above sea level. The altitude of the Gacko settlement is 956 meters above sea level. The surface area of the municipality is 736 km². According to the results of the last census in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2013), the total number of inhabitants in the Municipality of Gacko was 8,710 inhabitants in 71 associated settlements. Of the total number of inhabitants, 40% live in rural parts of the municipality. Gacko is a typical mountain municipality with recognizable animal products that easily find their place on the market but which should be branded and protected so that the added value and benefit for the producer would be greater. As priority value chains for development in Gacko were selected, Gacko cream (kajmak) production, beekeeping and honey production. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this call for application is aimed for piloting funding of a few small-scale demonstration projects, corresponding with the strategic priorities defined by the Strategy of Agriculture and Rural Development for the Period 2023 -2027 for Una-Sana Canton and by the Local Plan of Agriculture and Rural Development for the Period 2023-2027 of City of Bihać: Una-Sana Canton: The Una-Sana Canton is located in the extreme north-western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, bordering the southern and south-eastern parts of the Republic of Croatia. It is one of the ten cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with an area of 4,125 km2 it covers 15.8% of the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, i.e. 8.1% of the total territory of BiH. In the territorial-political system this Canton is organized by eight local self-government units (municipalities/cities): Bihać, Bosanska Krupa, Bosanski Petrovac, Bužim, Cazin, Ključ, Sanski Most and Velika Kladuša. In 2021 the Canton area was populated with 264,248 inhabitants, out of which 13.42% are under 14 years old and 14.35% are over 65 years old. According to the 2013 Census, a total of 78,255 households live in the area of the Una-Sana Canton, of which 60.98% or 47,718 households are located in rural settlements and 39.02% or 30,537 households in the urban part of the Canton. Favourable climatic conditions and available land resources enable a greater number of agricultural productions, but as in most of the BiH, the agricultural sector faces numerous problems such as small holdings, poor equipment and low technical-technological levels of production. As priority value chains for development in Una-Sana Canton were selected beekeeping and honey production, meat production and processing. City of Bihać: The city of Bihać is located in the north-western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, administratively belongs to the entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is the administrative, economic, cultural, university and sports centre of the Una-Sana Canton. The city of Bihać covers an area of 900 km2, which is 21.8% of the territory of the Una-Sana Canton and 1.7% of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The average altitude is 224 meters; most of the territory of the City is located on terrains up to 600 meters above sea level, while its smaller part is located in the mountain and hill-mountain zone at an altitude of over 900 meters. In 2021, a total of 55,291 inhabitants lived in the City of Bihać. According to the data from the Census, in 2013, a total of 18,293 households lived in the area of the City of Bihać, out of which 26.66% or 4,877 households were located in rural settlements, and 73.34% or 13,416 households in the urban part of the City. Agricultural production is an important part of the City's economy, especially vegetable and milk production, and recently honey production has experienced a special expansion. As priority value chains for development in the City of Bihać were selected vegetable production and distribution. All these municipalities and cities, to a greater or lesser extent, are characterized by large spatial dispersal, lack of organization of agricultural production and poorly developed value chains. In terms of value chain improvement, two directions were identified. One direction refers to production, which is characterised by the low level of production technology, low yields, lack of equipment and mechanization, and lack of access to knowledge and information. The second direction refers to the processing, which in most cases takes place on the farm and is performed by women, where there is a lack of quality and safety checks lack of adequate packaging, resulting to the exclusion of traditional products from formal marketing channels. Women’s high involvement in manual activities, as well as unpaid housework, including care work, leads to their economic dependency and invisibility of their work. The lack of opportunities for youth to be employed in rural areas is another challenge due to the limited number of full-time jobs in these rural areas. It leads the young generation to move to the towns and cities and leaves them uncertain about their future. This leaves elderly households with no labour force for the extension of agriculture production and larger agriculture households with a lack of seasonal workers to be hired, which creates great need in automation and digitalisation of the production process. These crucial factors create the necessity to encourage and support those most marginalized groups to participate in and benefit from the intervention. Specifically, it is needed to support youth, women, people with disabilities and others in the key relevant areas (relevant to the grant measure) where they already figure prominently. Sustainable development of rural areas cannot be achieved successfully without improvement of competitiveness of the agricultural sector, including technical-technological renewal, support of valuable economic initiatives, support of agricultural holdings, smallholders and family farms and local population through rural development grant programmes. During the implementation of this project and preparation of LARDs, FAO national consultants, in cooperation with the private sector and representatives of local self-government, defined activities for the improvement of value chains at each of the communities within the project area which should contribute to the improvement of competitiveness of producers and producer organisation, but also to the improvement of quality of life in rural areas. Scope and actions According to the local Agriculture and Rural Development Plans formulated in each of the target municipalities, existing production in the communities is limited to primary products, whereas to increase income of the local population, it is crucial to develop the value chains. The current technological and equipment levels of the agricultural sector in the communities necessitate their further support, which will largely contribute to the improvement of competitiveness and income generation in the communities. Therefore, the measure targets the support of the following direction through two sub-measures: Measure 1: Investments in tools and equipment for value adding to agricultural products: Agricultural processing equipment; small agriculture machines. Equipment and tools for marketing, sorting and packaging. Measure 2: Investments in infrastructure related to primary agricultural production: Irrigation equipment, greenhouses, etc. Each applicant can apply to only one measure. Territorial scope Eligible grant projects may only be implemented in Una-Sana Canton and city of Bihać in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and municipalities of Gacko, Rogatica, Rudo, Visegrad, Osmaci, Foca and the City of Zvornik in the Republika Srpska that are the project sites which have been pre-identified and recommended by the state and entity-level governments during the development of the Technical Cooperation Project TCP/BIH/3804 – “Supporting local agricultural and rural development planning”. Applicants: Who may apply? The aim of the small-scale investment intervention is to make a benefit for the maximum of local people, not only the individual. Therefore, those interventions will be found eligible, which bring benefits to the majority of the community directly or indirectly. Producers’ or farmers’ associations, organizations and unions; cooperatives, for which agriculture is either the main or additional field of activity and other types of membership-based organizations, which among other things, are involved in agriculture that are legally registered and operating in one of the locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina mentioned under section 3, have a bank account, are not in the state of bankruptcy and have not received the same type of tool/equipment under another grant support during the last 1 year are eligible to apply on this call. Duration of the projects The deadline for the realization of the grant project activities is 31st December 2023. Deadline for submission of the applications: The deadline for submission of applications is 21st July 2023, at 17:00. Further information related to the administration and submission procedure can be found in the documents below. , filtered_html

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Press Release

05 July 2023

Presenting the joint United Nations project "Women Driving Resilience in Agriculture and Rural Areas"

Women make up as much as 49.8% of the population in rural areas, and only 38.3% of women are owners or co-owners of agricultural land. Of the actively employed women in BiH, 20.5% of them work in agriculture, while only 18.3% of agricultural farms are run by women. The joint project of UN Women BiH and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), financed by Sweden, aims to remove the structural barriers faced by women in rural areas through the introduction of technologies that would save time and make their work easier, as well as to present innovative sources of financing. Through training women in rural areas to better cope with the specific challenges of doing business in agriculture, the project will improve living standards, as well as the socio-economic position of families in rural areas. "It is a great honor for us that the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina will take part in the Steering Committee of this project, and that we will provide our expertise in its implementation. We are also glad that we will have the opportunity to expand cooperation with entity ministries in the creation of strategies for agriculture that will especially focus on gender equality," said Slobodan Cvijanović, Assistant Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina. „Today the UN team in Bosnia and Herzegovina is strengthening our support to the critical role of women in agriculture and rural development. Whilst just over 20 percent of women in BiH work in agricultural activities in rural areas, according to the Sarajevo Economic Institute (2018), many are engaged in the lower value chain activities with less decision-making authority and profitability. Women in rural areas therefore represent an important, yet still untapped, resource for the country. The UN is looking forward to working with all stakeholders, especially rural communities, agricultural producers, government counterparts and the women themselves, to improve the lives of women in rural areas across BiH, which will in turn benefit the broader social and economic development of the country,“ said Ingrid Macdonald, UN BiH Resident Coordinator. “Equal opportunities for all, including gender equality, is important to Sweden and is an integral part of everything we support. That is why we are pleased to fund this project that will empower women in agriculture and rural areas to better manage challenges they are facing. The aim of the project is an improved environment for women and girls engaged in agricultural activities supporting them in advancing their socio-economic position,” said Eva Gibson Smedberg, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Sarajevo. A meeting of the project’s Steering Committee was also held today, consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, Agency for Gender Equality of BiH, Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry of FBiH, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of RS, as well as representatives of Sweden and UN agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These activities are part of continuous work of UN Women on economic empowerment of women in BiH, as well as continuous support to women in agriculture and in rural areas, supported by Sweden. Since 2021, UN Women has been working to establish cooperation in this area with municipalities and cities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina from both entities.
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05 July 2023

WHO 75: 75 Years in Service of Improving Public Health

The first half of the 20th century saw some of the most tragic and destructive global events in human history. Societies have suffered a devastating loss of lives, food scarcity, destroyed public health services, and an unprecedented number of displaced persons. There were legitimate concerns that epidemic outbreaks would rapidly spread throughout the population, such as the one known as the Spanish flu at the end of the World War I, with estimated deaths ranging from 17 – to 50 million people. In April 1945, leaders from around the world gathered in San Francisco, United States of America, to establish the United Nations. At the meeting, they also agreed on the creation of another global organisation, specifically devoted to global health rather than global politics, an organisation that would prevent and control disease so that everyone could attain health and wellbeing at the highest possible level. The World Health Organization (WHO) was established three years later, with its constitution coming into effect on 7 April 1948, marked from then on as World Health Day. The WHO Charter, or its constitution, states that health is a fundamental human right that every human being is entitled to "without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition" and that "the health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security." Public health has changed dramatically in the 75 years since the launch of the World Health Organization. Over the past seven and a half decades, there has been extraordinary progress in protecting people from diseases and destruction, including smallpox eradication, reducing the incidence of polio by 99%, saving millions of lives through childhood immunisation, declines in maternal mortality, and improvement of health and well-being for millions more. However, the successes so far do not mean that WHO’s work is finished. There are new, critical health threats, such as COVID-19 or climate change- related events, and these are expected to become more frequent and more severe. That is one of the reasons WHO is urging Member States to take action to place health high on the political and development agenda and increase investments in health. The health workforce is critical. Continuous and increasing investments in education, skills, and decent jobs for health need to be prioritised to meet the rapidly growing demand for health and addressing changing health needs. Without drastic change, a shortage of 10 million health workers is projected by 2030, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. "We have to work hard at coming together to confront these health threats. This means thinking beyond nationalistic priorities, it means coming together around joint priorities, and most importantly, it means supporting organisations like WHO that work for the collective good," stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. One of the actions WHO has achieved, in collaboration with Member States, is taking action to promote health by preventing disease and addressing the root causes of ill health. This resulted that between 2017 and 2022, 133 governments increased an existing or introduced a new tax on products that harm health, such as tobacco and sugary drinks. What’s in the future for WHO? At this year’s Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly, the UN agency’s decision-making body, Dr Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, warned that the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency is not the end of COVID-19 as a global health threat, urging countries to prioritise primary healthcare as the foundation of universal health coverage. "The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that protecting health is fundamental to our economies, societies, security and stability," said the WHO Director-General. Learning from the worst pandemic in recent history, WHO stands ready to support the world's countries as they negotiate a pandemic accord, the revision of the International Health Regulations (2005), and other financial, governance, and operational initiatives to prepare the world for future pandemics. Over the past five years, WHO has invested in science and digital health, creating a science division. The investment has come at the time when science is under sustained attack every day. Disseminating evidence-based and scientifically underpinned information is of the utmost importance. Countries must protect the public from misinformation and disinformation, the results of such actions are still alive in our minds and even in our lives still. The future of health depends on how well all of us, together, power health through science, research, innovation, data, digital technologies and partnerships. "The history of WHO demonstrates what is possible when nations come together for a common purpose," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has led the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic. , filtered_html

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Story

13 June 2023

LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers must feel safe and accepted

Local community as a whole must send a message to LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers that they are welcome in BiH, safe and accepted. Even though BiH government, civil sector and local community are giving their best to welcome LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers, there are still some challenges that we are all facing as a community. “In the year when the humankind is marking the 75th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, when we think that a lot has been done, we are still facing certain challenges. For example, among asylum-seekers, same sex couples are not recognized as families, and are often put in different accommodations far away from each other,” said Gabrijela Rubić, Project Manager at UNHCR’s partner Bosnia and Herzegovina Women’s Initiative (BHWI), during a panel discussion organized by BiH Pride March with support from UNHCR. The discussion followed a screening of a Mexican film Luciernagas (Fireflies), which depicts a deeply human story about a young gay man who fled from persecution in Iran and ended up living in the limbo of exile, far from everything he knows, in the tropical port town of Veracruz, Mexico. While dealing with the distance between himself and his loved ones, he began to discover a new life, and started to integrate into the new community. “Throughout our long-term experience working with refugees and asylum-seekers, including with LGBTIQ+ persons, we have seen many similar cases like in the film. Some scenes from the film reminded me of situations we had with refugees who thought us how to dance Salsa while we thought them how to dance Bosnian ‘kolo’,” said Rubić. LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers feel alone in often homophobic environments. They often fear for their safety, fear from rape threats and are additionally isolated. “We need to invest in constant education of a wider community,” said Marija Šarić, Project Manager at NGO Wings of Hope, concluding that all parts of our community have responsibility to provide hospitality to all refugees. “The workshop that we had last year with LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers and local community, with support from UNHCR, had provided a safe environment for those people and an environment where they felt accepted. Many of them felt uncomfortable going back to their temporary accommodations afterwards. This shows that civil sector and donor community should invest additional efforts in similar activities and projects that will ensure that these people feel physically safe and accepted,” said Mirjana Gavrić, psychotherapist. , filtered_html

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30 June 2023

Macdonald: Media freedom is of central importance for UN in BiH and the world

The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald, noted Monday at the conference 'Media Innovation and Trends - Media Freedom and Shaping the Future of Media' organized by the FBiH News Agency (FENA) in Sarajevo that media freedoms are a topic that is of central importance for the United Nations not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but around the world. “This is something we're working on and support, not only as representatives of the UN Secretary-General in BiH but also UNESCO, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and others,” said Macdonald, who was the keynote speaker of the first panel at the conference. Concerned about the situation in which the media and journalists are at the global level, she stated that the UN has established a comprehensive Plan of Action for the Safety of Journalists to end impunity for crimes committed against them. “We're not just talking about physical attacks, but also online, economic and legal attacks. There are many ways to attack and threaten journalists,” Macdonald said. In recent statements during World Press Freedom Day, she recalled, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the need to address attacks on journalists and stressed the importance of halting attacks on those who speak the truth. “Unfortunately, we didn't notice that the situation at the global level has improved. Journalists and truth are still and to an increasing extent victims,” she said. As an example, she cited the Covid-19 pandemic campaign, where there is great concern that facts are being misinterpreted, used and abused. “This is often seen here on the political side, but also in other areas, such as climate change. Not only are journalists attacked, but also scientists, doctors, technicians and others. This causes great concern of the UN,” said Macdonald. Speaking about Bosnia, she said that the latest developments on the political scene, especially the proposed criminalization of insult and slander, cause concern, and that this could be used to suppress critical voices in the media and among journalists. She added that the comments of UN Special Rapporteurs on freedom of opinion, expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, especially the criminalization of insults, are definitive and explicit in terms of democratic standards, and freedom of expression is very important, and it is necessary to achieve that balance. “It is important that the authorities withdraw the proposed draft amendments and the criminalization of defamation and insults because they are contrary to the standards,” Macdonald noted. The UN office in BiH, she said, published a comprehensive report on the safety of journalists, and does so continuously in order to highlight the importance of the topic. “Many will say that there are numerous challenges that journalists face in performing their work. Not only are there political pressures on the media that are noticeable, but also economic pressures, verbal attacks, threats, online and judicial harassment, limiting the right to access information,” she stressed. She concluded by saying that the UN is fully dedicated to providing support and facilitating journalists’ work in BiH, ensuring better protection of journalists in a more favourable environment for the media. , filtered_html

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Story

30 January 2025

Celebrating 10 years of the Dialogue for the Future initiative

Building on these successes, DFF3 aims to empower youth, women, and local communities while further strengthening dialogue and social cohesion across Bosnia and Herzegovina. This phase benefits from the continued support and collaboration of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which initiated DFF in partnership with the United Nations in 2014. Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH has joined this phase, contributing to the project's implementation in the areas of culture, youth, and education. The project remains supported by the PBF and is being jointly implemented by UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNESCO Antenna Office in Sarajevo, and UNICEF Bosnia and Herzegovina, on behalf of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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30 January 2025

Peacebuilding stories

Schools are more than just places of learning—they are spaces where young people shape their futures and build lifelong connections. Yet, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, many students grow up without opportunities to meet peers from different communities. The “Sustaining Peace and Social Cohesion in BiH" project, funded by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and implemented by IOM and UNDP, is changing that by bringing students and teachers together to learn, collaborate, and form friendships. This activity is part of a $3.5 million initiative, running from December 2022 to June 2025. By pairing 16 schools across Bosnia and Herzegovina as "sister schools", the program gives students and teachers the opportunity to visit one another, exchange ideas, and explore new environments.

For Nejla Zukančić, a high school student from Bosanski Petrovac, joining the project meant meeting students from Drvar for the first time. “My friend and I spent days preparing for this event, were really excited to connect, share experiences, and make new friends.” For Monika Bandov, a teacher from Drvar, the experience was just as meaningful. “I had never visited Bosanski Petrovac before, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity. It’s been a pleasure to come here with my students, see how another school operates, and spend time with new colleagues and friends.” Through these exchanges, students build confidence, break down barriers, and develop leadership skills. Older students also take on mentoring roles, helping younger peers feel included and supported. “Over the past 14 months, I’ve grown so much. I overcame my fear of public speaking, developed new skills, and, most importantly, made lasting friendships. We stay in touch daily and often meet up. These experiences have truly enriched my school life". — Nejla.

More than 700 students and 74 teachers have participated in activities, including Critical Thinking Clubs, run by project partner The Center for Educational Initiatives Step by Step. These clubs give students a chance to discuss important topics, learn from each other, and gain new perspectives. “It was an incredible experience! I met so many new friends from different communities, and together, we explored new ideas, learned about values, and thought of ways to improve our schools.” — Alma Suljić, high school student, Livno.This project is not just about connecting schools, but about creating a lasting impact on the students and teachers involved. To date, 2,480 students and teachers have benefited from the program, with additional support from implementing partners like the Association Centre for Educational Initiatives “Step by Step,” the Association “Psiholuminis” Prijedor, and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV).
By fostering relationships across communities, the project is helping shape a more connected and peaceful future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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30 January 2025

Harnessing the Power of Creative Industries for Change

Empowering Women Through Film and DialogueBosnia and Herzegovina’s influential creative platforms—the Sarajevo Film Festival and Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (AJB Doc)— are not just about showcasing films but also creating spaces for meaningful dialogue on important social topics. At the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival, powerful discussions explored feminism and the rising issue of femicide in the region. Through the insights of playwrights, filmmakers, and cultural activists, the panel called for a shift in the cultural narrative, pushing for stronger legal frameworks and grassroots activism to combat femicide. In addition, the project also supported the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival Female Voices CineLink Award. This award highlights the work of women in the film industry, providing a platform for emerging female filmmakers to showcase their talent and stories. The collaboration underscores the importance of amplifying women's voices within the film industry, fostering greater representation and diversity in storytelling. In partnership with the project, AJB Doc hosted the panel “Violence Against Women: A Societal Problem, Not a Private Incident” that brought together filmmakers, activists, and community leaders to call for collective action and institutional accountability.In addition, this partnership also featured workshop on smartphone documentary production to empower young filmmakers to tell women’s stories, with the best documentary to be featured at the next festival. Podcasting for Peace and SecurityPodcasting has emerged as a dynamic medium for advocacy. The “Oslobođena” (“Liberated”) podcast dedicated an episode to the critical role of women in achieving sustainable peace. It explored how women’s testimonies shape international judicial processes while addressing ongoing gender disparities in sectors like healthcare and law enforcement. The podcast raised awareness and deepened understanding of the intersection between women’s security and lasting peace.Training Journalists for Gender-Sensitive ReportingThe project has also focused on empowering media professionals. In Banja Luka and Sarajevo, “Reporting on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda” workshops trained over 30 journalists and journalism students in gender-sensitive reporting. These workshops equipped participants to elevate women’s issues, advocate for gender equality, and amplify marginalized voices. This new generation of journalists is now poised to challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more equitable society., filtered_html

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16 January 2025

Irma Burkić: This is not an easy job, but we are investing in our future

They inherited the livestock business, raising sheep and cows, from Nedžad’s parents. Irma spearheaded the idea to expand, leading to the establishment of a farm with a shop. Today, their shop has become a regular stop for many travelers, who frequently purchase homemade cheese and butter from their production.“In our domestic production, we make Livno hard cheese, fresh cheeses, and butter. These have been produced in the family for years, but my husband and I managed to open a shop that is now widely known, attracting customers from all over to buy our products. This was a big step forward because registering the business made the production much more professional and motivated us to do more and better,” Irma explains.Currently, their farm has around 300 sheep and 20 cows. Irma jokingly notes they don’t need certification because their products sell out within 24 hours of being made. In addition to dairy products, they produce meat for their family, and she takes pride in ensuring her family enjoys healthy, organic food.“Raising livestock is a daily commitment—you don’t get vacations or days off. To maintain quality and consistent production, you must be dedicated every day. I take care of the cows, and my husband manages the sheep. It’s not an easy job; it requires constant effort, but at least we know we’re investing in our future,” says Irma. A key goal of the project “Women Driving Resilience in Agriculture and Rural Areas” is to ensure that women rural entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are visible, included, and recognized as key actors in the development of rural areas. To ensure the relevance and effectiveness of project activities, consultative research included women entrepreneurs like Irma Burkić at various stages.Women rural entrepreneurs participated in a series of consultative workshops organized across BiH, sharing their experiences, challenges, and recommendations for starting and running their agribusinesses. Focus groups provided insights from women in diverse rural communities, shaping the strategic directions of the project to align with their real needs and priorities.Despite the demanding nature of farm work, Irma’s dream of a thriving business will be complete once they can hire additional staff for the shop, allowing her and her family some well-deserved rest. Still, she adds that if given the choice, she would choose the same path again.The visit to Ecolife Farm was part of the “Women Driving Resilience in Agriculture and Rural Areas” project, aimed at recognizing rural women entrepreneurs as pivotal to rural development in BiH. The project is supported by Sweden and jointly implemented by UN Women and FAO. , filtered_html

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16 January 2025

Dražena Romić: A physiotherapist who successfully took over a dairy production business

The family business belongs to the Romić family, and when Dražena married Igor Romić, she chose to leave her urban life behind for the farm. She quickly earned the admiration and trust of the family, who entrusted her with running the business. Despite being a trained physiotherapist, Dražena has excelled in her new role."It wasn’t easy at first, but when you invest all your energy into something and see the results, it becomes your motivation to keep going. Our family operates in harmony, and that harmony is reflected in the business. We all work hard and give our best, which is the key to success," Dražena shared.The stunning green landscapes of the Kupres region are now largely empty, sadly due to a growing number of young people leaving in search of better opportunities in cities. However, sometimes going in the opposite direction might be the right path. Dražena and her family decided to find peace in the warmth of rural life, dedicating themselves to the family business, which provides more than enough for their livelihood.One of the key goals of the project "Women Driving Resilience in Agriculture and Rural Areas" is to ensure that women rural entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are visible, included, and recognized as critical actors in the development of rural areas. To achieve relevance and effectiveness, the project conducted consultative research where women rural entrepreneurs, including Dražena Romić, who actively participated in various phases. Rural women entrepreneurs were invited to participate in a series of consultative workshops across Bosnia and Herzegovina. These provided a platform to share their experiences, challenges, and recommendations on starting and managing agribusinesses. Focus groups were also organized to capture diverse perspectives and needs of women in various rural communities. The outcomes of these workshops directly shaped the strategic directions of the project, ensuring its activities aligned with the real needs and priorities of women."I’m a city girl, but I decided to find peace here with my family. While many leave rural areas for cities or even other countries, we found the recipe for happiness in combining family life and business in this beautiful homeland. This job gave me opportunities to grow, which wasn’t possible in my profession, and I believe I made the right decision to continue my life here," added Dražena.Although the “Perkan” farm has operated for three generations, its best business results have come under Dražena’s leadership. The farm now has cattle producing milk for the famous cheeses this region is known for. The farm maintains excellent conditions for the livestock, ensuring the high quality of the milk produced. However, they face a significant challenge in finding shepherds, as livestock must be taken out to pasture daily. Despite offering competitive wages, this remains one of the major challenges for agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their products can be found in select retail domestic chains, though most are exported to neighboring Croatia.The visit to the “Perkan” farm was part of the "Women Driving Resilience in Agriculture and Rural Areas" project, aimed at recognizing rural women entrepreneurs as key actors in developing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rural areas. The project is supported by Sweden and jointly implemented by UN Women and FAO. , filtered_html

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Press Release

04 December 2024

Consultation on Reparations for Civilian Victims of the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The consultation aimed to foster dialogue among stakeholders on various forms of reparation, review progress achieved, identify outstanding gaps and obstacles in light of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international human rights obligations, and propose concrete recommendations to address existing challenges. It brought together associations of survivors and families of victims, representatives of authorities, civil society organizations, academia, and international stakeholders.Discussions highlighted that nearly 30 years after the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressing reparation for civilian victims remains a significant challenge. While some efforts have been made, many victims have yet to claim or receive adequate reparation. Inconsistent legal frameworks across the country and various legal and administrative hurdles further exacerbate the trauma experienced by victims. Collective forms of reparation, including memorialization efforts and guarantees of non-recurrence, are often fragmented and rarely involve victims in consultation processes.Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, opened the discussions and emphasized the central role of reparation in transitional justice: “I commend the tireless efforts of survivors, families, and NGOs who, for over three decades, have championed truth and justice, in the face of great adversity. Their work is essential to peacebuilding. While no measure can erase the trauma endured, reparation—both individual and collective—can restore dignity, rebuild trust, and offer hope. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, we must address persistent gaps and work toward an inclusive reparation framework that serves all victims.”Duška Jurišić, Deputy Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that ensuring fair and adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative. She stressed that, despite political challenges, all victims – regardless of their ethnic background – must have equal treatment and access to their rights. “The United Nations Committee Against Torture has reminded us of the binding international obligations – legal, financial, and moral: to provide reparation, free healthcare, psychological support, and a formal public apology. Establishing an effective national compensation program to offer legal protection to victims of war crimes, including survivors of sexual violence, and adopting a framework law on the rights of victims of war torture is a mission we cannot abandon. Injustice can be corrected if those responsible for addressing it are held accountable. The responsibility for upholding the rights of wartime torture survivors’ rests with all of us. We must also recognize the transgenerational impact of wartime trauma. Effectively addressing such trauma is the only path to building a healthy and prosperous society.”Elisabet Tomasinec, Head of the Political Department at the European Union Special Representative Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted the broader significance of reparation: “Reparation for victims is more than an act of justice; it lays the foundation for a stable, secure, and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina within the European Union. Upholding victims' rights is essential for building a peaceful future, and the European Union will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to reconciliation and European Union integration.”"Due to the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet managed to adopt a unified legal reparation framework at the state level, we have a fragmented approach that fuels inequality, frustration and resentment among victims, as many continue to remain without effective and adequate rights. In addition, in order to exercise their rights, they are often exposed to a labyrinth of difficult-to-navigate administrative procedures. Reparations for civilian victims of war, while integrating gender-sensitive policies so that all victims have equal access to war compensation, rehabilitation, memorialization, recognition of crimes and victims, and building trust are just some of the key factors for Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress in the field of reparations," emphasized Selma Korjenić, Program Manager, Trial International - Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Agnes Picod, Senior Human Rights Adviser at the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, concluded the consultation by emphasizing that reparation is an obligation of the State: “International law recognizes the right to remedy and reparation for victims of gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law. As a party to international human rights treaties, Bosnia and Herzegovina is obligated to ensure comprehensive transitional justice measures, including recognition and adequate reparation for all civilian victims of the war, without discrimination. These measures are vital not only for survivors and their families but also for sustaining peace.” The consultation underscored the pressing necessity for concrete and coordinated actions to deliver meaningful reparation, including individual compensation, medical and psychological support, symbolic and collective measures. Effectively addressing the enduring consequences of the war is fundamental to fostering reconciliation and building a peaceful, inclusive future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.Contact for Further Information:
Peđa Đurasović – peda.durasovic@un.org, filtered_html

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Press Release

02 October 2024

Inaugural Meeting of the Steering Committee for the Dialogue for Future 3 (DFF3) Project

Launched in 2014 as a partnership between the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations, Dialogue for Future has successfully implemented two phases, significantly contributing to youth empowerment, gender equality, and local community engagement. The third phase will build on these achievements, while introducing new approaches, to expand the project’s reach and impact.DFF3 is part of a broader five-year investment by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), an instrument that enables a more inclusive approach to peacebuilding and reconciliation throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.The project is jointly implemented by UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF, on behalf of the United Nations in BiH, in partnership with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina, welcomed the Steering Committee members on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and stated: “Dialogue for Future 3 is not just a continuation of our previous efforts; it is an opportunity for innovation, using digital solutions to achieve greater results. Our goal is to ensure that our investments leave a long-lasting impact, both at the local level and in state-level policymaking. The uniqueness of this project lies in the partnership with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the involvement of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, with its mandate over key areas of culture, youth, and education, represents an important step forward in this phase. We are confident that DFF3 will contribute to creating a peaceful and inclusive future for Bosnia and Herzegovina, empowering youth, women, and local communities.”During the meeting, the project team presented the results of the previous two phases and a detailed work plan for DFF3. A significant aspect of the project is the creation of partnerships with local self-government units and the establishment of a platform for dialogue, involving citizens and youth in decision-making processes, with a particular emphasis on gender equality. One of the most significant initiatives within DFF3 is the Youth Futures/Leadership Fellowship Program, which will train 20 young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina in leadership, volunteerism, and activism skills—crucial for cultivating the next generation of peacebuilders.The Steering Committee members reaffirmed their commitment to the goals of DFF3, expressing their dedication to ensuring the project’s success. Through collaboration at all levels and across sectors, DFF3 is expected to significantly contribute to sustainable peace, social cohesion, and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina., filtered_html

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Press Release

21 September 2024

United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Launch the Campaign “12 Days of Activism for Peace”

This initiative was established in 2019 with the aim of promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The campaign will be marked by activities in the country and in numerous diplomatic missions of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the world, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This year’s campaign is being implemented with the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), which plays a key role in fostering solidarity and dialogue, creating an environment that promotes peace and cooperation. The Peacebuilding Steering Committee for Bosnia and Herzegovina oversees and directs the work of this Fund, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald.The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, expressed deep gratitude to the United Nations and international partners for their continuous support in strengthening the stability and long-term sustainability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Membership in the European Union remains a strategic goal of our foreign policy, and achieving this goal successfully requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach. The Peacebuilding Fund, as a key instrument of international support, enables us to not only accelerate the fulfillment of priority goal number 5, which relates to the democratic functionality of institutions, but also to enhance capacities at all levels of government for creating an inclusive and sustainable social framework. This project delivers concrete results through the promotion of dialogue, reconciliation, and active citizen participation in the peacebuilding process, laying the foundation for long-term stability.” The Minister emphasized that “working together to rebuild trust among all peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina must remain a priority for all political, social, and international actors. The campaign ‘12 Days of Activism for Peace’ not only promotes key achievements in the peacebuilding process but also represents a platform for stronger community connections, contributing to the long-term sustainability of peace and cohesion within society. This project reflects our commitment to European values, including respect for human rights, equality, and shared prosperity, and sends a strong message to the international community about the maturity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a future member of the European Union.”The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year it is marked under the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”, as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. The International Day of Peace will also be marked during the Summit of the Future that will take place from 21 to 23 September at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This high-level event gathers world leaders to achieve a new international consensus on how to improve the present and secure a better future, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is participating in this important event.The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ingrid Macdonald, echoed the message of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres: “Peace is the ultimate prize for all of humanity, and the International Day of Peace reminds us that the solutions are in our hands.” She added: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. Cultivating a culture of peace requires the active participation of all sectors of society through dialogue and cooperation. Our commitment to peace must be unwavering - it cannot be taken for granted, it requires constant dedication and effort to sustain it. Today, we reaffirm our dedication to peace, highlighting our initiatives under the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Empowering young people, women, and men to help build a more cohesive and inclusive society is vital to achieving lasting peace and stability.”Throughout the campaign, the United Nations will organize and support a range of activities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on showcasing the remarkable efforts of local communities, civil society, women, and youth. At the heart of the campaign is the promotion of 12 exceptional individuals from across Bosnia and Herzegovina who championed peacebuilding, strengthening social cohesion, and fostering trust, with the support of UN Women, IOM, and UNFPA. Their inspiring stories will be presented through a digital campaign on social media, emphasizing the power of dialogue and cooperation. Each day will highlight a “peace champion,” inspiring us with their contributions to creating a better, more inclusive and cohesive society.The campaign will conclude on 2 October, the International Day of Non-Violence., filtered_html

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Press Release

13 September 2024

United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and AJB DOC Partnership

The United Nations project “Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (WPS), jointly implemented by UN Women, IOM, and UNFPA, is proud to announce its partnership with the Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (AJB DOC) that will take place from 13 to 17 September 2024, in Sarajevo.The WPS project, part of a five-year investment by the United Nations Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), is dedicated to advancing the “Women, Peace, and Security” agenda, with the focus on strengthening the role of women in fostering peace, trust, and social cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina.As part of this collaboration, the WPS project will support training in smartphone documentary film production for students of film, performing arts, producers, journalists, and creatives from across the region. The three-day workshop, running from 14 to 16 September, will provide young filmmakers with expert guidance on creating compelling short documentaries using smartphones.AJB DOC Festival has long recognized the global trend towards smartphone filmmaking and has, for several years, organized training programs for young filmmakers in the region. This year’s partnership with the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will focus on themes central to understanding and overcoming the challenges faced by women. Participants will not only sharpen their technical skills but also transform their creative visions into powerful stories that highlight the real-life struggles and triumphs of women in society.Following the training, participants will have the opportunity to develop their own documentary ideas and film it with smartphones. The best idea, selected by the training facilitator and festival organizers, will be awarded a prize sponsored by Samsung, along with mentoring support for the production process. The winning documentary will be screened at next year’s AJB DOC in the SmartDoc selection, showcasing young filmmakers who use new technology.The collaboration between the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and AJB DOC through the WPS project marks the beginning of a three-year partnership aimed at supporting and inspiring young creatives to promote peace and security through gender-sensitive storytelling., filtered_html

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