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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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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05 June 2025

Public Call for Project Proposals: Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3)

The Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3) project has launched a public call for civil society organizations, educational institutions, and cultural institutions across Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit project proposals that strengthen social cohesion, inclusive dialogue, trust-building, and community resilience.Through this call, DFF3 seeks to support initiatives that promote peace, diversity, and cooperation –particularly among young people and marginalized groups – through meaningful engagement in the areas of education, culture, environmental protection, and intercommunal collaboration.Applicants may request funding between BAM 10,000 and BAM 60,000, with project activities to be implemented in at least one of the 10 partner local communities: Bosanska Krupa, Doboj, Glamoč, Gornji Vakuf–Uskoplje, Milići, Mostar, Stolac, Teslić, Tuzla, or Zvornik.The Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3) project is jointly implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO on behalf of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).Deadline for submissions: 3 July 2025
Full call and application details available at:
https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=98610Info Day

An online info session for all interested applicants will be held on 10 June 2025 at 13:00 via the MS Teams platform.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1708352b-4714-46c1-8d23-47d1d7670406@b3e5db5e-2944-4837-99f5-7488ace54319For additional inquiries, please contact us at: prijave.dff3@undp.org.
Kindly include a reference to the public call in the subject line of your email., filtered_html

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04 June 2025

Call for Youth: Innovation Challenge "Ideas for the future"

Call for Youth: Innovation Challenge "Ideas for the future"Are you 18–35 years old and from one of the 10 partner communities of the Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3) project, including Bosanska Krupa, Doboj, Glamoč, Gornji Vakuf–Uskoplje, Milići, Mostar, Stolac, Teslić, Tuzla and Zvornik? Submit your idea and compete for up to 2,000 KM!ObjectiveWe seek innovative solutions that improve community life in one or more of the following areas:Green and environmental initiativesDigital and technological innovationsCultural and artistic approachesInclusive educational innovationsYour idea should:Promote positive narratives, trust, and peaceEnhance dialogue and connections within the communityUse digital technology to address social challengesSupport cultural and creative expressionEncourage sustainability and environmental responsibilityPropose modern educational methodsPrize PoolTotal fund: 20,000 KMIndividual award: Up to 2,000 KM per ideaTop submissions will advance to Phase 2, where participants attend workshops, receive mentorship, and gain additional support.Final pitch event: 12 August 2025EligibilityYoung individuals (18–35 years old)Teams (minimum 3 members; at least one member must be aged 18–35)Civil society organizations, schools, universities, or institutions (proposal lead must be aged 18–35) How to ApplyDeadline: 19 June 2025Application form: bit.ly/4dslyQdInfo DayDate & Time: 29 May 2025 at 11:00Platform: MS Teams (registration required)Registration link: bit.ly/3H4hklLFor additional questions, contact us via bit.ly/3HjPKRn.This challenge is part of the Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3) project, implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO on behalf of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. , filtered_html

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05 June 2025

From Shared Heritage to Shared Future — Advancing Peace through Dialogue and Youth Leadership

Twenty years after the Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the city once again hosted the international conference “Mostar 2025: Dialogue for the Future”. More than 200 participants from across the region—including representatives from all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ministers, diplomats, youth, cultural experts, and international organizations—gathered on this platform for dialogue, peace, and cooperation.The conference was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH, the Government of the Federation of BiH, UNESCO, the City of Mostar, the Center for Peace and Multiethnic Cooperation Mostar, and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), with the support of the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), through the flagship initiative Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3), implemented by UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNDP in partnership with the Presidency of BiH and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH.This year’s theme, “Shared Heritage as a Tool of Diplomacy“ focused on the role of cultural heritage in preserving peace and strengthening cooperation—framed through the symbolism of the Old Bridge, which connects not only two riverbanks, but also generations, communities, and cultures.The conference was opened by the Member of Presidency of BiH, Denis Bećirović, under whose patronage the event was held. In a video address, he emphasized: “We must all strive to build democratic and more just societies through dialogue and mutual understanding.” He stressed that BiH’s shared cultural and historical heritage should serve as a unifying force and warned of the threats posed by extremism, historical revisionism, and genocide denial. “Mostar and its Old Bridge are the best symbols of that message,” he concluded, calling for the building of “bridges of cooperation and dialogue” and reaffirming the country’s strategic goals—EU and NATO membership—and its commitment to defending the foundations of multiculturalism.Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Elmedin Konaković stated: “Messages from Mostar resonate louder than from many other places. Its beauty, cultural-historical value, and UNESCO status create a unique environment for dialogue.” He particularly emphasized the importance of dialogue for the country’s European path: “BiH can be an example to the world that peace, cooperation, and development are possible—perhaps not always quick or easy, but possible, even while wars rage globally.” He also reminded of his role as co-chair of the PBF Peacebuilding Commission alongside the UN Resident Coordinator and stressed that youth are at the heart of all initiatives supported by the Fund.Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister of BiH Federation, Minister for Refugees and Displaced Persons Nerin Dizdar stated: “Cultural heritage in BiH is not just legacy—it’s a cornerstone of reconciliation, embedded even in the Dayton Peace Agreement. Our experience shows how preserving and celebrating shared heritage can build bridges between communities and shape a peaceful future.”Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for Science and Culture in Europe, Magdalena Landry emphasized that the Old Bridge symbolizes not only architectural beauty but also unity:
“The reconstruction of the Old Bridge is not only an architectural achievement but a symbol of reconciliation, connecting people, faiths, and nations. I'm pleased to see so many country representatives sending a message to the future—that culture can unite differences.” She stressed the role of youth in heritage preservation: “UNESCO looks to the future. History is important, but youth are now stepping up as guardians of this legacy.” She proudly highlighted UNESCO’s role in the PBF-supported DFF3 initiative backing the conference.UN Resident Coordinator in BiH, Ingrid Macdonald, remarked: “The Old Bridge is a powerful symbol of reconciliation—a testament that both bridges and communities can be rebuilt.” She noted that BiH is marking several important anniversaries this year, including 30 years of peace, and that the country can significantly contribute to global peacebuilding efforts, especially through the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda: “Women in this country have played a crucial role in advancing justice, and their full participation is essential for lasting peace. Peace cannot be taken for granted—it requires joint efforts, with women and youth at the center.” She reaffirmed the UN’s continued support through the Peacebuilding Fund.Mostar Mayor Mario Kordić said: “Mostar is a living bridge, a center of true cooperation—not just a metaphor. Youth are sending messages of unity, peace, and connection, and I believe those messages will reach the right ears to become reality. Spreading messages of reconciliation and coexistence requires courage and vision. We don’t have the luxury to choose the easier path—we have a responsibility to youth to choose the harder, but right one.”The diplomatic panel “Shared Heritage as a Tool of Diplomacy” moderated by RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović, brought together ministers and senior officials, including Minister Konaković; Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia; Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye; Zoran Dimitrovski, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of North Macedonia; Periša Kastratović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro; and Magdalena Landry, UNESCO Regional Director.At the close of the panel, participants signed the Mostar Youth Declaration 2025, reaffirming commitments to:protect and restore cultural heritage as a foundation for peace and cooperation;strengthen the role of youth in promoting and preserving heritage;develop cross-border educational and cultural programmes;enhance sustainable tourism and cultural exchange;advance the European perspective of the Western Balkans.Youth were not just present—they actively shaped the conference agenda. The panel “Youth in Cultural Heritage Preservation” organized by UNESCO under the DFF3 initiative, showcased youth-led projects promoting dialogue, cultural tourism, and intercommunal cooperation. The Fireside Talk, part of RCC’s EU-funded “Western Balkans Youth Lab” project, gave Young European Ambassadors a platform to present creative proposals—from cross-border museum collaboration to digital storytelling initiatives amplifying local voices.More than just a symbolic gathering, the conference delivered tangible results and a clear message: a shared commitment to shaping a peaceful, inclusive, and European future for the Western Balkans—placing cultural heritage, dialogue, and youth leadership at its heart.The commemorative programme began on 19 May with a ceremonial event, including the traditional dive from the Old Bridge and a symbolic flower-throwing in the Neretva River in honor of all war victims. , filtered_html

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03 June 2025

United for Peace: Women from BiH and the Diaspora Build Bridges for a Better Future

Bosanska Krupa was a hub of connection, solidarity, and empowerment, from 16–18 May 2025, as it hosted the fifth international networking conference titled “United for Peace and Security”. Bringing together over 300 women and girls from across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora, the event underscored the transformative power of collective action and women’s leadership in peacebuilding and social cohesion.The conference was organized by the association Ujedinjene žene (United Women), with support from the City of Bosanska Krupa and the “Women Lead the Way toward Peace and Security in BiH” project - supported by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and jointly implemented by IOM, UN Women, and UNFPA on behalf of the UN in BiH, in cooperation with the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH.Elevating Women’s Voices in Peacebuilding At the heart of the conference was a shared commitment to advancing the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). Through dynamic panel discussions, interactive workshops, and peer learning, participants jointly identified the challenges women face in local communities and mapped concrete strategies to address them.A standout moment was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation by 62 women’s associations from BiH and the diaspora. More than a symbolic act, this agreement marks a strategic commitment to future collaboration on advocacy, peacebuilding, and gender equality.“Everything starts with us,” echoed participants from the opening panel, where women leaders, activists, and changemakers shared their personal stories of courage, persistence, and institutional engagement.From Dialogue to Action Workshops throughout the conference encouraged participants to move from theory to practice. Topics ranged from community-level implementation of Resolution 1325 to mental health and emotional resilience, highlighting the intersection of well-being and activism. The final day’s session, From Memorandum to Action, was a working space where participants drafted local action plans to tackle specific problems facing women in their communities.“For the first time, this conference successfully connected strategic planning and grassroots action,” said organizers, noting the importance of long-term partnerships and capacity-building.The “United for Peace and Security” conference reaffirmed that women across BiH and its diaspora possess the knowledge, strength, and solidarity to shape a more peaceful, secure, and just society. Their voices are not only being heard—they are making change.As more than 300 women return to their communities, they carry with them new connections, practical tools, and a powerful message: when united, women are an unstoppable force for peace., filtered_html

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29 April 2025

More than 200 Home Care Aides Certified in FBiH, Boosting Elder Care and Women's Empowerment

A groundbreaking initiative to bolster Bosnia and Herzegovina's care system for older adults and empower women economically culminated in February 2025 with the graduation of 217 newly trained home care aides. This innovative program, implemented in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, certified 213 women and four men after a month-long training course, equipping them with the skills to provide professional home care and social support.The program directly addresses a critical need: a growing population of older adults requiring enhanced care, coupled with persistent economic challenges disproportionately affecting women. The comprehensive training, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience, has equipped these graduates to meet the complex demands of the profession. It was implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and UN Women Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the project “Translating the SDG Framework in BiH into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth (SDG2BiH)”, funded by Sweden, and implemented by UNDP, in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women, as a part of United Nations broader support to authorities in BiH to help achieve the SDGs.The impact extends far beyond skill acquisition. For Amina Buljubašić from Zenica, the program provided unexpected strength during a period of personal loss: “This wasn’t just about a job; it was about empowerment—building self-esteem, setting boundaries, and finding strength in a society grappling with violence. It's a step towards real economic and psychosocial empowerment for women.” The training also provided crucial knowledge about beneficiary rights, particularly safeguarding vulnerable elders against abuse and neglect, especially those with disabilities or dementia. Marija Prajo from Kreševo emphasized the transformative nature of the curriculum: “I gained invaluable skills, from improving my knowledge of working with the elderly to learning about their rights, proper nutrition, and assisting those with disabilities. I'm ready to provide comprehensive care, from daily tasks to advocating for my clients' rights.”The focus on psychological support resonated deeply with Nejra Japić from Cazin, who noted that this aspect is often overlooked. Even with prior professional experience, she found the program invaluable: “It was a wonderful experience to be part of the first generation of ‘Gerontodomaćice’; full of smiles, positive energy, and genuine personal growth.” Antun Mikulić, one of four male graduates, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the program's impact on his existing work with the Red Cross in Široki Brijeg's "Široki Brijeg Sisters – Home Care" project: “It's incredibly important work, helping those who need it most. This training was a great opportunity to build on our existing skills and knowledge and we're eager for more opportunities to collaborate.” Sanja Mulahmetović from Tuzla articulated the program's broader societal impact: “Our elders possess invaluable wisdom. Respecting and caring for them is crucial for building strong families and communities. This training provided the tools to provide holistic care, understanding their emotional, physical, and social needs.” Jasmina Koro from Sarajevo underscored the significance of the emotional support component: “The skills I've gained will make a real difference in the lives of my clients, both in daily routines and during challenging times.”The program represents a significant step towards modernizing the care sector for older adults and strengthening social welfare in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This initiative not only provides vital support for vulnerable citizens but also empowers women economically, creating a sustainable model for long-term care and addressing the evolving needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aging population. Plans are underway to expand the program and further professionalize the home care field in the second phase, which will be implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Red Cross of Federation BiH, and the Federal Employment Institute., filtered_html

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Press Release

03 May 2025

Free Press, Strong Democracy: Upholding Our Shared Responsibility

More than three decades since the United Nations General Assembly declared World Press Freedom Day, the message remains more urgent than ever: a free, independent, and pluralistic press is essential to democracy, human rights, and peace. Today, we pay tribute to the courage and perseverance of journalists, editors and other media professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world. World Press Freedom Day is not only a day of recognition; it is a call to action. It reminds governments of their responsibility to protect media freedom, and it calls on media professionals to continue serving the public interest with professionalism and integrity.On this day, the United Nations and the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting media freedom and democratic values. Together, we work to strengthen institutions, protect civic space, and foster independent journalism—building a more inclusive and democratic future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Recent years have unfortunately seen significant setbacks in media freedom. Media outlets operate in an unfavorable economic environment, compounded by the absence of a comprehensive or consistent legislative framework. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ranking in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index dropped notably, reinforcing concerns over the erosion of democratic standards. The latest European Commission Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina notes that political pressure, intimidation and harassment of journalists continue, including physical and verbal attacks, with no appropriate institutional follow-up. Political influence over public broadcasters persists, and their financial sustainability is increasingly at risk. According to SafeJournalists, since the start of 2025, incidents of threats and intimidation—particularly against women journalists—have risen sharply while instances of refusing access to press conferences and attempting to discredit journalists by labelling them as public enemies or foreign agents—were observed. In Republika Srpska, the reintroduction of criminal defamation and the adoption of the Law on the Special Registry and the Publicity of the Work of Non-Profit Organizations have already had a chilling effect on civil society actors and themedia, despite the suspension of the latter by an interim decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the situation in Republika Srpska is particularly acute, some legislative initiatives in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina—at both entity and cantonal level—such as those intended to tackle online disinformation or gender-based violence have included provisions in earlier drafts that could be abused to restrict media freedom. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dynamic and determined civil society, as well as the actions of lawmakers, have ensured that some problematic initiatives have not become law, but the threat of legislation that would shrink civic space remains.This is not to argue that there can never be any restrictions whatsoever on speech. Freedom of expression can never mean freedom from responsibility. Indeed, targeted restrictions, such as those prohibiting hate speech, defined as “advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence” are essential. However, restrictions need to be based on law and strictly necessary for the respect of the rights or reputations of others or for the protection of national security, public order, public health or morals. Amid the challenges, there are also reasons for cautious optimism. For example, over the past years, contact points in law enforcement and judicial bodies for the safety of journalists have been appointed across the country, but much more needs to be done. During the recent Universal Periodic Review of Bosnia and Herzegovina, sixteen recommendations from United Nations Member States explicitly addressed media freedoms, including the safety of journalists and accountability for attacks and threats targeting them.Safeguarding the space for critical, fact-based public debate is essential. This is not the responsibility of journalists alone—it must first and foremost be the responsibility of political leaders and institutions. On this World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a media environment where journalists can work freely and safely. Protecting media freedom is not only about defending the press—it is about safeguarding democracy itself.We call on all authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to take concrete steps: protect journalists from threats and violence, prevent political interference in the media, ensure accountability for attacks, and review laws that restrict freedom of expression. These actions are crucial not only to meet international obligations but also to advance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path toward European Union membership., filtered_html

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Press Release

04 April 2025

Three years since fleeing the war in Ukraine: Hope on Marija's horizon

It seems like an average day of an average family.However, Marija's story is a little bit different. Three years ago, her routine was the same, only hundreds of kilometers away from Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina - in her homeland, Ukraine.In February 2022, when the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, everything changed in Marija's life. Saving her bare life, she fled with her two sons (aged 12 and 6) in what the media called the biggest wave of refugees since World War II. The war brought them to Bosnia and Herzegovina in early March of that year. There, they settled with hundreds of other refugees in a hotel where makeshift refugee accommodation had been set up. They felt helpless and saw no bright future ahead of them. "We were longing for a normal life," remembers Marija.In May 2023, she applied for asylum in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Understanding the stress caused by the uncertainty of that process, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) provided her with the support of psychologists, social workers, and lawyers during that period through its partners the BH Women's Initiative Foundation (BHWI) and the Association Vaša prava BiH (VP BiH). Finally, in October of the same year, she, like her children, received subsidiary protection status in BiH.After they were granted international protection, Marija received support for socio-economic integration through a project funded by UNHCR and implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).“That’s when a positive change began in my life,” she says.With the help of UNHCR and CRS, Marija had her diploma in pedagogy certified, learned Bosnian language, and got a job in a kindergarten. Shortly after, she moved out of the refugee site. She recently bought a car and hopes to take her sons to the seaside this summer. Life is stable now, she says, and she can finally relax a little, knowing that she and her children have integrated well into Bosnian society."Recently, my younger son was the only one in the class to get an A in the Bosnian language test. The only one in his class – a Ukrainian!", she laughs.Marija has embraced every obstacle on her path as a new life lesson and has learned to survive one challenge at a time, constantly moving forward. She says that for now, she is not thinking about returning to Ukraine.“I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I am fine now, I am focusing my energy on what I need and can do at this moment. I would not be here without the support of CRS – they have enabled me to earn a salary, and step by step, I am finally seeing the light at the end of a tunnel.”______________________Marija received support through the project “Ensuring Basic Needs and Access to Public Services for the Socio-Economic Integration of the Refugee Population in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, which is financed by UNHCR and implemented by CRS in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH and the organizations Vaša Prava BiH and BHWI. *The user's name has been changed at her request., filtered_html

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Press Release

04 April 2025

Tri godine od bjekstva iz rata u Ukrajini: Nada na Marijinom horizontu

U februaru 2022. godine, kada je počela ruska invazija na Ukrajinu, u Marijinom životu sve se promijenilo. Spašavajući goli život, ona je sa dva sina (od 12 i šest godina) pobjegla u – kako su to mediji nazvali – najvećem valu izbjeglica još od Drugog svjetskog rata. Rat ih je doveo u Bosnu i Hercegovinu početkom marta te godine. Tu su se smjestili zajedno sa stotinama drugih izbjeglica u hotel u kojem je napravljen improvizovani izbjeglički smještaj. Osjećali su se bespomoćno i nisu vidjeli svijetlu budućnost pred sobom.„Čeznuli smo za normalnim životom“, sjeća se Marija. U maju/svibnju 2023. godine podnijela je zahtjev za azil u BiH. Razumijevajući stres koji nosi neizvjesnost tog procesa, UN-ova agencija za izbjeglice (UNHCR) joj u tom periodu preko svojih partnera Fondacije BH inicijativa žena (BHWI) i Udruženja Vaša prava BiH omogućio podršku psihologa, socijalnih radnica i pravnika. Konačno, u oktobru/listopadu iste godine dobila je, kao i njena djeca, status subsidijarne zaštite u BiH.Nakon što im je odobren status međunarodne zaštite, Marija je kroz projekat koji finansira UNHCR, a provodi Catholic Relief Services (CRS), dobila podršku za socio-ekonomsku integraciju. „Tada je u mom životu počela pozitivna promjena“, kaže ona.Uz pomoć UNHCR-a i CRS-a, Marija je nostrificirala diplomu iz pedagogije, naučila Bosanski jezik i zaposlila se u vrtiću. Nedugo nakon toga, iselila se iz izbjegličkog smještaja. Nedavno je kupila i auto, te se nada da će ovog ljeta odvesti sinove na more. Život je stabilan sada, kaže ona, i konačno se može malo opustiti znajući da su se ona i njena djeca dobro uklopili u bosanskohercegovačko društvo.„Mlađi sin je nedavno jedini u razredu dobio 5 iz testa iz Bosanskog jezika. Jedini u razredu – Ukrajinac!“, kroz smijeh govori.Marija je prigrlila svaku prepreku na svom putu kao novu životnu lekciju i naučila da preživljava jedan po jedan izazov, konstantno idući naprijed. Kaže da za sada ne razmišlja o povratku u Ukrajinu.„Ne znam šta će donijeti sutra. Ja sam dobro sada, usmjeravam svoju energiju na ono što trebam i mogu učiniti u ovom momentu. Ne bih bila ovdje bez podrške CRS-a – oni su mi omogućili da zaradim platu, i korak po korak, konačno vidim svjetlo“.______________________Marija je dobila podršku kroz projekat „Osiguravanje osnovnih potreba i pristupa javnim uslugama za socio-ekonomsku integraciju izbjegličke populacije u Bosni i Hercegovini“, koji finansira UNHCR, a provodi CRS u saradnji sa Ministarstvom za ljudska prava i izbjeglice BiH i organizacijama Vaša Prava BiH i BHWI.*Ime korisnice je promijenjeno na njen zahtjev. , filtered_html

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Press Release

19 March 2025

World Social Work Day Marked in Bihać – Strengthening Social Services and Intergenerational Solidarity with the Support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund

The Third Forum of the Social Protection Practitioners’ Network was held today in Bihać to mark World Social Work Day, bringing together representatives of local authorities, civil society, and social protection professionals. Elvedin Sedić, Mayor of Bihać, emphasized the significance of the topic and thanked the organizers:"Social cohesion is key to building more resilient and solidarity-based communities. For years, Bihać has been implementing various projects in cooperation with international organizations to strengthen local community capacities and support vulnerable groups. This collaboration includes social and sports initiatives, infrastructure investments, and the establishment of a safe house for the most vulnerable citizens. I take this opportunity to congratulate all those who selflessly work to strengthen social solidarity on World Social Work Day."Through panel discussions and presentations, participants identified key challenges and explored opportunities to enhance social services, with a particular focus on systemic support for older persons, whose needs are often not adequately recognized in public policies and strategies. Strengthening generational connections and cooperation is a key step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, highlighted the importance of a systemic approach: "This event provides an opportunity to emphasize the critical importance of social work in society. Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing demographic changes, and statistics clearly indicate the need for a systemic response to these challenges. Through projects such as the PBF-supported SPSC initiative, we are working to strengthen the social work sector and improve social services, including support for vulnerable groups. Social solidarity is essential not only through horizontal cooperation between different communities but also through vertical intergenerational cooperation. Older persons possess valuable knowledge and experience that can benefit younger generations, and it is our responsibility to ensure their better integration and support."The event also served as a platform for knowledge exchange and the promotion of successful initiatives that improve the status of older persons through partnerships between government institutions and non-governmental organizations.Mirza Tešnjak, Director of the Center for Social Welfare in Bosanski Petrovac, shared concrete examples: "Thanks to PBF support, Bosanski Petrovac now has a newly opened Center for Social Welfare, allowing us to finally provide support to all vulnerable groups. With the opening of the Center, we have also introduced group work, which is particularly important for the elderly. We organize workshops, self-help groups, and provide psychosocial support, but we also face challenges, such as staff shortages. Despite these difficulties, we are making every effort to support those in greatest need." As a testament to commitment to inclusion and diversity, the event was attended by the Cultural-Artistic Society (KUD) Glamoč, known for its promotion of multiethnic cooperation. Through the preservation of cultural heritage and artistic expression, KUD Glamoč actively contributes to connecting communities, strengthening unity, and fostering mutual understanding. Their participation highlighted the importance of cultural initiatives in strengthening social cohesion and promoting an inclusive society.The event was organized within the framework of the "Sustaining Peace and Social Cohesion in BiH through Enhanced Inter-Municipal and Inter-Entity Cooperation on Local Services" (SPSC) project, implemented by IOM and UNDP on behalf of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By strengthening the social protection system, the project directly contributes to sustainable peacebuilding, as accessible and high-quality social services enhance community stability, promote resilience, and lay the foundations for long-term sustainability., filtered_html

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Press Release

05 March 2025

FAO helps local communities help themselves to a more sustainable future

The project “Supporting local agricultural and rural development planning” was implemented in seven municipalities in Republika Srpska: Gacko, Rogatica, Rudo, Visegrad, Osmaci, Foca and City of Zvornik, and in Una-Sana Canton and in the City of Bihac in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These communities have committed to develop and later adopt the local agricultural and rural development plans, following the guidance and support of FAO.

Local communities are essential for sustainable development in rural areas due to their understanding of local ecosystems. Effective planning involves community engagement, tailored agricultural practices, and sustainable resource management based on traditional ecological knowledge. Capacity building through training empowers residents, while collaboration with stakeholders enhances initiatives. Economic growth is supported by investments that improve livelihoods. Local planning also aids in progress monitoring, boosts resilience to environmental and market changes, and protects cultural identities.

A milestone was the adoption of the Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy in Una Sana Canton. The document is a strategic framework for promoting sustainable development in agricultural and rural areas of the Canton, in alignment with national strategies, specifically the country’s Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy (2021–2027) and Bosnia and Herzegovina's Rural Development Plan (2022–2027). The framework aims to enhance dynamic development of the agricultural sector and rural areas within the Canton while considering its comparative advantages and ensure effective allocation of budget resources to meet local needs.

Within a timeframe from 2023 to 2027, the strategy adopts an inclusive approach that prioritises the needs of relevant actors, empowers women, and includes youth, with a strong emphasis on economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This shift reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life in rural areas through focused actions.

“We have included all relevant actors in the agriculture sector for drafting this document. From local organizations and communities to government institutions and national experts and education institutions in the field of agriculture. Our aim was to make a document which will be perfectly tailored to the concrete needs of the community, not merely adjusted to their needs but based on their actual needs and requirements,” states Vlado Pijunovic, FAO National Project Coordinator.

Helping rural areas thriveAddressing significant challenges such as rural depopulation, the framework aims to secure necessary attention and resources for rural initiatives in Una-Sana Canton Bosnia and Herzegovina. Special attention was paid to gender issues and worrying negative population trends to ensure equal opportunities for women and on retaining and attracting young agricultural producers.

“The new strategy increases the allocated budget for women in rural areas to ten percent, higher than any other category, and the one for young producers is at five percent of the total budget. The strategy makes a great leap forward in ensuring the financial means within the budget, creating realistic conditions for rural development, so the population not merely stays and survives but actually prospers in this area,” explains Rasima Bobic, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Financial Support at Una-Sana Canton Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

A multi-stakeholder working group was formed to create development and action plans with support from FAO. The group prioritised a participatory approach by organizing workshops and consultations to gather input from all stakeholders, including rural youth, women, and other vulnerable groups.

This ensured that all benefits and efforts coming from all the levels of government are harmonized so that small and medium-sized producers can be strengthened and their farms self-sustainable through diversification of activities. Furthermore, the strategy regulates the production control system from the farm to the table, the permitting system for construction of production facilities, compliance with European Union standards on agriculture and farming, and a gender balanced budget approach.

“The Strategy is a basic roadmap document for agriculture and rural development and gives a direction for the government in which to act. This is valid till 2027, after which we will assess and see what we have done and how much, to make the next one even better, with the full backing of all levels of authority,” concludes Bobic.

Empowering communities is crucial for sustainable development and for enhancing both environmental and economic outcomes. Additionally, strong local ownership of the agricultural and rural development plans of the Municipalities and the Cantonal strategy is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of project results. , filtered_html

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Where we work: The UN’s programmatic interventions

The UN is implementing 0 programmatic interventions during the ongoing programme cycle. The map below displays the number of programmatic interventions per location (note that a programmatic intervention may be linked to more than one location). Click on the number on the map to get a summary description of the programmatic interventions. Programmatic interventions may be linked to the national level or specific locations/sub-national level. Note that some interventions linked to specific locations might also have components at the national level, even if they are not categorized as country-level interventions. Click on “Show location details” in the bottom right corner to view a summary table with locations, the number of programmatic interventions, and the UN entities working in those locations. For definitions of programmatic interventions, please refer to the Glossary section.

Year