VOLUNTARY REVIEW Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

April 2019

Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 3

CONTENT

LIST OF IMAGES, TABLES AND GRAPHS 4 SDG 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 48 FOREWORD 5 Prosperity 50 KEY MESSAGES 6 SDG 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, INTRODUCTION 7 sustainable and modern energy for all 52

THE PROCESS OF THE REVIEW 8 SDG 8. Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive Ownership of the SDGs 10 employment and decent work for all 54

The ‘Imagine2030’ initiative in SDG 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote Bosnia and Herzegovina 12 sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 58

High level SDG Conference aimed at SDG 10. Reduce inequality kick-starting Agenda 2030 in the country in 2017 14 within and among countries 60

Policy review using the Rapid SDG 11. Make cities and human settlements Integrated Assessment tool 16 inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 62

SDG Dashboards and data, and complexity analysis 18 Planet 64

SDG multi-stakeholder consultations in May 2018 19 SDG 6: Ensure sanitation and the availability of water for all 66 ‘Business Community and Sustainable Development Goals’ Conference in June 2018 22 SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 68 Drafting the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the first Bosnia and Herzegovina SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat Voluntary Review and the consultations climate change and its impact 70 and validation process of the key SDG documents 26 SDG 14: Conservation and sustainable INTEGRATING THE SDGS INTO use the oceans, seas and marine resources 72 THE COUNTRYWIDE FRAMEWORKS 27 SDG 15: Sustainably manage forests, LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND 31 combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss 74 INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS 32 Peace 78 GOALS AND TARGETS 34 SDG 16: Promote peaceful, People 36 inclusive and just societies 80

SDG 1. End poverty in all of its forms everywhere 38 Partnership 86

SDG 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved SDG 17: Revitalize the global partnership nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture 40 for sustainable development 88

SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote NEXT STEPS 92 well-being for all and at all ages 42

SDG 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities 44 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 4

Graph 6: Electricity generated from LIST OF IMAGES renewable energy sources 53

Graph 7. Youth employment rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina (%) 55 Image 1. Process of the SDG Review in Bosnia and Herzegovina 8 Graph 8. Computer users by age (2016) 57

Image 2. Policy analysis of key observations 17 Graph 9. Freshwater Exploitation Index 2000–2015 65

Image 3. SDG index for BiH 34 Graph 10. Proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water services 65 Image 4. 5 SDG chapters 35 Graph 11. Population connected to Image 5. Flooding in Brčko District in 2014: a wastewater treatment plant 2000–2016 65 The River Sava, which is the natural border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, Graph 12. Hazardous waste generated per capita and the River Brka, which flows through Brčko, and the proportion of treated hazardous waste overflowed their banks 61 according to the type of treatment 67

Graph 13. Domestic material consumption 67

Graph 14. Greenhouse gas emissions from waste disposal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gg CO equivalent, 2014–2017 69 LIST OF TABLES 2 Graph 15. Index of coastal eutrophication and the density of floating plastic debris (EEA CSI 022 Bathing water quality) 71 Table 1. Number of children attending preschool education since 2010 and the percentage of Graph 16. Forest area as a proportion of the overall preschool population (the overall the total land area 73 preschool population is estimated at around 55,000) 45 Graph 17. IUCN protected area Table 2. Juvenile offenders in Bosnia and categories 2006–2016 in km2 73 Herzegovina ed, indicted or convicted in 2016 79 Graph 18. Adult offenders reported, indicted and Table 3. General government fiscal framework in convicted by the criminal offence group in 2016 79 Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2016–2020 87 Graph 19. Juvenile offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina reported, indicted or convicted in 2016 79

Graph 20. The murder-cause mortality rate per 100,000 inhabitants 81

LIST OF GRAPHS Graph 21. Motorization rate 82

Graph 22. Traffic-related death rate 82

Graph 1. Indicators of the material Graph 23. Bosnia and Herzegovina export and deprivation of households and housing import over the period 2009–2018 (in billion BAM) 88 problems faced by households 87

Graph 2. Illiteracy rate by age group and gender 46

Graph 3. Activity rate by gender and age group 49

Graph 4. Real GDP growth rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina (%) for the period 2015–2017 51

Graph 5. Share of renewables in gross energy consumption in Bosnia and Herzegovina 53 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 5

FOREWORD

After achieving relatively modest Bosnia and Herzegovina is seeing the results in the implementation of creation of its first Voluntary Review the Millennium Development Goals, and this will provide impetus to the Bosnia and Herzegovina began entire process of the implementation preparations for the Sustainable of Agenda 2030, which presents Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda an opportunity for Bosnia and 2030 in a far more comprehensive Herzegovina to share with the rest of manner. Over the past 30 months, the world the best practices, lessons enormous efforts have been made learned and experiences related to to engage all levels of government many issues that are so important to and as many stakeholders as the lives of the people and that have possible in the process. Extremely a value beyond measure. fruitful cooperation with the United Nations Country Team has led to a streamlining of the activities and the goals and targets of Agenda 2030 have been incorporated into many strategic documents that deal with development in accordance with the national priorities.

Bosnia and Herzegovina recognizes the inherent potential behind implementation of the SDGs and Agenda 2030 and sees it as an opportunity to improve social, economic and environmental aspects of life within the country and for enhancing regional cooperation significantly. A working group for creating the SDG framework and the Voluntary Review that is to be presented at a high-level political forum in 2019 was established at the beginning of the process. The members of the working group comprise representatives from the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Directorate for Economic Planning and the governments of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Brčko District. A Private Sector Group established with respect to the SDGs and several other stakeholders from civil society and the academia were very active. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 6

KEY MESSAGES

Bosnia and Herzegovina is fully and Herzegovina, which is being We are learning by doing. Agenda committed to Agenda 2030, which developed through an extensive 2030 calls for introspection, is the most comprehensive global and reiterative consultative process conversation and dialogue, sustainable and transformational with various institutions, CSOs, adaptation, innovation, creative development agreement for all the private sector, academia and and adaptive business and above all United Nations Member States and citizens at large. This document collective action and efforts by every has the Sustainable Development will inform all strategic planning individual and every form of human Goals at its core. It helps countries processes that the institutions of organization, ranging from families commit, align and measure their Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika and communities to the private respective contribution to such an Srpska, the Federation of Bosnia sector, government and global ambitious yet crucial endeavor. and Herzegovina and Brčko District networks. embarking upon in 2019. This Bosnia and Herzegovina embarked Voluntary Review informs on the We anticipate change and the use on its participatory and exploratory process undertaken in the country, of our collective foresight to find 2030 journey in 2016. It will present which to date has engaged thousands solutions to the most pressing the way it has implemented the of people. issues that the world and each of process thus far and the results to our countries are facing. We are date at a high-level political forum to Agenda 2030 is a change maker transforming our systems, our be held in New York in July 2019. In in so many ways for Bosnia and perspectives and ourselves in order the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Herzegovina. Its timing and to change our possibilities. It is an Agenda 2030 is equally about peace universality offers a unique exciting time that offers a lifetime as it is about development. Given opportunity to approach opportunity to change the course the country’s governance structure, development holistically and of development so that it becomes it is more about the connective and its connectivity enables the sustainable and to the benefit of all. collaborative process that Agenda governments to work together, learn 2030 has helped unlock than about from each other and develop strong It is our great honor to be part of the end destination itself. and open partnerships. This is a this amazing transformative agenda priceless process. and a member of the global family. Bosnia and Herzegovina is We are obliged for the sake of future committed to becoming a member of The ‘Imagine2030’ initiative provided generations to do something today the European Union (EU) family. EU an opportunity for citizens across the and therefore must choose the accession, Agenda 2030 and the SDGs country to co-create the future. Their path less travelled on this journey are perceived as mutually reinforcing perspectives helped shape Vision of discovery. We do not have all the and complimentary processes that 2030 and the development pathways answers, but we are striving to get to encourage institutions and citizens that the country is to embrace. them in time and at scale that really to strive for a better society and a Through dedicated data analysis, we matters. future where no one is left behind developed a better understanding and where people, prosperity, of the country’s baseline position. peace, partnership and care for our This allows us to focus and increase planet are at the core of a better and efforts to improve the quality of common future. life and prosperity for all, including future generations, but not at the At the heart of Bosnia and expense of the nature world and the Herzegovina’s Agenda 2030 efforts environment. is the elaboration and adoption of the SDG Framework in Bosnia Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 7

INTRODUCTION

Bosnia and Herzegovina is both The EU membership aspirations of Upon the request of the regional a sovereign and internationally Bosnia and Herzegovina started governments and with the support recognized country and a developing at the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit, of the European Commission country, just like most of the where the European Council declared (EC) back in 2011, the Regional countries of the South East Europe that the future of the Western Cooperation Council, together with region. It is located in the western Balkans is within the EU. Bosnia the national administrations of the Balkan Peninsula and borders the and Herzegovina is on the road to Western Balkans, regional bodies Republic of Serbia to the northeast, accession, with potential candidate and relevant initiatives, engaged in the Republic of Montenegro to the country status. The Stabilization a collaborative process to prepare southeast and the Republic of Croatia and Association Agreement (SAA) the Regional Competitiveness and to the north, west and south. The was signed in 2008 and has been Growth Strategy 2020, which is country has a specific internal set-up. in force since June 2015. In 2016, inspired by the European Union’s It divided administratively into two Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted Europe 2020 Strategy. The rationale entities (the Federation of Bosnia a formal application to join the behind the development of this and Herzegovina and Republika European Union and in 2018 strategy is grounded in the region’s Srpska) and the autonomous region submitted its answers in response profound need to boost prosperity of Brčko District. The Federation to the EU Questionnaire, to assess and create jobs, while underscoring of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the readiness of the country to open the European perspective of the divided administratively into accession negotiations to the EU. region’s future. 10 cantons, which in turn are divided into municipalities. There The country has made significant It is of utmost importance, given are 79 municipalities and cities progress on its transition from a the country’s strong commitment in the Federation of Bosnia and fragile post-war economy to an to its EU future, that Bosnia and Herzegovina. Republika Srpska is upper middle-income country Herzegovina brings EU perspectives, divided administratively into 62 in recent years. In mid-2015, all Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable municipalities. Brčko District is a levels of government agreed on Development Goals together, separate administrative unit under the Reform Agenda 2015–2018 and since they are complementary and the sovereignty of Bosnia and this generated positive progress in reinforce each other. Herzegovina. With slightly more initiating important reforms and than 3.5 million people, Bosnia unlocking the country’s integration and Herzegovina is a country with into the European Union (EU). The pronounced cultural diversity. It political leaders are currently in consists of three constituent peoples, the process of negotiating Reform Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats, while Agenda 2.0. human rights are guaranteed to all other peoples and citizens living in the country. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 8

THE PROCESS OF THE REVIEW

Broad stakeholder citizen focused 2030 was organized under the Comprehensive support for the SDG consultations on Agenda 2030 and auspices of the Presidency of Bosnia process in the country is provided the Sustainable Development Goals and Herzegovina, followed by the primarily by the United Nations in (SDGs) were initiated in Bosnia official nomination of the institutions Bosnia and Herzegovina and through and Herzegovina in 2016 under responsible for spearheading the wider United Nations system the umbrella of the ‘Imagine2030’ Agenda 2030 at the state, entity and through Mainstreaming, Acceleration initiative. This was conceptualized Brčko District level. Based on the and Policy Support (MAPS) by the United Nations in Bosnia nominations, an intergovernmental engagement.1 and Herzegovina, which has to date Rollout Working Group on the informed and engaged over 3,000 SDGs was established, the terms of people and continues to be the main reference for the Group elaborated 1 With, among others, the generous support force of advocacy and engagement and the SDG Rollout Roadmap of the Swedish Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina/Sida and the Swiss Agency for in the country. The official launch of document developed. Development and Cooperation, the German Agenda 2030/SDGs was in April 2017. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the A high-level conference on Agenda EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 9

Image 1: Process of the SDGs Review in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Most of 2018 was devoted to further Vision 2030 for the country as well drafted, the latter will be the subject broad stakeholder consultation (In as the development pathways and of further consultation both with May 2018 consultations involved accelerators for development that experts and policymakers and even more than 250 people and a SDG and will in turn inform all key strategic more importantly with CSOs, the private sector conference was held planning processes in the country at private sector, the academia and in June 2018 and attended by more the state, entity and Brčko District the general public. It is foreseen than 400 participants) and analytical level. that the SDG Framework document and technical work (RIA, Dashboards, in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be Complexity Analysis, etc.). This was In 2019, the finalization of the finalized in 2019 in order to allow aimed at two key documents of Voluntary Review (VNR) and its for its proper integration into the Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely presentation at a high level political strategic planning processes initiated the first Voluntary Review and forum to be held in July 2019 is by different levels of government in the SDG Framework document in foreseen along with the finalization 2019. Bosnia and Herzegovina. The latter of the SDG Framework document is a key document that will define in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 10

Ownership of the SDGs

Institutional ownership with the inclusion of SDGs into the revised Development Strategy of In the complex administrative the City of Bijeljina for the period set-up of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2019–2023. The City of Bijeljina is the institutional ownership remains first city/municipality in Bosnia and a work in progress. Given that the Herzegovina to adjust and include country has over 160 ministries and relevant SDG targets and indicators hundreds of specialized institutions into its development strategy. In at different administrative levels partnership with the local NGO and 145 local administrations, the ‘Centre for Promotion of Sustainable work done to date is considerable; Development’ (CePSuD), the City however, a lot of advocacy of Bijeljina has raised awareness work on the engagement and on SDGs in the private and banking integration of Agenda 2030 into sectors as well as in the media and the regular institutional processes the public sector. It emphasizes remains to be done. The status of partnership and mutual support in institutional ownership is described future actions as the only successful in the Voluntary Review sections formula for a more human and Integration of the SDGs into sustainable way of life. countrywide frameworks and institutional mechanisms. Private sector ownership

Localization of the SDGs As of March 2018, a SDG and private sector working group has been Several local administrations, such tasked with mobilizing interest as Tuzla, Zivinice and Sarajevo, have among private sector actors to started to consider the localization engage in the SDGs implementation of Agenda 2030 into their everyday as well as to streamline and magnify work and strategic planning at the importance of sustainable the local level. Among them, the development for the private sector in City Administration of Bijeljina has Bosnia and Herzegovina. advanced furthest in the localization process. To date, it has conducted The working group was formed awareness raising training sessions to mobilize and engage actors with partner groups at the City of in the private sector and other Bijeljina level (the private, public stakeholders, including government and civil sectors and the academia) institutions catering to the private through 18 training sessions sector, in SDG implementation. It attended by 190 representatives, works to identify the specific needs including those from the banking of and opportunities for private sector, private companies, NGOs, sector engagement in the SDGs entrepreneurs, the municipal/city within the context of Bosnia and administrations, the Association of Herzegovina. It promotes good Municipalities and Cities of Republika business both in the country and Srpska, social welfare centers, the abroad and works to steer private police and public institutions from sector interest toward pushing 26 cities/municipalities in Bosnia and forward the SDG agenda. As such, the Herzegovina. In 2018, a systematic working group is closely linked with approach to the localization of the broader SDGs Rollout Working Agenda 2030 and the SDGs began Group responsible for the overall Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 11

planning of the implementation of mapping of over 120 businesses from SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. three potent industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina (wood, IT and The SDG and private sector working automotive) through ‘SDGs based group proved to be instrumental B2B cooperation opportunities’ was in preparing the concept for also completed in 2018. private sector engagement in the implementation of the SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as in Ownership by CSOs and the development and organization other partners of the SDG Business Conference. The working group was also utilized In 2018, the main emphasis was on to promote the SDG Business engaging the private sector in Agenda Conference through the business 2030, as described in the preceding networks established or managed by chapter. The work to date with CSOs the members of the working group. and other partners on Agenda 2030 was done through the ‘Imagine2030’ Other interest groups were formed initiative and the SDG consultations (mostly associated with support that took place in May 2018; both are for the SDGs rollout and the private described in more detail further in sector engagement project) such as this review. It is decided that 2019 an informal advisory body attached will be the year when extensive focus to the SDG rollout that gathering will be given to ensuring that CSOs more than twenty business leaders are better engaged and the network from Bosnia and Herzegovina who on Agenda 2030 improved. Wide showed interest in sustainable consultations on the SDG Framework development and agreed to act document in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sounding board and critical are foreseen during 2019, which will friend during the implementation also be an opportunity to initiate a of SDG projects in Bosnia and dialogue on platform solutions for Herzegovina. The advisory body CSO engagement as well as platform helps collect information on what solutions for comprehensive and the private sector is doing in the continuous multi-stakeholder field of sustainable development engagement. and identifies key initiatives that empower SDG implementation. It is a group of like-minded businesses ready to champion the implementation of the SDGs.

A high-level SDG business conference was organized to promote the SDGs, raise awareness and promote good practice and the critical role that businesses can play in delivering on the promise of sustainable and inclusive development. More information on the event is provided below.

In October 2018, 25 trainers were trained to coach private sector companies on how to include the SDGs into their business models and over 20 private sector companies underwent the training on integrating SDGs into their business models. A call for the first SDGs Business Pioneers Award was issued inviting businesses to apply for the award in two categories: ‘People and Resources’ and ‘Environment’. The Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 12

The ‘Imagine2030’ initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The adoption of the all- and engagement initiative. This was SDGs/targets. The ultimate aim of encompassing Agenda 2030 with done using innovative workshops the tool is to identify solutions/ideas its 17 goals and 169 targets by 193 and online engagement and on how to address or accelerate United Nations Member States, competitions with the support achievement of the SDGs/targets including Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the United Nations in Bosnia within the local context. The tool was a landmark commitment, but and Herzegovina. The dedicated also enables participants to priorities one without a ‘user manual’ or webpage www.zamisli2030.ba and targets for each of the SDGs. ‘blueprint’ instruction as to how an ‘Imagine2030’ Facebook page to initiate meaningful dialogue were also created. The initiative The voices of citizens gathered and the engagement of multiple began in October 2016 and the through the SDG Consultation tool stakeholders. This allows for tools and approaches that were were analyzed and presented during creativity and innovation across developed are used continually to the two-day multi-stakeholder these countries and throughout the engage stakeholders in SDGs, with consultations on the SDGs that took United Nations system, including particular focus on youth and local place in May 2018 (see page 13) Bosnia and Herzegovina. Starting communities. To date, workshops and formed the key input for the from a very low knowledge base and presentations across the creation of Vision 2030 and the SDG and level of awareness concerning country have reached over Framework document in Bosnia and the MDGs and only limited post- 3,000 people directly, including Herzegovina. 2015 discourse within the country, representatives from institutions the United Nations in Bosnia and from all levels of government, Seen from the analysis of the Herzegovina recognized that CSOs, the academia, the private collected voices of citizens it innovative business is required sector and citizens in general. is evident that there is a clear in order to get Agenda 2030 correlation between the SDGs and the SDGs into the focus of Central to effective advocacy and burning societal priorities. policymakers, CSOs, the private for and engagement workshops They eloquently and clearly sector and citizens at large. How on the SDGs was the use of the define the needs, problems and to communicate and how to engage innovative SDG Consultation solutions and demonstrate that stakeholders meaningfully in such a Tool. The SDG Consultation Tool citizens want an opportunity to complex agenda was a key question instigates awareness, dialogue co-create the future and want to that led to the conclusion that and teamwork problem solving take an active role in ensuring thinking outside of the box and doing centered on burning issues in society the required changes. In light of something different and authentic in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The tool this, the ‘Imagine2030’ initiative and something truly engaging is is also a qualitative data gathering continued to engage and shifted the only way forward. Bringing method that explores the positive emphasis from the initial advocacy the voices of citizens into official and negative associations of and awareness to instigating debates on Agenda 2030 and the citizens with both the past and ownership, accountability and action SDGs was the central aim of the present, their vision of the future, with the aim of empowering citizens initiative. the way they see the future in and communities to hold their terms of what values, actions and governments accountable and to Most of 2016 was spent structures need to be in place and generate citizen calls for action. conceptualizing, designing and what threats and/or opportunities initiating an ‘Imagine2030’ advocacy need to be addressed across the Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 13

‘IMAGINE2030’ WORKSHOPS

1 SDG consulting tool/game: developing solutions for specific SDGs and targets adapted to the local context. It is a very flexible tool for multiple applications (problem solving, teamwork and project development)

2 The ‘Imagine2030’ initiative for informing and engaging citizens in SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

3 The prioritisation of targets Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 14

High level SDG Conference aimed at kick-starting Agenda 2030 in the country in 2017

The high-level SDG Conference • present the voice of the people took place in the building of the on the SDGs, what priorities they Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia identify, what solutions they offer and Herzegovina in Sarajevo on 3 and what future they desire by April 2017 and was organized under 2030; the auspices of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The • explain the concept of ‘leaving no dialogue platform format was one behind’; established through the Dialogue on the future work of the United • present the experiences of Nations and the Presidency of Switzerland, Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Montenegro and their work on Chairman of the Presidency of the SDGs to date, including their Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Mladen respective roadmaps; Ivanic, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia • present the understanding of and Herzegovina, Sezin Sinanoglu, the authorities in Bosnia and opened the Conference. A number Herzegovina of the elements of the of distinguished guests and key roadmap ahead; speakers2 participated in the conference and delivered engaging • provide information on the political presentations that stimulated and technical bodies responsible meaningful discussion on Agenda for the advancement of the SDGs in 2030 and the way forward. Bosnia and Herzegovina;

The conference had several key • provide inform on follow-up objectives: technical work and the road ahead.

• advocate for the SDGs, promote the importance of comprehensive national ownership over the SDGs, emphasize the importance of the global agenda and the commitment by all Member States to contribute 2 Addresses and presentations focused from the United Nations RCO in Bosnia to the achievement of the agenda; on the importance of the SDGs to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igor Radojicic, the Mayor and Herzegovina and all countries of of Banja Luka, Amer Kapetanovic, the the world. They were delivered by the Assistant Minister for Bilateral Relations • explain that Agenda 2030 is Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and and Economic Diplomacy of the Ministry of complimentary to the reform Herzegovina, Ambassador Lars Gunnar Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, agenda and the EU accession Wigemark, the EU Special Representative Prof. Dr. Elvir Cizmic, the Vice Dean for process; to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christiane Research, Doctoral Studies and Projects Constanze Hohmann, the Ambassador at the School of Economics and Business of the Federal Republic of Germany to of the University of Sarajevo, Velimir Jukic, • provide information on what Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador the Director of the Agency for Statistics of SDG localization entails, that the Michael Gerber, the Swiss Special Envoy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Mehic, the localization process needs to be Global Sustainable Development, Sinisa Co-Founder of Networks, Zoran Zeljko, the participatory and inclusive and that Sesum, the Head of the UNESCO Antenna Director of the Directorate for Economic Office in Sarajevo, Victor Olsavsky, the Planning of Bosnia and Herzegovina, tools and technical support for this Head of the WHO Country Office in Bosnia Jovana Bjelakovic, the Deputy Director of are available; and Herzegovina, Jelena Knezevic, the the Smart Office in Banja Luka, Armin Talic, Head of the Department for Sustainable the General Manager of BIT Alliance and Development and Integrated Coastal CEO of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Zone Management of the Ministry of Knowledge Management of the Faculty of Sustainable Development and Tourism Economics of the University of Sarajevo and of Montenegro, Envesa Hodzic-Kovac, a the Programme Manager of the association development, research and M&E specialist Infohouse, Emina Becic. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 15 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 16

Policy review using the Rapid Integrated Assessment tool

As an initial step, the United Nations The sector documents were Some of the bottlenecks identified Mainstreaming, Acceleration and selected according to the following through RIA that required Policy Support (MAPS) Rapid criteria: type of document (strategy, attention included the lack of a Integrated Assessment3 (RIA) tool was program, plan, etc.), the level of unique approach/methodology to used to assess the state of alignment strategic action (state, entity, strategic planning across levels of of the SDGs with the priorities in the cantonal, municipal, intra-sectorial government, the frequent lack of country. A comprehensive policy or sectorial), the validity of the indicators in strategic documents review was undertaken in order to document (existing program or draft and incomplete budgeting, assess the level of preparedness for document), the timeframe (medium monitoring and evaluation implementation and monitoring of or long-term) and the measurability for strategy implementation. the SDGs. Yet given the hundreds of the goals and coverage of SDG Implementation and oversight of sectorial strategies that have related areas. The final list of mechanisms were unclear, there been developed across the various strategies for the RIA was agreed at was a lack of horizontal and vertical administrative levels in the country the state and entity level and by the coordination in many policy areas and the fact that no fully-fledged institutional partners represented in and the general level of participation development strategies were in the SDGs Rollout Working Group. of civil society and the private place, a policy review of all of them sector during strategic design and was a technically impossible task. The development strategies implementation/oversight was low. Therefore, in consultation with key reviewed through RIA show that institutional partners engaged in the sustainable development in Bosnia The RIA analysis and SDGs, a list of 69 strategic documents and Herzegovina is generally well recommendations were was agreed as the subject of the covered. The strategic documents, advantageous, given the timing of the review. programs and action plans reflect initiation of the new cycle of strategic all 17 SDGs from Agenda 2030. planning at different governance One of the main objectives of this Yet while some SDG targets and levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina assessment was to identify detailed referent strategic documents, and the preparation of the SDG linkages between the preselected key such as SDG 8 on ‘decent work Framework document in the country; strategies and action plans in Bosnia and economic growth’, are well all of the bottlenecks identified and Herzegovina (69 documents matched and mentioned in 49 out above are to be addressed during the in total that were agreed to be the of the 69 strategies reviewed other creation of the SDG Framework in subject of the review with state SDG targets were rarely matched, Bosnia and Herzegovina. and entity counterparts/members such as SDG 5 on ‘gender equality’ of the SDG WG) and to identify the that is mentioned in just 16 out of extent of alignment with the SDGs the 69 strategies. The assessment at the SDG target and indicator revealed 93 % coverage of the SDGs level. The assessment mapped the Means of Implementation (MoI) in the existing policy landscape across current strategic development set- different levels of governance. up in Bosnia and Herzegovina. More This provided a basis from which specifically, 39 out of 42 MoI targets to guide the provisions regarding are mainstreamed into the revised vertical and horizontal policy strategic documents. 3 Rapid Integrated Assessment (RIA) integration and coherence. The RIA is a study that supports countries in analysis provided comments and The assessment considered the mainstreaming the SDGs into planning recommendations on the measures SDG targets linked to the five ‘P’s across governance levels and determining required to guide the incorporation (people, planet, prosperity, peace their relevance in terms of the country of the SDGs adapted for Bosnia and and partnership) of the 2030 Agenda. context, different levels of governance and interlinkages across targets. The Herzegovina into government policy In total, 69 strategic documents methodology determines development at all administrative levels (state, calculated a score of 93 % alignment priorities and the mapping of SDG targets entity, Brčko District, cantonal for people, 51 % for planet, 87 % for aligned to development and sectorial plans. and municipal) and for informing prosperity, 58 % for peace and 67 % Details on the methodology and approach for partnership. to undertaking this study are contained international partners supporting the in Rapid Integrated Assessment (RIA), implementation of reforms and SDGs Facilitating Mainstreaming of SDGs into in Bosnia and Herzegovina. National and Local Plans, UNDP 2017. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 17

Image 2: Policy analysis of key observations Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 18

SDG Dashboards and data and complexity analysis

Data and statistics are paramount in Dashboards are versatile and relation to the adequate planning, multipurpose with several implementation, monitoring and interconnected modules. The basic reporting on the SDGs. Considering module can be used as a long-term the administrative arrangement platform for monitoring progress: in the country with the particular it contains all of the SDG indicators jurisdictions and mandates of and values for different time periods different governance levels, it was and the indicator target values. The important to start developing the overview module pulls all of the capacities and tools for each level. information on the indicators into SDG Dashboards were created one place and presents the totality for the state and entity level and of progress of all relevant indicators a dashboard initiated for Brčko against all 17 SDGs using a simple District. United Nations support color coding system (green, yellow, under the MAPS approach was red and grey). An additional module instrumental in this respect. allows for the selection of key Information dashboards are tools at indicators and comparison with any the tip of the iceberg in a system that country or region in order to observe produces and utilizes information. changes and trends. Dashboards support the adaptation of SDG targets and indicators within Based on the dashboard data, a a particular country context. The complexity analysis was conducted process behind the creation of SDG for the country, SDG complexity maps dashboards initiates a review of produced for Bosnia and Herzegovina the systems and capacities that are and a network of SDG targets and available, improves interoperability their mutual influence identified. This between different data systems and was done using the Mans-Nilsson better integrates data from external scale. An initial set of relationships sources. Effective implementation that looked at the connections of the 2030 Agenda requires the between the SDGs was developed whole-of-government approach using the literature. It provided for a and leveraging to ensure the actual calculation of the level of influence engagement of stakeholders in the and interlinkage between different parliaments, civil society and the SDG targets, assigning each SDG private sector. target a particular influence value in order to recognize and assess the priority targets that can act as catalysts and accelerators for development. The use of RIA and the SDG dashboards provided an insight into the current situation and potential of the achievement of SDGs and for setting a foundation for sustainable development going forward. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 19

SDG multi-stakeholder consultations in May 2018

Two-day multi-stakeholder consultations, organized under the auspices of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, were held in Sarajevo on the 29 and 30 May 2018. A total of 250 representatives from all levels of government, CSOs and the private sector attended. The United Nations MAPS mission team that consisted of eleven experts from The key objectives of the To organize effective consultations eight agencies of the United Nations consultations were as follows: and considering the breadth of the supported this process. Dr Dragan Agenda, there were four theme Covic, the (then) Chairman of the • utilization of the results of groups, following the 5 ‘P’s of Presidency, and Sezin Sinanoglu, the all pre-MAPS tools, including Sustainable Development supported United Nations Resident Coordinator ‘Imagine2030’, RIA, SDG by facilitators from United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, opened Dashboards and complexity agencies. The participants were then the consultations. analysis; divided in smaller working groups, up to 10 people in each, focusing on The consultations were designed • vision 2030 in Bosnia and certain aspects of the Agenda. The to build on all of the previous Herzegovina in relation to the 5 participants included representatives SDG efforts up until that point. ‘P’s of the SDGs that form the basis of institutions, civil society and the This included the findings of of a shared vision of Bosnia and private sector from the Republika the ‘Imagine2030’ initiative Herzegovina in 2030; Srpska, Brčko District, the Federation encompassing the views, priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well and visions of more than 1,200 • focus on the key opportunities as state level representatives. Each citizens consulted about the SDGs and constraints of the 5 ‘P’s to be group was asked to come up with a as well as the findings of RIA, SDG reviewed in the workshops; vision statement, constraints and Dashboard data and complexity opportunities to reach the vision analysis and target influence • clarify the accelerators, enablers and suggest priority targets from analysis. and bottlenecks and how and the SDG Agenda to achieve progress where investment would have toward the vision. To support the largest overall impact on these consultations, the RIA and the different dimensions of complexity analysis were used to development; help participants understand the current policy context and key • provide elements/input for the SDG interactions between the SDGs Framework document in Bosnia for each theme. This enriched the and Herzegovina by focusing on the discussions but also provided an SDG targets; additional base through which to review key policy objectives. • clarify the areas that require further follow-up in terms of technical work and the groups that need to be established and engaged in this technical work. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 20

Then Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dragan Covic Plenary session

Group work and discussion on Democratic governance and Education: This was mentioned by each of the 5 ‘P’s resulted in some peace: Many of the constraints every group for all types of education common issues and priorities listed by all of the groups reflected needs ranging from addressing across the 5 ‘P’s. It was clear on the need for more coherent and segregation among ethnic groups from the discussions that some transparent governance institutions in schools and through different dimensions do not fall strictly within that are free from corruption. Clearly, curricula, improving compulsory the targets and the SDGs. This concerns over the impact of effective education (both access and quality), included primarily the need to ensure governance and administrative including early childhood education, long-lasting reconciliation, social arrangements emerged from all to more opportunities for vocational cohesion and peace in Bosnia and groups. Specific reference was education and skills development Herzegovina. made to the need for much greater and improving knowledge on transparency, the rule of law, sustainable development and natural The following crosscutting issues creating effective administrative resources management. In the planet arose during the consultations. arrangements in the complex theme, education was also envisaged governance system in the country from the perspective of increasing and promoting a more just and stable awareness on the effects on human society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. health of urban air pollution. All of the groups emphasized The education system as the the opportunity that future EU foundation to support sustainable accession would offer in terms of development was clear. sustainable development and saw this as providing the momentum to strengthen effective institutions and foster better governance, peace and the rule of law and to meet potential EU benchmarks going forward. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 21

SDG Working Group and members of the United Nations MAPS team after the two-day consultations

Work in groups according to the 5 ‘P’s of the SDGs

Economic potential: While this Natural resources: The abundance Work in the 5 ‘P’s theme groups was mentioned in various ways, and the quality of natural resources brought together the draft Vision the potential of certain sectors, was mentioned across the groups, 2030 statements, priority areas for such as agriculture and tourism including the need for sustainable attention and key obstacles and (tying into effective natural use of these resources. While human opportunities. Through this process, resource management), the need capital was often highlighted, 48 out of a total of 169 SDG targets for additional financing to meet all groups emphasized natural were identified as priority targets development needs and the resources as an asset to support spread across the 17 SDGs. Further untapped potential of creative sustainable development in Bosnia work, analysis and review of the young people and the existing and Herzegovina. This would material from the consultations was human capacity were highlighted require the development of an entire instigated in the next stage of the across the groups. In respect to national strategy to support this SDG review process in Bosnia and the challenges, inequality of vision of a clean and green Bosnia Herzegovina. opportunity, segregation in the and Herzegovina, which could labor market and insufficient be in the form of a commitment economic development emerged to greener growth principles in strongly. This area was also seen economic development and sectorial as one where broader policies that strategies. influence sustainable development are important, especially when it came to fiscal and monetary policy. Incentives (or disincentives) play a role in relation to promoting economic growth and investment in different sectors and can therefore influence the ability to meet the SDG targets. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 22

‘Business Community and Sustainable Development Goals’ Conference in June 2018

The Business Community and to discuss global topics within the Sustainable Development Goals context of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Conference was held in Sarajevo This included, among others, on 12 June 2018 with the aim of responsible resource management raising awareness on the role and environmental protection, of businesses in delivering on ethical businesses and the opening the promise of sustainable and of quality work places and its effect inclusive development. A particular on the image and competitiveness focus of the Conference was the of a business. A live web-stream Swedish experience of sustainable was organized that drew more than development. More than 400 3,500 views in the 24 hours of the representatives from all levels of Conference, including significant government, the business sector interest from within the region and academia gathered at the (Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro). Conference and had an opportunity Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 23

Ms. Sezin Sinanoglu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mr. Mirko Sarovic, The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the Conference. The Swedish Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina/Sida supported the organization of the Conference and the honorary guest of the Conference was Johannes Oljelund, General Director for International Mr. Johannes Oljelund, Development Cooperation at the General Director for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden. International Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 24

Discussions were held with 19 representatives of the business community in Bosnia and Herzegovina on a number of topics. Panel 1. Do more with less – The efficient use and sustainable management of natural resources. Panel 2. Responsible consumption for sustainable production. Panel 3. Chances offered by the ethical business model. Panel 4. Quality jobs make companies more competitive.

At the Conference, representatives of 20 businesses from Bosnia and Herzegovina shared best practices in the areas of sustainable development. The Conference focused on three broader SDG themes, including responsible resource management and environmental protection, ethical business conduct and economic growth and quality employment (SDGs 8, 12 and 16). Discussion topics also covered the issues of corporate social responsibility, equal Mr. Ola Rosling, opportunity and gender equality. President and Co- Keynote speakers included, among Founder of the Gapminder Foundation Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 25

Ms. Susanne Sweet, Associate Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics

Mr. Sasa Beslic, Head of Group Sustainable Finance at Nordea Bank

others, Ola Rosling, President and Co-Founder of the Gapminder Mr. Daniel Paska, Foundation, Sasa Beslic, Head of Ericsson’s Group Sustainable Finance at Nordea sustainability and Bank, and Susanne Sweet, Associate corporate Professor at the Stockholm School responsibility of Economics. The Conference was Program Manager an opportunity for businesses to show their joint commitment to sustainable development as part of their business models and to contribute to Agenda 2030 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 26

Drafting of the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the first Bosnia and Herzegovina Voluntary Review and the consultation and validation process for the key SDG documents

In order to engage in and inform of citizens. In 2019, the focus is all institutions in Bosnia and on collecting the perspective of Herzegovina about Agenda 2030 experts and policymakers who, and the process of the Voluntary with the citizens’ perspective, will Review (VNR) and the creation of formulate the SDG Framework, as the SDG Framework document in well as options and pathways for Bosnia and Herzegovina, dedicated accelerated development. The draft sessions were organized for state document will be open to extensive level institutions in March 2018, for consultations and comments. Both the Republika Srpska institutions in the Voluntary Review of the SDG’s in September 2018, for Brčko District in BiH and the SDG Framework in BiH January 2019 and for the Federation will be submitted to the BiH, FBiH, RS of Bosnia and Herzegovina in June and Brcko District Governments for 2018. Promotion of the SDGs by the adoption. institutions was also done through dedicated SDG bulletins produced Discussions on the ‘leave no one by the Directorate for Economic behind’ concept have also been Planning of Bosnia and Herzegovina initiated with the aim that the SDG in 2017 and 2018, the dedicated SDG Framework explores options that statistical bulletin developed by the will bring forward the needs and Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and perspectives of those furthest Herzegovina and the dedicated SDG behind and benefiting least from statistical bulletin produced by the the ‘business as usual’ development Institute of Statistics of Republika process. Srpska in 2018. Agenda 2030 and SDG domestication The SDGs Rollout Working Group in the country has proven to be a formed three subgroups in steep learning curve for all involved, September 2018, each responsible institutions, the private sector, CSOs, for leading the process of 1) crafting academia and the international the Bosnia and Herzegovina community. We are learning through Voluntary Review, 2) drafting the SDG doing, aware of the importance of Framework document in Bosnia and the iterative process and the need Herzegovina and 3) dedicated work to open up and ensure maximum on data/statistics for the SDGs. participation in decision-making. Through this process, we also The approach to VNR in Bosnia strengthen and improve regular and Herzegovina includes the strategic planning processes, explore citizens’ perspectives on the goals new modalities of working together of sustainable development in BiH, and recognize the great value of the relying heavily on the collective shift that Agenda 2030 initiates from knowledge gained through a common development discourse participatory approach in order to multi-sectorial inclusive and to see what needs to be done in forward-looking discourse. the country from the perspective Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 27

INTEGRATING THE SDGS INTO THE COUNTRYWIDE FRAMEWORKS

Having in mind that the SDG competencies, attainment of the Framework document in Bosnia agreed targets will be ensured and Herzegovina defines key through their incorporation into priority areas and targets for strategic documents at all levels of reaching Agenda 2030, as such it government. does not contain mechanisms for its practical operationalization. Below is a short description of how Given the complex administrative the governments will operationalize system in the country and the nature SDGs through their strategic of the SDG Framework and the documents. need to respect the constitutional

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Strategic Framework for Herzegovina and the institutions of the Institutions of Bosnia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Herzegovina will be made at the institutional level and in accordance These planning documents will be with their scope of responsibilities. created, among other things, on the The Strategic Framework will basis of the strategic framework, be based on the key principle of which will contain strategic/ sustainable development, which operational objectives that will be will enable the inclusion of the defined on the basis of the priority SDGs into the Strategic Framework areas of the SDG framework. for Institutions of Bosnia and Furthermore, these documents Herzegovina. represent the foundation for making three-year and annual budgets. In The legal framework for planning this way, the institutions of Bosnia the work of the institutions of and Herzegovina will contribute Bosnia and Herzegovina foresees to the implementation of the the preparation of two planning sustainable development goals in documents: a mid-term (three years accordance with their respective 1+2) and an annual work program of powers. the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 28

Brčko District

Brčko District plans to initiate the Baselines and target values will be It is important that any additional process of designing its Development defined at the level of the strategic sectorial strategy designed in Strategy 2020–2027 in early 2019. goals, priorities and measures and Brčko District will need to be The planning processes will be are to be aligned, wherever relevant, aligned with the development highly participatory and guided with the target values defined within strategy and consequently with by the principle of sustainable the SDG Framework in Bosnia and the SDG Framework in Bosnia and development, thus enabling Herzegovina. At the same time, the Herzegovina. direct incorporation of the SDGs use of the indicators defined within into the development strategy of the SDG Framework will be ensured. Brčko District. More specifically, the Brčko District development Moreover, the Government of Brčko strategy will reflect the vision, District is to adopt a decision on priority areas, targets and indicators introducing mid-term and annual defined commonly within the planning and reporting within SDG Framework in Bosnia and the entire administration and it is Herzegovina. At the same time, the through these mid-term and annual Government of Brčko District will plans that the measures defined have the possibility to add additional in the development strategy will targets and indicators tailored to the be implemented. Therefore, it is specific needs of the District. important to ensure that the targets and indicators defined in the Brčko The timing for aligning the strategic District development strategy are planning process in Brčko District incorporated into these mid-term with the SDG Framework in Bosnia and annual plans. This would enable and Herzegovina is suitable, because easier and systemic monitoring and programming of the strategic goals reporting on the level of attainment and priorities of Brčko District based of the SDGs. It is of utmost on the strategic SDG framework importance to establish effective for Bosnia and Herzegovina is not linkages between strategic, mid-term expected to start until June 2019. The and annual planning and financial strategic goals and priorities will be planning in order to ensure that SDG elaborated further through specific implementation is linked directly measures that also contain projects with the mid-term and annual budget and activities to implement such of Brčko District. measures. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 29

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Similar to the Brčko District, and targets defined within the Herzegovina, cantonal and local level the Federation of Bosnia and SDG Framework in Bosnia and will be realized through the mid-term Herzegovina is about to launch Herzegovina. Specific interventions and annual work plans of institutions its planning process (in late 2018/ to achieve the goals, targets and and closely aligned with mid-term early 2019). The planning process priorities will be programmed within and annual budget planning. These in the Federation of Bosnia and specific measures and strategic planning processes, which can Herzegovina and its alignment with projects. be considered as ‘infrastructure’ the SDGs Framework in Bosnia and to implement the SDGs in Bosnia Herzegovina will be more complex Baselines and target values will be and Herzegovina, stem from having in mind the three tiers of defined at the level of the strategic the Federation of Bosnia and government and the need to ensure goals, while priorities and measures Herzegovina Law on Development effective vertical coordination and are to be aligned, where relevant, Planning and Management. This integration. with the target values defined in Law was to be further reinforced the SDG Framework in Bosnia and through a set of bylaws that were There is the legal obligation in Herzegovina. At the same time, expected to be adopted by the the Federation of Bosnia and the use of indicators set within Government of the Federation of Herzegovina to align its strategic the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in December documents with Agenda 2030 and Herzegovina will be ensured and 2018. Institutions at all three levels the relevant strategic documents at thus enable easier monitoring of the of government in the entity will the state level. Consequently, the progress made toward attainment of be responsible for monitoring design of the Federation of Bosnia the SDGs. progress, which is to be captured and Herzegovina Development annually through ‘development Strategy 2020–2027 will be structured Importantly, the Federation of Bosnia reports’ prepared by the respective around the four pillars of sustainable and Herzegovina Development coordinating institutions (the development and the five ‘P’s, Strategy 2020–2027 will serve as Development Planning Institute at namely people, prosperity, planet, a platform for the design of the the level of the Federation of Bosnia peace and partnership. The planning development strategies of the and Herzegovina and development process will be a consultative one cantons and local government in management units at the cantonal that engages a broad spectrum the entity. Therefore, subsequent and local level). of stakeholders (institutions, planning processes at the cantonal cantons and local government and and local level will follow the same It is important that any additional socioeconomic stakeholders). approach, logic and principles sectorial strategy designed in and thus ensure that all levels the Federation of Bosnia and In terms of its methodological of government in the entity will Herzegovina be aligned with the alignment, the goals and priorities contribute cumulatively to the entity Development Strategy that will be defined in the Federation achievement of the SDGs. and consequently with the of Bosnia and Herzegovina SDG Framework in Bosnia and development strategy will, as much Actual implementation of the SDGs Herzegovina. as possible, mirror the priorities at the Federation of Bosnia and Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 30

Republika Srpska

Republika Srpska recently initiated Republika Srpska does not have planning would need to be ensured a policy dialogue on its future an overarching development so that measures contributing to strategic planning and development strategy in place that could define the implementation of the SDGs are management system. More the development priorities for budgeted systemically. specifically, the Government of this entity and serve as the key Republika Srpska created a working platform for designing sectorial Similarly, annual reporting on the group in July 2018 consisting of strategies at the entity level and local level of attainment of the SDGs would representatives of institutions at the development strategies. Recognizing be part of the reporting mechanism entity level and local government this limitation, the Government of within the overall strategic planning that was tasked with proposing Republika Srpska is considering and development management improvements to its current system. initiating the design of a sustainable system, where relevant indicators This included the regulatory, development strategy 2030. This from the SDG Framework in Bosnia methodological and institutional would enable the incorporation of and Herzegovina are taken over at frameworks. The working group priority areas, targets and indicators the entity and local level. In addition, has defined the vision and guiding from the SDG Framework in Bosnia the entity institutions and local principles for the future system, and Herzegovina into the goals, government would be able to add including sustainable development, priorities and measures of the additional indicators as per their the vertical and horizontal policy Government of Republika Srpska. specific needs. and priority alignment and social At the same time, the strategy inclusion/equal opportunity would serve as the key reference It is important that any additional for all. Although these system document for local government sectorial strategy be designed building efforts are ongoing, the in the entity and would therefore with the development strategy of aforementioned principles set a require, wherever relevant, the Republika Srpska and consequently solid group for implementation alignment of their development with the SDG Framework in Bosnia of the SDG Framework in Bosnia strategies with the Republika and Herzegovina. and Herzegovina through the Srpska sustainable development development planning and strategy and thus directly addressing In the event of a delay in the management system in Republika the corresponding targets and design of the planned sustainable Srpska. Concretely, linkages to indicators. development strategy in Republika Agenda 2030 and the SDG Framework Srpska, the Government of Republika in Bosnia and Herzegovina will Implementation of the measures Srpska could consider aligning be, possibly by mid-2019, ensured defined to address the relevant SDG its other key strategic documents through the reinforcement of the priority areas and targets would with the SDG Framework in Bosnia regulatory and methodological happen as part of the existing and Herzegovina, such as the framework for development planning mid-term and annual planning Economic Reform Program, so as to in Republika Srpska. processes of the institutions at the provide strategic guidance on SDG entity and local level. Clear linkages implementation to institutions in the with mid-term and annual budget medium term. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 31

LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND

The concept of ‘Leaving no one The Federation of Bosnia and The relevant institutions in Republika behind’ is aimed at eliminating the Herzegovina is in the process of Srpska are implementing numerous multidimensional causes of poverty, drafting a development strategy that program for the protection of the inequality and discrimination and will incorporate the SDGs and their rights and satisfying the needs of reducing the intersecting and implementation in accordance with vulnerable groups of the population. multiple vulnerabilities of the most the socioeconomic context in Bosnia Since Republika Srpska does not marginalized people. These include and Herzegovina and the cantons have a comprehensive long-term women, children, refugees, internally and municipalities of the Federation development strategy in place, these displaced persons, migrants, of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The programs are envisaged under the minorities, stateless persons, drafting process for the development applicable legislation and elaborated people living with disabilities, the strategy foresees the creation of through numerous strategic papers elderly and populations affected four thematic groups with twelve and action plans. However, the by conflict, natural disasters and subgroups covering all aspects of four-year Work Program of the health emergencies. It implies socioeconomic development (for Government of Republika Srpska strengthening national systems example, competitiveness and smart that sets priorities, such as increased and processes of accountability specialization, human resources, competitiveness of the economy to monitor progress and provide food production, social inclusion, and higher salaries, improved remedies.4 etc.). Activities of all subgroups efficiency in the public sector, the will be based on the ‘leave no one sustainability of the health system, Putting this concept into practice behind’ principle. This means that improvement of the demographic requires governance and each thematic group will implement picture of Republika Srpska and the accountability mechanisms at the this principle giving special attention digitalization of the economy, also local, national and international to marginalized groups and will defines a series of measures within level. It also means having measures make decisions to ensure their equal all priorities related to the protection that allow progress on realizing participation in socioeconomic of marginalized and vulnerable this concept to be visible through processes in the Federation of Bosnia groups. stepping stone equality targets. and Herzegovina. Attaining the SDGs will not be possible if the poorest and most Brčko District is also starting the vulnerable people continue to be process of drafting a development left behind and are unable to benefit strategy. The new development from the progress and advancements strategy will be harmonized with the in society. It is important to look new approaches applied in Bosnia beyond averages and identify who and Herzegovina and the region and is left behind,where they are, why will serve as a clear starting point for they are being left behind andwhat developing all operational and work they need in order to advance and plans for the Government of Brčko enjoy the same quality of life as the District. The development strategy majority of the population. of Brčko District should serve as a platform for implementation of The ‘leave no one behind’ concept the SDG Framework in Bosnia and has been partly explored previously Herzegovina. This framework will in Bosnia and Herzegovina through make it possible to translate the the prism of social inclusion and global goals and Agenda 2030 into social protection. Yet this concept specific objectives and activities in probes deeper than previous the field in Bosnia and Herzegovina, approaches and calls for fresh whilst taking care of marginalized perspectives and new interventions groups through the ‘leave no one behind’ principle. 4 The UNSDG Operational Guide for UNCTs on to help those left behind by providing ‘Leaving no one behind’ supports resident opportunities to elevate them from coordinators and UNCTs in integrating this their current position. principle. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 32

INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS

The SDGs Rollout Working Group in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Joint activities of all institutions and Herzegovina and the Federal non-governmental organizations, the in Bosnia and Herzegovina related Institute of Statistics. academic community and the private to the SDGs began in 2018 with sector in implementing the SDGs at the creation of the SDGs Rollout • The Government of Brčko District the entity, cantonal and local level. Working Group. To reflect the members are from the Office of the territorial organization of Bosnia Mayor of Brčko District, the Office Because of the large number of and Herzegovina, the SDGs Rollout of the Brčko District Coordinator on SDGs and their targets as well as Working Group was comprised the Council of Ministers of Bosnia the division of responsibilities of members from the following and Herzegovina, the Department between the entities, the SDGs institutions and organizations. for Economic Development, Sports Rollout Working Group in Bosnia and Culture and the Brčko District and Herzegovina was formed to plan • Council of Ministers of Bosnia Office of the Agency for Statistics of and coordinate joint activities of and Herzegovina members are Bosnia and Herzegovina. government institutions at all levels from the Directorate for Economic in the country and for the purposes Planning (as the chief coordinator), • United Nations in Bosnia and of regional and international the Foreign Ministry of Bosnia Herzegovina. activities and reporting supported and Herzegovina and the Agency by the United Nations. The working for Statistics of Bosnia and Chief coordinators for group collects and consolidates Herzegovina. implementation of the SDGs were the views of the governments designated at the level of the of the Federation of Bosnia and • Government of Republika Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Srpska members are from the Herzegovina, the Government Brčko District and the Council of Ministry for Economic Relations of the Federation of Bosnia and Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Regional Cooperation, the Herzegovina, the Government it holds consultations with the Department for Strategic Planning of Republika Srpska and the ministries, parliaments, the private of the Secretariat General of the Government of Brčko District. They sector, the academic community, Government of Republika Srpska are responsible for coordinating, non-governmental organizations and Institute of Statistics. on behalf of their respective all other stakeholders. The members governments, all activities of the working group provide • Government of the Federation undertaken by the ministries and expert support and advice to their of Bosnia and Herzegovina other institutions, the development respective governments through members are from the Institute of a sustainable development the relevant institutions, coordinate for Development Programming (as strategy and a plan to implement the the activities of international and the chief coordinator on behalf of strategy at their respective level of domestic experts in Bosnia and the entity), the Office of the Prime government, to assist the ministries, Herzegovina and prepare various Minister of the Federation of Bosnia other institutions, local authorities, documents that may be of use to Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 33

decision makers at the state, entity, The subgroups of the SDGs Rollout Srpska Institute of Statistics, an district, cantonal and local level. Working Group Action Plan to implement the SDGs in the entity. As a result, the The SDGs Rollout Working Group The SDGs Rollout Working Government of Republika Srpska coordinates all activities related to Group formed three specialized formed a working group to promote the SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina subgroups for the purpose of better and implement the SDGs in the through the institutions represented coordination of work and activities entity. The task of the working group in the working group. Its members related to issues that require more is to participate in the activities of are tasked with preparing voluntary attention and stronger commitment: the working bodies formed within the reviews for the high-level political United Nations system in Bosnia and forum until 2030 on the basis of • subgroup for crafting a National Herzegovina and to coordinate both the input they receive from their Voluntary Review (VNR), the monitoring and implementation respective institutions, reporting • subgroup for SDG Indicators in of SDGs in Republika Srpska. to regional and international Bosnia and Herzegovina, institutions on the situation in Bosnia • subgroup for drafting an SDG Federation of Bosnia and and Herzegovina and coordinating Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina regular annual reporting on Herzegovina. sustainable development in the On the basis of the Conclusions country with a view to improving These subgroups are comprised of the Presidency of Bosnia and coordination and creating of representatives of the relevant Herzegovina and the Council of the preconditions for funding institutions that conduct Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina implementation of the SDGs. coordination on behalf of the relating to implementation of the governments and the Council of SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, The SDGs Rollout Working Group is Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. the Government of the Federation of not linked to the political processes Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed in the country and functions on Bosnia and Herzegovina its commitment to implementing a regular basis, regardless of Agenda 2030. In this regard, in the political issues. It makes all A Conclusion was approved at the September 2017, the Government decisions by consensus. Final 53rd special session of the Presidency of the Federation of Bosnia and approval of all key conclusions and Bosnia and Herzegovina following the Herzegovina, through its Secretariat the implementation of all decisions discussion on the implementation General, tasked the Federal Institute are issued at the sub-national of the United Nations Resolution A/ for Development Programming with government level and that of the RES/70/1, requesting that the Council coordinating, in line with its legally Council of Ministers of Bosnia and of Ministers, in cooperation with the defined mandate and authority, all Herzegovina. The members of the institutions of the entities and Brčko activities relating to implementation SDGs Rollout Working Group from District, designate an institution to be of the SDGs in the entity. all levels of government in Bosnia responsible for developing an Action and Herzegovina report to their Plan and a Road Map for achieving Brčko District respective governments on a regular the SDGs, monitoring activities in basis and receive input and opinions all areas and conducting analyses A Decision of the Mayor of Brčko from their respective governments into the level of achievement of the District made in June 2018 appointed on all pending issues discussed SDGs. The Directorate for Economic coordinators of the Government of during SDGs Rollout Working Group Planning of Bosnia and Herzegovina Brčko District to participate in the meetings. is responsible for implementation of drafting of an Action Plan and a Road the Conclusion. Map for implementation of the SDGs The SDGs Rollout Working Group and to monitor the related activities organizes regularly joint workshops Republika Srpska in all areas and develop analyses on and conferences for all citizens, the level of achievement of the SDGs. institutions, non-governmental The Government of Republika Srpska organizations, the private sector, confirmed through its September Local level the academic community and other 2017 Conclusion the commitment stakeholders. Joint activities take of Republika Srpska to achieving At the local level, SDGs are to be place in the major cities in Bosnia the United Nations SDGs and to implemented in accordance with and Herzegovina during which mainstreaming the SDGs into its internal organization through knowledge and good practice from strategic documents. The same the chief coordinator, who will the international level are transferred Conclusion tasked the Ministry for maintain direct communication to the level of institutions and the Economic Relations and Regional with the ministries responsible for public sphere in order for Bosnia and Cooperation with developing, jointly local authorities, the associations Herzegovina to achieve sustainable with the Strategic Planning and of municipalities and cities in the development as quickly as possible Monitoring Unit of the Secretariat entities and local departments. in all areas. General of the Government of Republika Srpska and the Republika Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 34

GOALS AND TARGETS

According to the 2018 SDG Index5 The index rank and score (71st/67.3) According to the 2018 SDG Index and Dashboards Report produced of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Report, most countries in Eastern by the Sustainable Development below that of the countries in the Europe and Central Asia score well Solutions Network (SDSN) and the region, Slovenia (8th/80.0), Croatia on addressing poverty, improving Bertelsmann Stiftung, Bosnia and (21st/76.5), Serbia (40th/72.1) and health and education outcomes Herzegovina ranks 71st out of 156 slightly below the scores of Republic and on providing access to key countries reviewed with a total score of North Macedonia (61st/69.0), infrastructure; however, trend data of 67.3. The score for Bosnia and Albania (62nd/68.9) and Montenegro suggests that some are regressing Herzegovina is somewhat below the (69th/67.6). on the central dimensions of average score of 69.5 for Eastern human development. The report Europe and Central Asia. also stresses that all countries in the region require greater effort to decouple economic growth from negative environmental impact.

Image 3: SDG index for BiH

5 The SDG Index score signifies a country’s position between the worst (0) and the best (100) or target outcomes. According to this index, the highest-ranking country is Sweden with an overall index score of 85 (the country is on average 85% of the way toward achieving the best possible outcome across all 17 SDGs). Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 35

Decreasing Stagnating Moderately On track Maintaining SDG Decreasing score, i.e. Score remains increasing Score is increasing achievement country is moving in stagnant or is Score is increasing at at the rate needed Score is level and the wrong direction increasing at a rate a rate above 50% of to achieve the SDG trend remains below 50% of the the required growth by 2030 at or above SDG growth rate needed rate but below the achievement to achieve the SDG rate needed to by 2030 achieve the SDG by 2030

The SDG consultations that took place in May were set around the 5 ‘P’s of sustainable development (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership) and so is the section of this report addressing SDG goals and targets.

Image 4: 5 SDG chapters Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 36

People

End poverty and hunger and ensure dignity and equality for all in a healthy environment

The overarching theme of ‘People’ to be expanded to include other is to ensure a life with dignity and dimensions of human wellbeing, such equality in a healthy environment as poverty and the improvement of for all citizens of Bosnia and the position of vulnerable groups Herzegovina, while leaving no one and their increased inclusion in behind. This is to be achieved addressing economic, societal and by investing directly in effective environmental changes in society. policies that will strengthen the economy and have the potential Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 37 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 38

An example of good practice

The RS Ministry of Health and Social Welfare funded projects for the provision of support to households in social need through the revenue obtained though the tax on games of chance in 2015 and in 2017. It funded projects for the support of single parents of children with developmental difficulties and other socially vulnerable families with children with developmental difficulties, in accordance with the goals defined in the Strategy for Improving the Social Position of People with Disabilities in Republika Srpska 2017–2026. SDG 1 End poverty in all of its forms everywhere

% of children lived in relatively poor Poverty is a multidimensional greatest risk of poverty (38.5%) and households. problem that affects and cuts across those households where the head almost all of the SDGs. Poverty of the household is employed were The Roma minority is among the reduction is often a result of progress at the lowest risk of poverty (11.6%). most vulnerable groups in Bosnia made in the implementation of other One in six households in Bosnia and and Herzegovina. Although it is SDGs. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Herzegovina is poor. difficult to establish the exact poverty rate is measured using the number of Roma people in Bosnia relative poverty line and household Almost all housing units in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are, consumption expenditure. The and Herzegovina are connected according to the 2013 census, 12,5837 multidimensional character of to electricity and water supply. It Roma; however, according to the poverty is analyzed through health, is interesting to note that only 2.8 estimates of the municipalities education, employment and access % of households in Bosnia and and the Roma associations, their to social protection. Herzegovina live in rental homes. number ranges between 35,000 In 2015, the housing units in which and 45,000.8 The social situation of The latest data from 20156 shows that households live were improved and Roma is characterized by poor living the poverty rate has fallen from 17.9 this resulted in an increase in home conditions, obstacles to education % to 16.9 %. One of the structural ownership. The largest improvement and a lack of income generation problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina made was in the heating of the opportunities. is certainly the difference between housing units in which households the rural and urban population. This live. is reflected in the huge difference 6 The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina Household Budget Survey, 2011 in the poverty rate: 11.3 % for the Based on the data provided by the and 2015. urban population and 20.5 % for Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and 7 www.mhrr.gov.ba/PDF/djeca/Narativni%20 the rural population. Regarding the Herzegovina, the poverty rate for Izvjestaj_usvojen%20na%20Vijecu%20 employment status of the head of senior citizens (65+) and children ministara.pdf. 8 www.mhrr.gov.ba/ljudska_prava/ the household, those households (<15) exceeds the average poverty Akcioni%20plan%20BiH%20za%20 where the head of the household rate in the country. The poverty rate rjesavanje%20problema%20Roma%202017- is incapacitated for work were at for the elderly was 19.6 % and 18.7 2020%20%20BOS.pdf. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 39

Graph 1: Source: The Agency for Statistics of Indicators of the material deprivation of households and housing Bosnia and Herzegovina Household problems faced by households Budget Survey 2011 and 2015.

An example of good practice

By joining the global initiative ‘The Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015’, Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress on improving the situation of Roma in the country. Bosnia and Herzegovina set the directions in addressing the main problems faced by the Roma population, focusing on education, housing, employment and healthcare. During the period 2009–2016, all levels of government made financial contributions to the implementation of the Roma Action Plan (Council of Ministers, the entities, Brčko District and the cantons). The largest portion of these funds was spent on housing for 3,900 Roma. In 2017–2020, according to the plan, an additional 560 housing units for 560 Roma families will be constructed or reconstructed. During the period 2009–2016, a total amount of BAM 1,722,000 was spent on improving healthcare services for the Roma population. Over the period 2017–2020 an additional 3,700 Roma families in need of some form of intervention in healthcare will be supported and, in this way, provided with better living conditions. In 2009–2016, a total of BAM 4,777,000 of the funds allocated for employment and self-employment was invested in programs for co-financing employment and self-employment for 688 Roma. Co-financing is planned for 628 more Roma people over the period 2017–2020. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 40

5.6 % SDG 2 of GDP stems End hunger, achieve food security from agriculture, and improved nutrition and forestry and promote sustainable agriculture fishing

According to the Agency for Statistics holding consists of on average of four in agriculture, of whom 38 % are of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the first parcels or 1.97 ha per farm, which is women. Over the last 10 years, the results for GDP in 2017), agriculture, far below the EU-27 average of 14.3 land area where the most common forestry and fishery accounted for 5.6 ha (EUROSTAT). The data indicates types of crops are grown, and the % of GDP. The share of agricultural one of the key problems in Bosnia level of production have remained and food products within the foreign and Herzegovina, which is the large almost unchanged. There are 2.2 trade of Bosnia and Herzegovina is number of agricultural holdings and million hectares of agricultural land significant and the available data the consequent small size of such in Bosnia and Herzegovina of which shows that the agriculture sector holdings and their economic and 1.6 million hectares is arable land deficit is going down and that in 2017 production power. If you combine and 600,000 hectares pasture.11 the export-to-import ratio was the small average size of these The size of the land best suited 35 %.9 Around 1,000 legal entities holdings with the fragmentation to agricultural production (land and around 360,000 rural households of agricultural land and dual capability classes I and II) in Bosnia in Bosnia and Herzegovina are production, then it becomes an and Herzegovina is small at just involved in agricultural production, important problem and a strategic 300,000 hectares. of which one third is registered priority that requires addressing in as agricultural holdings. A pilot the future. According to the data provided by the census on agriculture conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action 2010 (by the Agency for Statistics Although long-term trends indicate Centre (BHMAC) for 2016, the total of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the a decreasing number of people mine-suspected area in the country Federal Institute of Statistics and engaged in agriculture in Bosnia is 1,145 km2 (2.3% of the total area the Republika Srpska Institute of and Herzegovina, according to the of Bosnia and Herzegovina) with Statistics) shows that the average International Labor Organization agricultural land accounting for the utilization of agricultural land per (ILO), 15.7 %10 of people are employed largest share.

Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 41

EU 27

BiH

1.97 ha 14.3 ha average area of land used per farm

Climate change in Bosnia and of Bosnia and Herzegovina because Herzegovina is characterized by an of the strong pressure of non- increase in the mean temperature. agricultural activities on agricultural Over the past one hundred years, land. EU and state grants should aim temperature has increased by an to protect agricultural complexes and average of 0.8 °C (which corresponds to decrease soil degradation in order to global trends) showing an to achieve food safety. accelerated trend in warming. As a result, the mean temperature over Bosnia and Herzegovina does the last decade (2000–2010) was not face the challenge of the the highest in the past 120 years. It undernutrition of its population. is expected that the length of dry The findings of Multiple Indicator periods, the frequency of flash floods Cluster Survey (MICS) IV for 2011 and the intensity of soil erosion show that 2 % of children under the will increase over the course of this age of five were underweight and less century. than 1 % of children under the age of five were severely underweight. The Strategic Plan for Rural Over the past several years, there Development of Bosnia and has been an increasing trend in Herzegovina (2018–2021) envisages overweight children in Bosnia and support to rural development and Herzegovina and MICS IV (from 2011) its implementation would result in estimates that nearly every sixth reduced inequality between rural child under five years of age in Bosnia and urban populations. Development and Herzegovina is overweight policies and analyses will focus on (17%), which is an increase of 2.6 % sustainable planning, management, compared to the findings of MICS III 9 The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and conservation and utilization of in 2006. When it came to Roma, 9 % Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s agricultural land in order to expand of Roma children under the age of Foreign Trade in Goods in 2017, October the discourse from standard land five in Bosnia and Herzegovina were 2018. planning to more complex long-term underweight (four times the rate for 10 The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Labor Force Survey, 2018. and sustainable programming. This their non-Roma peers). 11 The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and program needs to be implemented Herzegovina and the entity institutes of in particular in the northern parts statistics, 2016. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 42

78.78 74.04

SDG 3 Ensure healthy lives and life expectancy promote well-being for all at birth and at all ages

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting % of adults said that they had not from 7.5 for every 1,000 live births in well-being for all at all ages and consumed alcohol over the past 2006 to 5.9 permille in 2016, while in the enjoyment of a high health seven days. the Republika Srpska it was reduced standard is important in Bosnia and to 4.8 per-mille (2006) to 2.4 per-mille Herzegovina. According to the findings of the 2015 in 2016.15, and in the Federation of Household Budget Survey, 5.1 % of BiH in 2016, this rate was 4.8 per- Life expectancy is increasing: people needed but did not receive mille, while in 2017 it amounted to estimated life expectancy for medical treatment. The main reason 4.2 per-mille16. MICS IV from 2011 women is 78.78 years and for men for not receiving medical treatment estimates that the infant mortality 74.04 years in 2016.12 Regarding was unaffordability (41%). However, rate for Roma children in Bosnia and mortality, cardiovascular diseases an improvement in patient waiting Herzegovina at 24 for every 1,000 live are the leading cause of death lists was noticeable: down from 31.5 births, which is nearly 8 times the (51.8% of all deaths13). The next % to 23.5 %. According to their own average in the country. leading causes of death are malign, opinion, five in seven persons felt endocrine and metabolic diseases ‘very well’ or ‘well’, while 10.3 % felt The 2011 household budget survey (predominantly diabetes) and ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’. shows 95 % public health insurance eating disorders. The most common coverage and 1 % private insurance causes of cardiovascular disease are Infant deaths are one of the coverage in Bosnia and Herzegovina. unhealthy lifestyle habits, cigarette best indicators of the health of a On the other hand, of the total smoking and in particular alcohol population and primarily of children. health care spending in BiH for 2016 consumption. According to the 2011 The infant mortality rate14 in Bosnia (most recent data), 71% is public Household Budget Survey, only 22 and Herzegovina is decreasing, down consumption and 29% is private Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 43

51.8 % mortality connected to cardiovascular diseases

5.9 ‰ infant mortality rate

consumption. In the Republika is allocated for inpatient hospital Srpska in the same year, 73.9% of treatment and medical devices for total consumption is spent on public outpatients. Around 3.7 % is spent on and 26.1% on private consumption the administration and management and in the Federation of BiH in the of the health systems in BiH, which same period, 70% was public and is an increase over the previous year 30% was private consumption17. The when the share was 3 % and overall size of medical staff compared with expenses were smaller. Bosnia and 12 An estimate by the World Health the overall size of the population is Herzegovina needs to find a way to Organization. significantly smaller than the EU-28 reduce the cost of inpatient hospital 13 The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2016 Demography. average, which makes the adequate care. One of the ways to do this is 14 The infant mortality rate shows the ratio provision and timely access to through preventive healthcare, between the deaths of children under one- healthcare services difficult. which accounts for just 1.8 % of total year age per every 1,000 live births over a healthcare expenses (in Republika one-year period. Long-term care services, preventive Srpska 2.6%, and in the Federation 15 The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2016 Demography; RS data healthcare services and health BiH 1.1%). The average length of Institute for Statistics of Republika Srpska, 18 administration are covered almost inpatient stay in 2015 was 7.2 days, Statistical Bulletin, 5 demography, 2016. entirely through public funding, while which represents a decrease from 8.3 16 http://fzs.ba/index.php/publikacije/ medical devices for outpatients are days in 2009. godisnji-bilteni/stanovnistvo-i-registar/ 17 Agency for statistics BiH, Ministry of Health financed largely by household out-of Republika Srpska, for FBiH: http://fzs.ba/ pocket payments. Most of the health wp-content/uploads/2018/04/12.7.pdf funding in Bosnia and Herzegovina 18 The latest data from the HFA database. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 44

SDG 4 preschool education in kindergartens Ensure inclusive and equitable or certain shorter programs). The coverage of children by preschool quality education and promote education prior to beginning primary education in Brčko District over lifelong learning opportunities the past nine years has been 100 %. Preschool educators prepare children for primary school using the curriculum proposed by the Education makes it possible for the initial differences among pupils relevant pedagogical institute and every individual to engage in the in terms of their pre-knowledge and under the approval of the head of the labor market and this in turn enables preparedness for primary education, respective department of education. his or her financial and economic which contributes to creating independence. Primary education is equal opportunities for achieving Preschool education is an activity free and provided for all children in success in primary education for of general interest that includes Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is most all children. Pre-school education the education, care and protection commonly implemented under the in the Federation of Bosnia and of preschool children carried social status criterion in order to Herzegovina is conducted in public out in accordance with the Law ensure full and equal access to the and private institutions. In the last on Preschool Education in RS. regular education system. According academic 2018/19 year, of the total This Law regulates the organized to the findings of MICS IV in 2011, number of preschool institutions, preschool education of children aged nearly all children of the appropriate 58% are public and 42% are private. between six months and primary school age in Bosnia and Herzegovina Coverage of children by pre- school age provided through the attend primary school and the school education and education implementation of the preschool percentage of illiterate people is in the Federation of Bosnia and curricula. relatively low. The education system Herzegovina in the same year, aged 3 in Bosnia and Herzegovina is highly years to the beginning of elementary The percentage of children covered decentralized and its structure school, was 21%. According to the by preschool education in Republika reflects the complex structure of the estimates of the Federal Ministry of Srpska is increasing year by year state. Education and Science, about 57% (see Table 1). In 2018, out of 51,662 of children in the year prior to going preschool children 11,638 or 22.5 Preschool education provided during to elementary school are covered by % of the total preschool population the year prior to primary education some type of preschool education attended preschool. is important in terms of reducing (complete development program of Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 45

Table 1. Number of children attending preschool education since 2011

School 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 year

RS 6,732 7,369 7,599 8,166 9,093 9,953 10,240 12,156

FBiH 10,179 10,969 11,808 12,737 13,268 14,405 15,093 15,722

As awareness of the importance preschools or in primary schools in children from socially vulnerable and relevance of early childhood those communities where there is families. education increases among no preschool. The program is funded communities and parents’ new through the Republika Srpska budget The Republika Srpska Strategy for preschools are established in both and other sources. It is implemented Education Development for the the public and private sectors. This for three hours a day (180 minutes) period 2016–2021 includes a set has resulted in an increased number two days a week from March of measures aimed at improving of children attending preschool and through May. Over the past eight preschool, primary, secondary and a large increase in the percentage years, 33,280 children have gone higher education. This strategy of children covered by preschool through this program at a cost of sets the goal for all levels of education. However, the fact that the BAM 2,553,442.06. UNICEF and Save education to increase and improve number of live births has decreased the Children have been involved in the efficiency and create a better each year should be taken into the implementation of the program education system and the coverage consideration as one of the reasons over the past several years and of children and adults by all forms for this increase. contributed to a large increase in the of education based on lifelong coverage of children by the preschool learning and entrepreneurship. The number of preschools in program. As a result, the percentage The strategy focuses on increased Republika Srpska: of children covered by this program quality standards for textbooks, ranges on average between 35 and teaching and learning materials and • 42 preschools in the public sector 45 % of the total number of children harmonizing education with the (established by the municipal enrolling in the first grade. demographic, economic and social authorities), changes that have taken place in In the Federation of Bosnia and society. The goal to improve higher • 70 preschools in the private sector Herzegovina, nine-year compulsory education focuses on research (67 established by legal entities or education was introduced in the oriented higher education, the individuals and 3 established by 2004/2005 school year in the Una- internationalization of higher religious communities). Sana, Tuzla, Zenica-Doboj, Gorazde education and improved standards and Sarajevo cantons and in the for student. In the 2018/2019 school The Ministry of Education and Culture 2009/2010 school year in all other year, the coverage of children by of Republika Srpska has since 2011 cantons in the entity. The entity secondary education is 97.30 %. organized a three-month preschool Ministry of Education and Science education program for those children in cooperation with the cantonal Nine-year primary education is who do not attend kindergarten. ministries implements a project for compulsory in Brčko District. Under The program is implemented in the procurement of textbooks for the Law on Primary and Secondary Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 46

Graph 2. Source: The Agency for Statistics of Illiteracy rate by age group and gender Bosnia and Herzegovina, Men and Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Education, the Department of Report for 2013, only 22.6 % of Roma The Program for International Education of Brčko District provides children attended secondary school Student Assessment (PISA 2018) textbooks for primary school education out of a secondary school was implemented in Bosnia and children free of charge and free enrolment rate of 92 %. At present, Herzegovina in 2018 for a sample transportation for pupils who live the enrolment rate in tertiary of 236 schools. Internationally at least three kilometers from education in Bosnia and Herzegovina comparable results will be available the school and for all pupils with is over 38 %. by the end of 2019. special needs regardless of where they live. Over 50 assistants with According to the 2013 census, the degrees in different fields of study overall illiteracy rate in Bosnia and are engaged in 15 primary schools in Herzegovina is 2.82 %. The illiteracy order to provide support to inclusive rate for males is 0.79 % but is as high education. Over the past nine years, as 4.76 % for females. The illiteracy the percentage of children covered rate is highest for older women aged by the primary school preparatory 55 to 69 at 5.29 %, while for women program in the year preceding the aged 70 or above it is as high as first year of primary school education 25.85 %. The latter means that one has been 100 %. out of every four women aged 70 or above in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Secondary education is not illiterate. The reason for this can be compulsory in Bosnia and attributed to the fact that primary Herzegovina. According to the education only became compulsory Progress towards Implementation after World War Two. of the Millennium Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 47

The Labor Force Survey indicates a decrease in the number of early school leavers among both females and males over the past several years. According to the latest data, 5.4 % of women and 4.4 % of men An example of are early leavers from education.19 According to the findings of MICS good practice 2011-2012 (UNICEF), the secondary school enrolment rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina was 76.2 %. Around The Republika Srpska Education 54 % of students completed their Development Strategy for the period secondary education within the 2016–2021 recognizes persons with standard completion time and 24 disabilities. The number of pupils with % after graduating from secondary developmental difficulties is increasing school or a postsecondary institution each year: currently there are 1,484 and continued their education. (1.61%) pupils with developmental difficulties in primary education and 369 The reform implies the development (0.93%) in secondary education. Since of key competences focused on 2010, the Government of Republika entrepreneurial, innovative and Srpska has financed assistants for digital competences in secondary autistic children in education (4 in 2010 and higher education, the and 205 in 2017/2018). Scholarships are development of new qualifications awarded to pupils with disabilities (12 based on learning outcomes and in 2015, 10 in 2016, 11 in 2017 and 9 in the harmonization of vocational 2018). qualification standards with the demands of the labor market. When it comes to learning the This is seen as a way to accelerate Roma language in primary school, economic development and thereby the possibility of using textbooks increase employability. Under the from Serbia is under consideration programmatic economic reforms for the education of Roma pupils. that are being developed jointly by The legislation in Republika Srpska the state, the entities and Brčko allows Roma children to enroll in District it is necessary to reform primary school even without all of the the education system in order to necessary documents. Early leaving establish a closer link between from education is not a big problem: education and the labor market, annually, around 30 pupils leave school focused on vocational training and for the reason of moving elsewhere. higher education and inclusion in the The activities of the Roma associations labor market. One of the priorities is play a very important role in raising the development and introduction of awareness about the importance of key competences for lifelong learning education. at all levels of education, focused on entrepreneurial and digital competences.

Regarding adults (aged 25 to 64) and all forms of lifelong learning – formal, non-formal and informal learning – the Adult Education Survey for 201820 shows that 8.7 % of respondents had participated in some form of formal and/or informal education, while 91.3 % of respondents had not participated in formal or non-formal education.

19 Labor Force Survey 2018. 20 The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Adult Education Survey, 2018. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 48

SDG 5 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Bosnia and Herzegovina has at the levels of BiH, the FBiH, the RS signed all of the main international and the cantons. 20.1 % conventions on gender equality and on the elimination of all forms It is evident in all age groups that of discrimination against women, labor market activity for females participation of which the most important is lower than for men. By their own is certainly the United Nations admission, one of the reasons for of women in Convention on the Elimination of inactivity among women is their role All Forms of Discrimination against as a housewife (38.4%). The most representative Women (CEDAW). The Electoral Act common reason for inactivity among Amendments Act of Bosnia and men is retirement (59.3%). houses Herzegovina and its harmonization with the Gender Equality Act from Employment policies implemented in 2013 ensure a 40 % quota for the Bosnia and Herzegovina are divided underrepresented gender on political among the entities, Brčko District party lists. Yet despite this, women and the cantons. The measures continued remain underrepresented implemented in the Federation in politics. According to the Central of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Electoral Commission of Bosnia and Federal Employment Office relate Herzegovina data on the gender directly to women, such as the structure of elected officials in employment of women, women’s legislative authorities, as of April 16, start-ups and the many training 2015, women held 20.1 % of all seats programs implemented, and in the House of Representatives and motivational lectures delivered Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 49

Graph 3. Source: The Agency for Statistics Activity rate by gender and age group of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Labour Force Survey, 2018.

with the aim of including women of businesses supported through Regarding the rights of the LGBTI in the labor market. Moreover, the self-employment program population, the Centre for Gender measures are being implemented (88.51%) continue to be active and Equality of the Government of in both entities, Brčko District and 34 more people have been employed Republika Srpska is implementing the cantons to support unemployed thanks to the innovative ideas of the all of the necessary activities to people by providing equal access program beneficiaries. protect the rights of this population. for men and women and vulnerable Activities will be undertaken in the groups, such as young people, Roma The Public Employment Institute of near future to improve the position and people with disabilities, etc. Also, Republika Srpska is implementing of LGBTI persons in Republika the Federal Ministry of Education the ‘Program for Employment and Srpska by incorporating adequate and Science implements programs Self-Employment of Target Groups in measures and activities into the of training, vocational training and the Economy in 2018’. The Republika annual operational plans developed training of adults with a focus on Srpska Employment Office funds under the Gender Action Plan of women, in order to facilitate their the program to a total value of BAM Bosnia and Herzegovina for the integration into the labor market. 500,000 (EUR 259,000). The Program period 2018–2022. The Gender Centre envisages the employment or self- of Republika Srpska coordinates its The amount of BAM 3,215,570 has employment of 115 individuals from implementation. been spent on self-employment the target group of the Program, programs in Brčko District since which consists of female victims 2014 involving a total of 742 program of domestic violence, rural women beneficiaries of which 500 or 67.3 and individuals who lack up to % are men and 242 or 32.7 % % three years of insurance coverage in women. In 2018, the share of women order to become eligible for old-age increased to 39.34 % of the total retirement. number of applicants. The majority Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 50

Prosperity

Prosperous and fulfilling lives, In 2017, Bosnia and Herzegovina retained the same trend of GDP economic, social and technological growth of 3 % as in the previous three years; however, this is not sufficient progress in harmony with nature to achieve the average standard of living in the European Union, which in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 32 % of the EU-27 average. A single economic area within the country has yet to People in Bosnia and Herzegovina of production and consumption. As be established. It is necessary to aspire to achieving economic, a middle-income country, Bosnia improve the country’s competitive social and technological progress and Herzegovina is still learning position in the European and global in harmony with nature. Planning whilst moving along this path. It markets and to increase the living for our further economic continues to face the challenges of standards of citizens in Bosnia and development should include the socioeconomic transition and yet Herzegovina. minimum negative impact on the continues to achieve progress. environment and a rational cycle Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 51

Under the Global Competitiveness Index 2018–2019 ranking (World Economic Forum - WEF), Bosnia and Herzegovina is ranked 91st out of 140 countries and under the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index 2018 it is ranked 89th out of 190 countries. Administrative obstacles at different levels of government continue to burden the business environment and the lack of a unified business registration system in the country continues to pose an obstacle to Graph 4. Source: potential investors. Real GDP growth rate in Bosnia and Economic Trends, Directorate for Herzegovina (%) for the period 2015– Economic Planning BiH. 2017 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 52

SDG 7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

The energy sector is one of the through renewable energy sources, The Framework Energy Strategy strongest economic sectors in Bosnia from large hydro power generation, of Bosnia and Herzegovina until and Herzegovina with a long tradition mini-hydro power generation, solar 2035, which was approved by the and significant potential for further generation, wind power generation Council of Ministers of Bosnia and development since the country has as well as biomass efficient Herzegovina in 2018, envisages the a comparative advantage in this cogeneration. During 2018, a Working implementation of reforms aimed sector and particularly in the area of group on renewable energy sources at achieving the more efficient use hydropower. in Bosnia and Herzegovina was of energy and resources, improved established as an umbrella platform security of the energy supply As party to the Treaty Establishing for the exchange of practices in and responsibility toward the the Energy Community, Bosnia this field, with a specific task of environment. and Herzegovina committed itself monitoring and reporting on the to liberalizing the energy market progress of fulfillment of obligations The South East Europe (SEE) 2020 and passing a set of laws on gas, under the Treaty establishing the Strategy sets the goal for each oil and electricity that will enable Energy Community. country in the region in terms the creation of a competitive and of the share of total final energy integrated energy market and set the The Working group also deals with consumption achieved through conditions for increased investment the coordination of the preparation renewable sources. Bosnia and in energy in order to ensure security of recommendations and proposals Herzegovina has been set a high goal and sustainability of energy supply. related to the drafting of the National of achieving a 40 % share of total However, the key public companies Action Plan for Renewable Energy final energy consumption through continue to dominate the country’s Sources (NREAP), as well as the entity renewable sources compared to its electricity and gas markets. Investors action plans. current share of 28.9 %. are interested in power generation Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 53

Graph 5. Source: Energy Balances of Non- Share of renewables in gross energy consumption in Bosnia and Herzegovina OECD Countries, IEA, 2015 Edition BHAS

Graph 6. Source: Energy Balances of Non- Electricity generated from renewable energy sources OECD Countries, IEA, 2015 Edition BHAS Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 54

SDG 8 Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

The problem of the low youth people with primary education market and address the current bad employment rate in Bosnia and or incomplete primary education practices that deprive workers of Herzegovina relates to the lack of accounted for 14.8 %. their right to decent work. skills acquired through education, the lack of harmony between the Bosnia and Herzegovina is faced The labor market in Bosnia and education system and the demands with the growing phenomenon of Herzegovina has been characterized of the modern labor market and the qualified young people emigrating over the past decade by a high insufficient level of support available in search of better lives and inactivity and unemployment to young people for setting up and employment opportunities abroad, rate, particularly long-term running a business. The structure of which significantly reduces the unemployment. The unemployment university enrolment does not follow quality of the human resources in the rate in 2018 was 18.4 %. The the labor market in the country country. unemployment rate is higher among or EU and global trends. In 2018, women at 20.3 % compared to men people with secondary vocational Labor legislation in Bosnia and at 17.2 %. The biggest problem is degrees accounted for 68.2 % of Herzegovina is assigned to the that those people that have been the total number of employees and entities and Brčko District. In 2015, unemployed for more than a year people with a university degree both entities adopted new labor account for the largest share. People (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral laws that provide a good framework with secondary education have degree) accounted for 16.9 %, while for the regulation of the labor the highest unemployment rate Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 55

Graph 7. Source: Labor Force Survey and the Youth employment rate in Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (%) Herzegovina

An example of good practice through partnership

Wishing to support job creation, the Government of Switzerland supported a project for the construction of a logistical center for craftsmen and for small and medium-sized agribusiness entrepreneurs in the Osrdak business building in Posusje in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was implemented by UNDP. The center was established in order to develop small entrepreneurships and to assist craftsmen and agricultural entrepreneurs in performing technological processing and in the storage of their products, using energy from renewable sources for their own needs. In cooperation with the Association for Economic Development READAH (a regional development agency), the center provides extension services to agricultural entrepreneurs and marketing advisory services to start-up entrepreneurs. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 56

An example of good practice

The Innovation Centre in Banja Luka (ICBL) is the first combined center with state-of-the-art equipment for the support and development of entrepreneurship in Republika Srpska. It is firmly resolved to support the development of companies capable of offering advanced commercial solutions to a wide market in the form of products, services, job opportunities and improved business processes based on knowledge and the application of innovative and advanced technologies. While providing support to entrepreneurs to develop successful businesses, ICBL offers its beneficiaries considering starting up a business or who want to develop a business story through incubation all of the necessary elements for their successful professional development and innovation. In cooperation with accredited companies, institutions of education and experts with extensive experience in economy and from the academic community, ICBL offers professional development services through the delivery of internationally certified and nationally recognized training courses. The founders of ICBL are the Ministry for Scientific and Technological Development, the Higher Education and Information Society of Republika Srpska and the City of Banja Luka.

at 71.8 %. Based on the education structure, those people with primary education or incomplete primary education account for the largest number of economically inactive people followed by those with secondary school qualifications. Those people with an associate bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree account for the smallest share of economically inactive people. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 57

An example of An example of good practice good practice

The Ministry for the Development of The Municipality of Stari Grad (Old Town) Entrepreneurship and Crafts of the in Sarajevo has announced, for the second Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina year running, a call for business proposals awarded grants within the project ‘Building from young unemployed people under the Entrepreneurial Zones in the Federation of age of 35 to be financed or co-financed by Bosnia and Herzegovina’ in 2018 aimed at the Municipality. These financial awards incentivizing entrepreneurship and crafts in cover start-up costs: business registration, seven local government units in the entity: labor, rental, revolving funds, social Visoko, Vitez, Maglaj, Gracanica, Posusje, contributions and other such costs. Zenica and Livno. Local authorities co- financed the project to a minimum rate of 30 %. The goal of the project is to encourage the construction of infrastructure of entrepreneurial zones in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a prerequisite for economic growth and employment at the local level. Grants were awarded for the second time in 2018 for entrepreneurial zones in 27 local government units and it is expected that these grants will encourage projects that will employ 1,336 people in 95 new companies.

In 2018, the employment rate for young people (aged 15 to 24) in Bosnia and Herzegovina was 19.7 % and the employment rate for people aged 25 to 49 was 58.9 % and growing. Based on the employment structure by industry, 15.7 % were employed in agriculture, 32.1 % in non-agricultural (the industrial sector) and the highest percentage at 52.1 % was employed in the service industry in 2018. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 58

aim to accelerate the development of information and communication technology, the next-generation network, introduction of a 4G network, new investment, increased competitiveness and lower prices for end users.

The total number of fixed Internet subscriptions in 2017 was 663,913. The number of standard mobile broadband internet subscriptions in 2017 was 1,421,817, which represents an increase of 7.5 % compared to the previous year. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 99.5 % of companies use computers in their business operations. The number of internet users is constantly increasing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, rising from 55 % in 2011 to 86.8 % in 2017.

Tourism is a global integration process and today it is one of the world’s largest economic sectors. Because of its impact on other economic sectors, such as agriculture, the food industry, construction, transport and SDG 9 communications, and as a labor intensive industry, tourism plays a Build resilient infrastructure, strategic role in the development of many of the less developed promote sustainable countries in the world. The World Economic Forum (WEF) ranks Bosnia industrialization and foster and Herzegovina as the 20th most naturally beautiful country (out of innovation 140 countries) but 90th on the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. In this regard, tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a prosperous Mining, power generation and food In Bosnia and Herzegovina, economic sector that needs to account for nearly one half of the investment in research and be developed continually and industrial sector of the economy development accounts for 0.2 % of systemically in order to establish in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their GDP whereas the EU average is 2.4 %. the infrastructure and ensure that share of exports in GDP is 30 % Over the course of 2017, the largest tourists stay for more than one night and the share of imports of GDP is portion of the budget allocated to instead of just transiting through the around 60 %. One of the reasons research and development was 77.7 country. for the low export rate is the low % spent on higher education. Own innovation capacity and modest funds account for the largest share Under the UNESCO indicators, the level of investment in research and of all sources of funding for research contribution of cultural industries development. Under the Global and development at 41.5 %, followed to the Gross Domestic Product of Innovation Index 2018, Bosnia and by public administration and other Bosnia and Herzegovina is 5.72 Herzegovina is ranked 77th out levels of administration at 30.08 %, %. During the period January to of 126 countries. Research and funds from abroad at 26.3 %, private November 2018, there were 1,378,542 development centers are virtually and public companies at 1.6 %, non- visits and 2,871,004 overnight stays, non-existent in businesses and profit institutions at 0.02 % and other which represents an increase of the share of researchers within sources of funding at 0.34 %. 12.6 % and 13.8 % respectively companies is below 2 % whereas compared with the same period in developed countries 60 % of all Policies on the development of the in 2017. Interestingly, during the researchers work in companies. information society in Bosnia and same period in 2008 (January to Herzegovina for the period 2017–2021 November), there were 568,400 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 59

Graph 8: Computer users by age (2016)

Source: The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina

visits (266,700 domestic and 301,700 There is a strong need to improve the Policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina for foreign) and 1,310,000 overnights. general transportation infrastructure 2015–2030 as the framework for the Tourism accounts for more than one in the country. The reform of the development of the transportation half of the revenue from the services transport market is a measure from infrastructure and the foundation industry in the country. In order to the Economic Reform Program. for drafting a Framework Transport develop tourism further, Bosnia and It is to be implemented through Strategy 2016–2030, which was Herzegovina needs to increase its synergy and based on the activities approved by the Council of Ministers competitiveness. of all institutions at different of Bosnia and Herzegovina. levels of government. The Excise The current trend of an increasing Tax Act Amendments Act should number of tourists and a help raise funds for investment in disproportionate increase in infrastructure. The Parliamentary the number of overnight stays Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina shows that tourism in Bosnia and passed the Framework Transport Herzegovina is mainly transient and much less destinational. Because of the underdeveloped tourism infrastructure and the fragmented tourism supply many travelers stay less than three days. In order for tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make a larger contribution toward GDP it is necessary to focus on these An example of good practice deficiencies.

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia In order to attach more importance to research and and Herzegovina and the entity development, the Government of Republika Srpska formed governments adopted an Economic the Ministry for Scientific and Technological Development Reform Program for 2018–2020 with and the Higher Education and Information Society. The a medium-term macro-economic Ministry deals, among other things, with the coordination and fiscal framework, including fiscal of technological and IT projects in the public sector, measures and a comprehensive the promotion of new technologies and technological structural reform program aimed at development, improvement of higher education and the improving the economic growth and development of the information society in Republika Srpska competitiveness of the country. The as well as the development and monitoring of the relevant program envisages an improvement strategies. One of the key activities of this Ministry is to of the business environment improve and encourage fundamental applied development- along with the creation of a single oriented research, innovativeness and economic growth economic area and suppression of driven by new technologies. the grey economy. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 60

An example of good practice

For the purposes of employment, professional rehabilitation and achieving the more complete labor and social integration of persons with disabilities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Law on Professional Rehabilitation, Training and Employment of Persons with Disabilities and established the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities in 2010. Over the period 2010–2015, the Fund supported the employment of 652 persons; since 2015, it has supported the employment of 2,706 persons with disabilities. In compliance with its legal obligation, the Fund refunds allowances and salaries for more than 1,950 SDG 10 employees with disabilities. Reduce inequality within and among countries

Reducing inequality within the more often than men fired following employment policy measures aimed country implies improvement reorganization or reform and it is at finding jobs for as many socially of the position of vulnerable harder for them to find a new job. or gender sensitive people as groups comprising of persons The most vulnerable group of women possible registered as unemployed with disabilities, Roma, returnees are single mothers or women who in the Federation of Bosnia and and internally displaced persons, provide for their families. The level Herzegovina was aimed at increasing families with two or more children, of education of women affects their competitiveness in the labor the elderly, unemployed, low-skilled their position, which is worse market, preventing long-term workers, women, young people and than that of men: according to the unemployment and creating the children. Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and conditions for them to acquire labor Herzegovina,21 8 % of women have skills.22 According to data obtained from the no education compared with 1.7 % Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and of men and over 90 % of illiterate Republika Srpska recognizes elderly Herzegovina, 16.9 % of the citizens women are over 55 years of age. people as a particularly vulnerable of Bosnia and Herzegovina lived in group most vulnerable to social relative poverty in 2015. The richest Responsibility for policies on exclusion, particularly those who fifth of the population spent 4.9 times vulnerable groups in Bosnia are not eligible for a retirement more than the poorest fifth. The and Herzegovina is assigned to pension and those with minimum poverty rate among the elderly was the entities and Brčko District. pay and limited possibilities to 19.6 % and the share of children in In the Federation of Bosnia and participate in the labor market and households living in relative poverty Herzegovina in 2017 support was who are therefore more vulnerable was 18.7 %. provided for active employment to the risk of poverty. Other groups policies that targeted groups of are also recognized as vulnerable, Although the Gender Equality Law unemployed people classified in particular youth, and dedicated guarantees full gender equality, as hard-to-employ, especially programmes in support of their women are more often exposed to young people and women. employment are being implemented discrimination in employment and The implementation of active through Employment Action Plan of Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 61

An example of An example of good practice good practice

The Government of the Federation of Bosnia The program for transformation of and Herzegovina supports returnee projects institutional care and prevention of separation each year in order to help ensure sustainable of children in Republika Srpska is being return. A number of public calls for project implemented together with an operational proposals supporting returnees were plan and a plan for the transformation of announced in 2017 within the continuing the public residential childcare institution process of finding employment for internally for children without parental care ‘Rada displaced persons and returnees. A total of Vranjesevic’ in Banja Luka, which is the only 745 projects assisting over 1,000 returnee such institution in Republika Srpska. The goal households were implemented in both entities of the program is to reduce the number of through programs of support to employment children without parental care in residential and self-employment for returnees through institutions and to introduce new services and small business and agriculture and projects provide support aimed at reuniting children for professional training of young highly with their biological parents. New services educated returnees. include the establishment of kindergartens, respite care services, a resource center with counselling services, a reception center, a day care center, supported housing and a family support unit.

Republika Srpska every year. Both Bosnia and Herzegovina. The high their financial status. The same Law entities will soon adopt strategies unemployment rate persists and defines a pro-natality benefit for a on improving the status of elderly there is no reliable mechanism to third and a fourth child as one of the people up until 2028. Their aim is meet the needs of the working age child protection rights. to implement a vision under which population, including returnees and elderly people are respected and internally displaced persons. Civilians with disabilities are all of their capacities and qualities entitled to special rights in both used as a resource within their Under the Federation of Bosnia and entities. Recently a personal communities. Alongside this, a Herzegovina Labor Law, women disability allowance for civilians with sustainable system of integrated are entitled to take up to a year disabilities and the right to day care, services that will support healthy of maternity leave; the relevant as a mandatory right, have been and active ageing and improve the cantonal law defines the amount introduced. In addition, children and quality of life for elderly people will of maternity pay. The mothers of youth with disabilities are entitled further enhance their lives. The newborns that work in the public to attendance allowance, increased entity strategies are based on the sector in the Federation of Bosnia child benefit and the right to equal Madrid International Plan of Action and Herzegovina are paid 100 % of opportunities all of which provides on Ageing (MIPAA) and the revised their average salary, while mothers them with support in education. European Social Charter that requires of newborns that work in the real states respect the rights of elderly and private sector are paid between people. 50 and 90 % of their average salary or receive no payment. The Law on Apart from the rights to health, Child Protection in Republika Srpska social protection and education, that was adopted at the end of 2017 the right to work and employment increased the 12-month maternity 21 http://www.bhas.ba/tematskibilteni/ of internally displaced persons and payment for new mothers who were FAM_00_2017_TB_0_BS.pdf returnees remains one of the largest unemployed at least six months 22 Employment Institute of the Federation of obstacles to sustainable return in prior to giving birth, regardless of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2017. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 62

An example of good practice

The Canton of Sarajevo has the best developed air quality monitoring network in Bosnia and Herzegovina, consisting of six reference AQ monitoring stations which send real-time data to regularly updated websites for public SDG 11 information. Sarajevo is also the only canton that has an active peak pollution Make cities and human days intervention plan. settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Bosnia and Herzegovina has the It is estimated that the floods of 2014 buildings. Over 43,000 houses and potential to reduce CO2 emissions in Bosnia and Herzegovina caused apartments were flooded and a as its large forest area has a huge damage and losses amounting to further 1,952 houses were destroyed carbon absorption capacity and nearly 15 % of GDP, of which 9.3 by landslides. thereby the potential to contribute to % was damage and 5.6 % losses. climate change mitigation. The Huge damage was caused to 52 The total damage caused by the largest source of CO2 emissions is municipalities (30 municipalities floods and subsequent landslides the energy sector (74%), followed in RS, 22 municipalities in that occurred in 2014 in Brčko by agriculture (12%), industrial the Federation of Bosnia and District in terms of the economy, processes (11%) and waste (3%). Herzegovina and Brčko District). agriculture, forestry, roads, the utility However, urban areas, particularly in Around 70,000 hectares of crop infrastructure and the housing stock the winter, are also faced with poor and arable land were affected by is estimated at BAM 54 million. Most air quality and air pollution. the floods. Crops were damaged of the recovery efforts were funded in different phases of growth and through the budget of Brčko District Households are the largest water 25,000 households suffered long- and through loans, while only a consumers and accounted for 76 % term loss of income. The housing small portion has been covered by of the total public water supplied sector suffered huge damage donations. In 2014 and 2015, the in 2017. The total quantity of caused by flooding in urban and amount of BAM 18.5 million was wastewater and treated wastewater rural areas as well as by landslides allocated from the budget and a in 2017 was reduced compared to that devastated a large number further BAM 11 million through loans. the previous year and the quantity of housing units. Apart from the There is no solidarity fund in Brčko of contaminated water released physical damage caused to buildings, District to help citizens and the by industry directly into the households suffered huge losses economy recover from the floods. environment was reduced. in the form of property inside the Instead, funds are secured through Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 63

the local budget and loans. In Republika Srpska, the Solidarity Fund of Republika Srpska was formed and the Fund to Support the Areas Affected by the Natural Disaster was formed in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As of 10 October 2016, the Solidarity Fund of Republika Srpska has provided assistance to the regions and inhabitants affected by the 2014 floods to a total amount of BAM 15,970,309.94. According to the plan, Image 5: Flooding in Brčko District in 2014: The River Sava, which is the the Solidarity Fund will continue to natural border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, operate up until 31 December 2021. and the River Brka, which flows through Brčko, overflowed their banks

The Fund to Support the Areas Affected by the Natural Disaster Herzegovina was 353 kg per capita in the Federation of Bosnia and on an annual basis, which is below Herzegovina provided assistance the EU average. Mixed communal amounting to BAM 17 million in 2014. waste accounted for 91 % of the total The Fund shut down in May 2018. quantity of collected waste, followed by separately collected communal In 2017, the quantity of communal waste at 4 %, garden and park waste waste produced in Bosnia and at 3 % and packaging waste at 2 %.

An example of good An example of good practice through practice through partnerships partnerships

The institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, In order to create the preconditions for with the continued support of the environmentally friendly waste management international community, have been engaged in the municipalities of Bosanska Krupa, in the reconstruction of the water supply Buzim and Cazin in the Federation of Bosnia infrastructure during the post-war period. One and Herzegovina through the separation of example is the project for the reconstruction secondary raw material and the disposal of of the water tower Zeravice in the Municipality useless waste, UNDP supported the ‘Sustainable of Gradiska in Republika Srpska, which is vital Waste Management Project’. The project for water supply to the municipality. The water encompasses the development of technical, tower was constructed in 1965 and prior to investment and environmental documents in the project had not been reconstructed. The support of the rehabilitation and gradual closure European Union funds the project with co- of the Mezdre-Vlaski Do landfill site, pending financing from the Municipality of Gradiska the creation of a regional landfill site and and it is implemented by UNDP. The project will construction of a recycling center for the three ensure higher quality water supply to 46,000 municipalities. The Government of Switzerland beneficiaries, including all vulnerable groups. funds the project. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 64

Planet

Protection from degradation, Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina (MoFTER) changes in consumption has a coordinating role in the area of environment in Bosnia and and production patterns, the Herzegovina.

sustainable management of The laws on environmental protection in Republika Srpska, natural resources and urgent the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brčko District action on climate change require an environmental impact assessment as well as a strategic environmental assessment for the issuance of a work license, in accordance with the Directive EU Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Treaty establishing the Energy 2008/99/EC on the Protection of the characterized by a unique wealth of Community, and the Convention on Environment through Criminal Law. biological, geological and landscape Biological Diversity. diversity. The country is a party to Agriculture, forestry and water numerous international treaties for All issues related to environmental management in Bosnia and the protection of the environment, protection are regulated at the Herzegovina have to function within which includes, among others, the state, entity and Brčko District natural boundaries, having in mind Vienna Convention, the Montreal level. The Law on the Protection global climate change. Conservation Protocol on the Gradual Phase-out of the Environment in Republika of biodiversity, protection of water of Hydro chlorofluorocarbons, the Srpska and the Federation of and soil quality must be incorporated Convention on the Transboundary Bosnia and Herzegovina regulate into policies relating to agriculture Effects of Industrial Accidents, environmental protection in the and environmental protection the International Energy Charter, entities. The Ministry of Foreign in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 65

development of urban areas and those countries at high risk of of significant extreme climate and infrastructure must comply with natural disaster. Furthermore, weather events manifested through environmental standards and recent results and projections based disasters that are more frequent. contribute to maintaining and on the Global Risk Index 201823 rank Of the past twelve years, six were strengthening the protection of the Bosnia and Herzegovina among marked by extreme drought (2003, ecosystems. those countries exposed to a very 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013). high risk of flooding (INFORM Global Years with massive and catastrophic Sustainable development implies Risk Index score 7.3-10). According floods were also very frequent (2001, primarily the sustainable use of the to the findings of the World Bank/ 2002, 2009, 2010 and 2014).25 natural resources of our planet, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction, most of which are not renewable over 20 % of the territory of Bosnia and are affected by human activity and Herzegovina is susceptible to and thus under threat. Bosnia and flooding. This affects around 100,000 Herzegovina aims to maintain people and represents potential genetically diverse populations losses of around USD 600 million of of autochthonous species and to GDP on an annual basis. Out of 145 23 The INFORM model uses 50 different restore natural habitats. In order local authorities in the country, 91 indicators to measure hazards, the level to achieve the biodiversity targets, are believed to be at very high risk of exposure of people, vulnerability and it will be necessary to prevent the of flooding and/or landslide and the resources available that help provide a spread of invasive species. 27 are thought to be at high risk.24 response for each country separately. The mountainous topography of the 24 UNDP, Flood and Landslide Risk Assessment for the Housing Sector in Bosnia and Climate change and strong exposure country, the ageing infrastructure Herzegovina, UNDP 2015. Available from to natural and human made and the high rate of urbanization www.ba.undp.org/content/bosnia_and_ hazards make the socioeconomic underlie its seismic (8.7 out of 10) and herzegovina/bs/home/library/response- development of the country even causal susceptibility to landslide. to-floods/flood-and-landslide-risk- assessment-for-the-housing-sector-in-bi. more difficult.The World Bank html. 2017 report Tracking Risks ranked Over the past decade, Bosnia and 25 The Third National Communication of Bosnia and Herzegovina among Herzegovina has faced a number Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2017. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 66

Further development of the water sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires that we continue to implement strategic papers and plans, improve the legal framework and achieve a very high level of harmony with the EU Law. Most of the laws have already been harmonized with the EU Law. The main strategies/plans for water management are the Action Plan for Protection against Floods and River Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2014–2017, the Strategy for Integrated Water Management of Republika Srpska for the period 2015–2024 and the Strategy for Water Management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2010–2022. Brčko District also participates in the implementation of the Action Plan for Protection against Floods and River Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2014–2017 but does not have its own strategy.

The hydrological map of Bosnia SDG 6 and Herzegovina consists of rivers, natural and artificial lakes and Ensure sanitation and the groundwater. Waters flow in the direction of the Danube river basin/ availability of water for all the Black Sea (75.7%) and the Adriatic Sea (24.3%). There are a number of natural and artificial lakes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is estimated Bosnia and Herzegovina is rich in used and the evident impact of that there are around 30 mountain water resources. Geomorphological climate change pose the greatest lakes across the whole of Bosnia and and hydro-geological factors have challenge to conservation and the Herzegovina and 12 artificial lakes a strong impact on the hydrological improvement of the current water on the major rivers (the Drina, Vrbas, conditions. The barrier effect of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Neretva and the Trebisnjica) and Dinarides intersecting the moist air in the karst fields (Livno Field and masses from the Mediterranean basin Aware that the water resources Popovo Field). causes air lift, rapid air cooling and are not inexhaustible, institutions precipitation. Hence, precipitation in Bosnia and Herzegovina are Total water abstraction in 2017 was in Bosnia and Herzegovina is working toward their protection 331,550,000 m³. Water abstracted most intense at the foot of the and sustainable usage in order from underground sources Dinarides. The way precipitation to ensure that drinking water is accounted for 47.4 %, surface develops is also linked to the accessible to all. Activities are sources accounted for 35 %, rivers position of the karst area, which carried out simultaneously in and streams 14.6 %, reservoirs 0.8 has huge underground retention Bosnia and Herzegovina and the % and from lakes 1.2 %. Households hydrological potential. Under these rest of the region through various were the largest water consumers circumstances and with a favorable forms of cooperation with a view of water accounting for 76.1 % of boundary contact zone with hydro- to carrying out commitments such total public water supply. Bosnia geological insulators, all springs of as the Sustainable Development and Herzegovina suffers huge loss of the significant watercourses emerge Goals (SDGs), the EU Association and water through leakage in the existing within the river basins. Stabilization Agreement and fulfilling water supply systems. the requirements of United Nations Yet the volume of pollutants in urban and other conventions and treaties The total quantity of wastewater and industrial wastewater, applied that Bosnia and Herzegovina has in 2017 was 116,916,000 m³. Most practices in agricultural production, ratified. wastewater is released directly into excessive groundwater abstraction, rivers and streams (58.5% untreated the manner in which waters are and 40.6% treated wastewater). Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 67

Graph 9: Source: Freshwater Exploitation Index The Agency for Statistics of 2000–2015 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Graph 10: Source: Proportion of the population using The Agency for Statistics of safely managed drinking water Bosnia and Herzegovina services

Graph 11: Source: Population connected to a The Agency for Statistics of wastewater treatment plant Bosnia and Herzegovina 2000–2016 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 68

An example of good practice

The Republika Srpska Strategy for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises 2016–2020 includes a program for support to small and medium-sized enterprises in preserving the environment, which envisages activities focused on the better use of environmental principles in business operations and respect for the principle of energy efficiency.

SDG 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

According to the Strategy for the eight sets of legislative instruments: use of natural resources, respect Protection of Biological Diversity horizontal, water, waste, air quality for nature and the need to keep the of Bosnia and Herzegovina, “The and climate change, industrial environment clean and unpolluted future and prosperity of Bosnia and pollution, chemicals, nature for future generations. Herzegovina are closely related to protection, and environmental noise. sustainable use and conservation of There are numerous illegal dumping its overall natural resources”. The current situation in the sites across Bosnia and Herzegovina, environmental protection many of which are not registered. The Strategy provides direction in the sector is the result of economic Several tens of new illegal dump sites areas of the management of species development based over many appear each year, some of which are and ecosystems, biodiversity security years on heavy industry and the closed and then rehabilitated by the and the fair distribution of benefits exploitation of natural resources, utility companies. Almost all types of ecosystem services and the use of war related devastation, post-war of waste at such sites are dumped genetic resources. uncontrolled exploitation, the use illegally, most commonly organic of obsolete technologies and the waste, construction waste, bulky The Strategy for the Approximation insufficiently developed legislative household waste, glass, etc. of Bosnia and Herzegovina Law with and regulatory frameworks. There is the EU Environmental Acquis is a a lack of awareness concerning the step forward that creates conditions importance of ensuring the rational for improving the protection of the environment and supports sustainable development. The EU environmental acquis consists of Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 69

Graph 12: Source: Hazardous waste generated per The Agency for Statistics of capita and the proportion of Bosnia and Herzegovina treated hazardous waste according to the type of treatment

Graph 13: Source: Domestic material The Agency for Statistics of consumption Bosnia and Herzegovina

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Biomass 100.0 102.1 78.3 97.9 92.8

Metal ores 100 113.7 120.9 117.1 109.8

Non-metals 100 115.2 104.7 131.7 130.9

Fossil fuels 100 117.9 110.6 115.5 113.4

TOTAL 100 113.7 103.3 117.3 114.5 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 70

SDG 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact

The unprecedented flood event local government units experienced After the floods in 2014, the that hit the country in 2014 revealed nearly complete devastation of the authorities in Bosnia and the extent to which Bosnia and service infrastructure, including Herzegovina asked the United Herzegovina is exposed to climate hospitals, schools and administrative Nations to coordinate international change and natural hazards. Around centers. assistance in disaster situations a quarter of the territory of the and to conduct a recovery needs country and one million people According to the UNDP Human assessment together with the EU or around 27 % of the population Development Report ‘Risk-Proofing and the World Bank. Jointly with the were affected including vulnerable the Western Balkans: Empowering EU and authorities at all levels of groups, more precisely, 78,564 People to Prevent Disasters’, the government and other donors, the unemployed people, 60,000 children disturbing experience of the floods United Nations implemented the and 10 % of people with disabilities. had a far deeper and longer-term largest ever flood recovery program The total damage was estimated development effect on Bosnia in the history of the country and at around USD 1.7 billion, while and Herzegovina. It caused was ensured a change in the quality economic losses were in excess of equivalent to a five-year setback of the lives of more than half a USD 1.5 billion. Rural households, in terms of achieving the goals million people. Through its rapid small and medium-sized enterprises of an increased gender equality, recovery assistance focused on and farmers as well as vulnerable lower poverty rates, reduced people, the United Nations helped groups of the population were marginalization and more equality put the country back on the road most affected. The floods had a for minority groups and persons with to socioeconomic development. detrimental effect on around 15 disabilities. Despite these commendable % of the country’s GDP and 70,000 results, the traditional approach to hectares of arable land and over 50 responding to an emergency and civil Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 71

Graph 14: Source: Greenhouse gas emissions from The Agency for Statistics of waste disposal in Bosnia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Herzegovina, Gg CO2 equivalent, 2014–2017

protection response mechanisms proved insufficient. This was because they were not linked to relevant 27 % efforts made in other sectors, which would otherwise have provided a response to the needs of vulnerable of population populations. were affected The Fourth Report of Bosnia and Herzegovina under the United by floods in May Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is currently at 2014 the drafted stage. As part of this effort, the Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change and Low Emission Development and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Report on Intended Nationally Determined Contributions will be updated and an Action Plan for the Implementation of Determined Contributions for the period 2020–2030 drafted. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 72

SDG 14

Conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources

The Bosnia and Herzegovina part Coastal tourism, which is the major The main regional challenge is the of the Adriatic Sea is still one of activity both currently and in the issue of ballast waters from maritime the best-preserved regions in future in Neum, has become a transport, which are recognized the Mediterranean. The country major impact threat since the town as the main vectors for the spread has a short (12.2 km) coastline has 4,000 inhabitants and receives of invasive species in the Adriatic along the Adriatic Sea around more than 20,000 tourists per day Sea. The introduction of invasive the town of Neum. Generally, the in the summer. This level of tourism species and the loss of biodiversity marine environment of Bosnia and corresponds to the maximum further threaten tourism and fishing Herzegovina is in good condition; capacity of the local infrastructure, activities, including in the coastal however, the elaboration of the especially sewage. Because of area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. current state of the investigated the karstic nature of the terrain, marine water body indicates leachates from waste dumping Currently no declared marine its exposure to significant sites are quickly released into the protected area exists along the anthropogenic influence that sea adding to the increasing health coast of Bosnia and Herzegovina, requires further assessment. Illegal risks for the local population and however, there are ongoing efforts construction without any wastewater endangering activities linked to to establish the first marine treatment system represents a tourism. protected area in BiH, the botanical potentially significant threat to the reserve “Mediteranetum” and its coastal area. aquatic area on the territory of Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 73

Graph 15: Source: Index of coastal eutrophication and Adriatic sea watershed the density of floating plastic debris agency (EEA CSI 022 Bathing water quality)

Neum municipality. By succession, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a party to UNCLOS. UNCLOS is seen as the ‘sea constitution’ and is supported by a number of conventions in all sectors (such as the International Maritime Organization, the Barcelona Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity), which means that any ratification contributes to the implementation of UNCLOS. In this regard, the ratification of the 1995 Amendments to the Barcelona Convention and its protocols will help Bosnia and Herzegovina to make progress toward achieving Target 14.c. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 74

SDG 15

Sustainably manage forests, size of the total protected area is 32,001.12 hectares or 1.3 % of the combat desertification, halt and territory of Republika Srpska. There are three national parks in Republika reverse land degradation and halt Srpska: Sutjeska, Kozara and Drina. biodiversity loss In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina there are 12 protected areas covering over 84,624.41 hectares, including one national park ‘Una’ that covers 19,800 hectares. The share of forests in Bosnia and Emissions Trading System, and to join The protected area of the Federation Herzegovina is over 50% of the the EU effort to reduce emissions. accounts for 3.24 % of its territory. overall territory. The lack of It is for this reason that Republika There are 3 important bird areas protected natural habitats that Srpska, the Federation of Bosnia and 3 Ramsar sites in BiH. There provide conditions for the permanent and Herzegovina and Brčko District, are ongoing efforts to expand the existence of various species and as constituent parts of Bosnia and protected area network in BiH aby their typical communities together Herzegovina, will make additional at least 10 new protected areas to with the spread of invasive species efforts to improve environmental better safeguard rich biodiversity pose a serious threat to biodiversity protection. This will require the and reach BiH biodiversity targets set in the country. Due to its specific available resources and international in the revised Biodiversity Strategy geographical position, Bosnia and financial support and expertise and Action Plan of BiH. Herzegovina is one of the richest adjusted to the development context countries in Europe in terms of in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but not Hutovo Blato is the last remnant of biodiversity. at the expense of the requirements the former wetlands in the Neretva that could cause a slowdown in river basin. Within the area of this Over the next period, it will be economic growth and/or encourage park, there is a famous bird reserve necessary to continue to implement impoverishment and emigration for migratory species. Hutovo Blato is activities aimed at reducing/limiting among the population. included on the List of Mediterranean greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Special Protected Areas and the List order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to In early 2011, there were only 3 of Internationally Important Bird transpose the European Union acquis protected areas in Republika Srpska Areas. communautaire, particularly the EU whereas today there are 23. The Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 75

Graph 16: Source: Forest area as a proportion of The Agency for Statistics of the total land area Bosnia and Herzegovina

Graph 17: Izvor: IUCN protected area EIONET National Reference Center categories 2006–2016 in km2 for biodiversity, National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 76

Within the process of developing a strategic framework for the protection of the environment and climate change mitigation, Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a Climate An example of good Change Adaptation Strategy and a Low Emissions Strategy practice in 2013. Thus far, the country has submitted the initial, second and third national reports as well as The Perucica primeval forest located within the Sutjeska the required annual update reports National Park is the largest and best conserved old on greenhouse gas emissions under growth forest in Europe and is declared as a strict natural the United Nations Framework reserve. This resulted in the inclusion of Perucica on the Convention on Climate Change. Tentative List of Bosnia and Herzegovina registered with Bosnia and Herzegovina signed the the World Heritage Centre of UNESCO in 2017. Paris Agreement and developed its nationally determined contribution (NDC), which explicitly recognizes the potential within the public sector for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The management of chemicals, particularly mercury contamination and the related hazards, have yet to be addressed appropriately.

In 2017, the country adopted the An example of good Strategy for Approximation of the EU Environmental Acquis that practice through deals with several sub-sets of the EU acquis (water management, partnership waste management, air quality and climate change, industrial pollution, chemicals, environmental protection, Via Dinarica is a regional project funded by UNDP and environmental noise). Other sub- and USAID. It is a Platform for Sustainable Tourism sectorial strategies were developed, Development and Local Economic Growth. The aim such as a revised strategy and of the project is to connect the countries and local an Action Plan for Biological and communities along the Via Dinarica Trails through the Landscape Diversity in Bosnia and creation of a single and diverse tourism asset. The Via Herzegovina 2015–2020. Dinarica project promotes tourism for the purpose of economic development of the region, along with the Over the coming period, the protection of the environment and respect for the socio- harmonization of primary and cultural diversity and authenticity of local communities. secondary legislation in Bosnia Phase II of the project covers the period 2018–2021 and and Hercegovina with the EU places emphasis on strengthening the project as an directives will set the foundation for internationally recognized platform for local economic establishing an appropriate waste growth and the increased participation of location treatment system throughout the communities in maintaining and developing the platform. territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mountain trails have been mapped and accommodation in accordance with the principles of capacities built. The project has received significant sustainable development and the international recognition. protection of the environment. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 77

In February 2017, Brčko District adopted the ten-year Environmental Protection Strategy for 2016–2026. The Environmental Protection Strategy consists of four sectorial An example of good strategies: the Environmental Protection Strategy, the Nature practice through Protection Strategy, the Air Protection Strategy and the partnership Waste Management Strategy. An environmental protection fund has not been formed in Brčko District. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of Republika Srpska, is implementing a five-year ‘Green Economic Development’ project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The goal of the project is to reduce public expenditure on energy and water supply and to create favorable conditions for investing in infrastructure and energy efficiency measures whilst at the same time creating green jobs.

An example of good practice

The Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of Republika Srpska carry out activities related to fund raising, financing the purchase of equipment, implementing and developing programs and projects in the areas of conservation, sustainable usage, improved protection of the environment and energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. The approved projects were implemented mainly at the local level by the municipalities and local institutions, private businesses and civil society organizations. Of the 71 projects approved by the Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the end of 2018 a total of 8 projects were devoted to raising awareness about the conservation of nature and were implemented by privately owned media outlets and non-governmental organizations. As of the end of 2017, the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of Republika Srpska had signed a total of 107 contracts on investment in programs, projects and other activities related to the development of the system of integrated management of packaging waste in local self-government units and utility companies as well as on the protection of water sources, watercourses and coastal areas. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 78

Peace

Peaceful, just and inclusive societies Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 79 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 80

worldwide in the last two decades. These engagements included the deployment of military, police and medical personnel and various types of experts.

The full potential of the SDGs plays a central role in furthering social cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in fostering peace and building trust. In a reality where local communities find themselves in silos, enabling an environment conducive to inter-community dialogue on development is crucial for a prosperous and sustainable future. This could include a two-tier multi-sector approach (as devised, for example, within the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina initiative that resulted in the United Nations joint program Dialogue for the Future) that emphasizes the priorities identified by citizens themselves, works across ethnic lines in order to generate such priorities and (through vertical dialogue platforms) compels the leadership to listen to SDG 16 and help address these priorities. These processes serve to break down Promote peaceful, inclusive barriers among different groups and leaders. and just societies Only tighter integration between peace building, conflict prevention and sustainable development Peace With the engagement of various can bring about a durable and international institutions, shared vision. Applying a peace After the tragic conflict in Bosnia and organizations and individuals, building lens to Agenda 2030 in Herzegovina, which ended almost a especially during the years following Bosnia and Herzegovina (i.e. ensure quarter of a century ago, the country the conflict, Bosnia and Herzegovina that the core focus is on common has made enormous progress in has had an opportunity to develop priorities and that there is a joint many fields. The post-conflict best practice, draw from the lessons commitment to implementation and peace building process facilitated learned and evaluate certain gaps accountability) would allow both fruitfully by the international and bottlenecks within the post- citizens and local authorities to use community and representatives conflict peace building process. the implementation of the SDGs to from various intergovernmental Considering its enormous experience ensure that their local communities organizations, including the United in that field, Bosnia and Herzegovina are less susceptible to instability Nations agencies, the EU, the United decided to present its candidature and therefore better able to forge States etc., has led to significant to fill a non-permanent seat on the a sustainable peace. The ultimate advancements. Simultaneous United Nations Security Council. The aim would be to secure higher reconstruction activities, rapid country has since served its two-year levels of engagement around these economic growth and reforms, term (in 2010 and 2011). After this priorities, thus ensuring ‘healthier, especially after the European positive engagement, Bosnia and stronger connective tissue’ between integration process began, have Herzegovina served as an elected all of the segments of society in resulted in manifold GDP growth member in the Organizational Bosnia and Herzegovina. The peace in the country. The reconciliation Committee of the Peacebuilding dimension will feature strongly in process is gaining ground and frank Commission in 2014 and 2015. the forthcoming SDG Framework in dialogue among the communities Furthermore, it should be underlined Bosnia and Herzegovina Document. will continue to contribute toward that Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthening peace and enhancing has participated in many United mutual cooperation in the country. Nations peacekeeping operations Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 81

Graph 18: Graph 19: Adult offenders reported, indicted and convicted Juvenile offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the criminal offence group in 2016 reported, indicted or convicted in 2016

Source: Source: The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Table 2: Reported Indicted Convicted Juvenile offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina reported, indicted or convicted in 2016 total female total female total female

Total 630 37 139 7 132 5

The rule of law and Progress has been made through for the period 2014–2018 along fundamental rights the adoption of the Action Plan to with new adjusted deadlines for its Implement the Justice Reform 2014– implementation. The performance The fundamental values in Bosnia 2018 and a monitoring and reporting of the courts and the prosecutors’ and Herzegovina include the rule of structure has been established. offices is monitored on a daily law and respect for human rights. The High Judicial and Prosecutorial basis and measured through the Adequate functioning of the judiciary Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina case management system through and the effective fight against (HJPC) adopted the detailed Action which the performance of judges is corruption are extremely important Plan to Implement the European appraised on the basis of their annual just like respect for fundamental Commission’s Recommendations volume of work. rights in law and practice. Bosnia that fall under the mandate of the and Herzegovina is party to HJPC, including the strengthening of In 2017, the length of judicial numerous international conventions, disciplinary proceedings. However, proceedings was only somewhat has harmonized its legislation most of the measures need to be shorter (474 days) than in 2016 (476 with international and European addressed through the legislature. days) and the percentage of cases standards and is making a huge effort Reducing the backlog of utility cases resolved was slightly lower: 105 % to implement them in practice. in the courts and the reform of compared to 109 % in 2016. Further enforcement procedures continue to progress has been made in the be a problem. It is still necessary to prosecution and trial of war crime strengthen judicial independence, cases. especially independence from political influence. In March 2017, the Of the 630 reported juvenile 26 Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Council of Ministers of Bosnia and offenders, 139 were indicted and 132 Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina in numbers for 2017. Available from www. Herzegovina approved the Action convicted as shown in the Table and 26 bhas.ba/tematskibilteni/NUM_00_2017_ Plan to Implement the Bosnia and Figure below. TB_0_BS.pdf. Herzegovina Justice Reform Strategy Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 82

The fight against corruption An example of good

Corruption27 poses a particular threat practice to countries in transition in which the democratic, institutional and values systems are not fully developed. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Bosnia and Herzegovina as country in Asset Forfeiture Act has been in force since 2014. transition has as of late undertaken The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina owns certain systemic activities aimed permanently forfeited assets and the income received at combating corruption. The from their sale or rental. The Federation Forfeited Assets World Bank Worldwide Governance Management Agency manages forfeited cash, shares, Indicators ranking places Bosnia real estate and movable property worth around BAM 15 and Herzegovina beneath the million (EUR 7.5 million equivalent). Cash accounts for 52 middle section of the list of over 200 % of the total value of forfeited assets. The Federation countries and territories. Bosnia of Bosnia and Herzegovina transferred the first cash and Herzegovina is ranked similarly seized to the account of the Parental House in Sarajevo, under the Transparency International which provides a second home for children with cancer Corruption Perceptions Index that and their parents that offers a family atmosphere and a ranks nearly 180 countries around place where they can take time-out to relax away from the world. the hospital setting.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted a number of anti-corruption strategy papers at the national, entity, Brčko District and lower levels of government; however, the strategies in place have not been fully implemented.

An example of good practice

27 Bosnia and Herzegovina – Anti-Corruption Strategy 2015–2019 and the Action Plan to In Republika Srpska, a total amount of BAM 22 million Implement the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2015–2019, published by the Agency for (EUR 11 million) has been seized of which BAM 1,440,000 Prevention of Corruption and Coordination (around 750,000) was permanently forfeited since 2010 of the Fight against Corruption, 2014. when the Asset Forfeiture Act came into force and the Forfeited Asset Management Agency was established. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 83

Graph 20: Source: The murder-cause mortality The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia rate per 100,000 inhabitants and Herzegovina

An example of good practice through partnership

In cooperation with the International Financial Corporation, which is a member of the World Bank group, Bosnia and Herzegovina has implemented a project on business registration reform in the entities and in Brčko District, in several separate phases. The reform requires drafting new laws or amending the existing set of laws in order to reduce the financial burden on businesses and to remove unnecessary administrative steps that inhibit the competitiveness of businesses and investments. Republika Srpska has gone farthest in the reform and is now creating opportunities for online business registration. In addition to setting up one-stop-shop for business registration, Republika Srpska has formed a single business register. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brčko District are in the initial phase of the business registration reform and are working toward setting up a one-stop-shop business registration center as a precondition for online business registration. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 84

Graph 21: Source: Motorization rate The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Graph 22: Source: Traffic-related death rate The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 85

Trafficking in human beings

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a source, involved in combating human destination and transit country for trafficking. The relevant authorities women, children and men that fall at the state, entity, cantonal and victim to human trafficking. The Brčko District level implemented the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking Action Plan. It is harmonized with in Human Beings in Bosnia and national and international gender Herzegovina for the period 2016– equality standards. The number 2019 aims to improve the support of registered criminal offences of system, the effective prosecution human trafficking declined in 2016. of the perpetrators of human The number of the criminal offences trafficking and related crimes, of the smuggling of people and prevention of human trafficking trafficking in human beings, including through risk reduction, efficient the solicitation of prostitution, protection of and assistance to the declined from 35 in 2015 to 26 in 2016 victims of human trafficking and or by 25.71 %. to strengthen partnerships and cooperation among stakeholders

Human rights and the protection of minorities and justice, freedom and security

Bosnia and Herzegovina has In October 2017, the Council of ratified all of the main European Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and international human rights approved the Strategy to Combat instruments and is making a strong Organized Crime 2017–2020. It effort to harmonize its human rights is expected that the relevant legislation and its implementation institutions will develop their with the recommendations of respective action plans to implement the Universal Periodic Review. this strategy. The Action Plan to On 7 November 2013, Bosnia and address Strategic deficiencies in the Herzegovina was the sixth Council anti-Money Laundering System in of Europe member State to ratify Bosnia and Herzegovina has been the Council of Europe Convention on implemented in compliance with the Preventing and Combating Violence recommendations of the Financial against Women and Domestic Action Task Force (FATF). Following Violence (the Istanbul Convention). the FATF’s field visit in January 2018, Bosnia and Herzegovina was removed from the FATF list of “high- risk third countries with structural deficiencies in the fight against money laundering and terror financing.” Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 86

Partnership

Mobilise the means for implementation of the agenda through strengthened global solidarity, focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable and the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 87 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 88

given by other states in order to further improve the quality of human rights in the country before the Human Rights Council, the country’s SDG 17 openness is also clear in the field of human rights. Revitalize the global partnership Bosnia and Herzegovina is also for sustainable development very active in the field of regional cooperation and is a member of many intergovernmental organizations, such as the Central One of the most important Agency (UNHCR), United Nations European Initiative, Adriatic- partnerships for Bosnia and Environment Program (UNEP), United Ionian Initiative, Union for the Herzegovina has developed over Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Mediterranean, Berlin Process WB6, the years of the country’s accession Women, United Nations Volunteers South East Europe Cooperation process to the European Union. There (UNV), International Organization for Process (SEECP), etc. Bosnia and is a consensus among all domestic Migration (IOM), International Labor Herzegovina also has very fruitful stakeholders that EU membership Organization (ILO), United Nations partnerships a number of countries, is the main strategic goal for Bosnia Educational, Scientific and Cultural including the USA (for example, and Herzegovina. The country Organization (UNESCO), just to name USAID has been present in the expects to gain official candidate a few. country for almost a quarter of a status before the end of this year. century), China (especially on the The country is a member of the most Silk Road Project in the 16+1 format), Bosnia and Herzegovina has from the important United Nations bodies, Turkey, the Russian Federation and a very beginning maintained successful such as the Security Council, the number of Arab states. The country is cooperation with the United ECOSOC, Peace building Commission developing a very open society. Nations system and thus this can be and the Human Rights Council, defined as its longest partnership. and is currently a member of the The very important partnership Joint activities implemented with UNESCO World Heritage Committee. between Bosnia and Herzegovina a whole range of United Nations In all of these United Nations and the International Monetary Fund bodies and agencies have made an bodies, Bosnia and Herzegovina has (IMF), World Bank, European Bank enormous contribution to virtually actively participated using its own for Reconstruction and Development every aspect of life in the country. experience and lessons learned. (EBRD), European Investment Bank Among them are the United Nations In view of the fact that at the 2014 (EIB), development agencies from Development Program (UNDP), Universal Periodic Review Bosnia several Arab states as well as other United Nations Children’s Fund and Herzegovina accepted all of the international financial institutions (UNICEF), United Nations Refugee recommendations in various aspects should be underlined. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 89

Finance Table 3. General government fiscal framework28 in The system of taxation is the most Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2017–2021 efficient instrument through which the state levies funds necessary for financing the state (the state Fiscal indicators (% GDP) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 administration, education, social benefits, infrastructure projects, incentives and subsidies, etc.). Total revenue 37.8 39.2 37.3 36.0 34.9 The system of taxation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is in accordance Total expenditure 36.8 40.0 37.3 35.7 34.1 with the constitutional set-up of the country and therefore its fiscal Fiscal balance 1.0 -0.8 0.0 0.3 0.8 structure is complex and divided between national and sub-national governments. Interest expenses 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8

The Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA) Primary fiscal balance 1.8 0.1 0.8 1.2 1.6 is responsible for collecting indirect taxes at the national level. The entity tax authorities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and The main characteristics of the fiscal Trade Republika Srpska levy direct taxes sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the entities, while Brčko District over the past three years include an Bosnia and Herzegovina is fully has its own tax authority that levies increase in overall tax revenue. In committed to building a liberal direct taxes. 2017, Bosnia and Herzegovina levied economy based on market a total of around BAM 14.2 billion principles and the freedom of By signing the Stabilization and in public revenue from indirect and movement of people, capital, Association Agreement with the direct taxes, social contributions, goods and services. The country European Union in mid-2008, etc. Revenue in 2017 increased by 7.4 was granted observer status to the Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed % compared with the previous year. World Trade Organization (WTO) in its commitment to European Foreign direct investment in 2017 1999 and negotiations on Bosnia integration. Bearing in mind the was BAM 758.4 million (net financial and Herzegovina joining the WTO implications of the fiscal sector on liabilities), which was 57.3 % higher have reached the final stage. It is EU membership, new member states than in 2016. Total public debt in 2017 expected that a final meeting of the have a duty to run a fiscal policy that declined by 6.1 % compared with the working group will be held in the is consistent with the harmonization previous year. first half of 2019, after which Bosnia and coordination-based rules under and Herzegovina will become the the Maastricht convergence criteria 165th member of the World Trade and the Stability and Growth Pact. Organization.

Indirect taxes in Bosnia and Exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina Herzegovina are levied at the have increased continuously since national level and are almost entirely 2005. In 2005, exports were worth harmonized with the EU Directives. BAM 3,783 billion but grew to BAM Since its establishment in 2003, the 11,900 billion in 2018. Compared to Indirect Taxation Authority has seen 2017 alone, exports increased by a continuous increase in revenue. 7.6 %. In 2018, the import-to-export Of the envisaged 20,000 VAT payers ratio was 61.8 % and the foreign it is expected, under the initial data trade deficit was BAM 7,370 billion. provided by the entity level tax Last year’s exports to the Central authorities, that the ITA now controls European Free Trade Association the legality of business operations countries (CEFTA) was worth BAM of more than 55,000 VAT payers and 1,948 billion, which represents an their payment of indirect taxes. increase of 8.8 % compared to 2017. The import-to-export ratio with CEFTA countries was 83.6 %. Exports to the EU in 2018 were worth BAM 8,682 billion, which was an increase 28 The general government fiscal framework at the state level was produced based on input provided by the entities (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska), Brčko of 10.3 % compared to 2017, and District and state institutions. import-to-export ratio with the EU 29 http://bhas.gov.ba/data/Publikacije/Saopstenja/2019/ETR_01_2018_12_0_HR.pdf. member states was 74.5 %.29 Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 90

Graph 23: Source: Bosnia and Herzegovina export and import The Agency for Statistics of Bosnia over the period 2009–2018 (in billion BAM) and Herzegovina

The Doing Business report analyses laws that contribute to improving or limiting business activities. The report provides an ease of doing business ranking for 190 global An example of good economies. Bosnia and Herzegovina was ranked 86th in 2018. Of the ten practice indicator sets used to calculate the rankings for Doing Business 2018, Bosnia and Herzegovina scored best Republika Srpska has reformed business registration on trading across borders indicator process by introducing a one-stop-shop and online and scored lowest on the starting a system for business registration as one of the parameters business indicator. important for doing business. The results include reduced costs, shorter procedures and fewer days required for Efforts to improve the business business registration and an increased number of newly environment in the country are registered businesses. These results are not visible in taken at different levels in Bosnia the Doing Business 2018 Report because the report only and Herzegovina (at the level of monitors the situation in one (the largest) city in a country the Council of Ministers of Bosnia (Sarajevo in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina). and Herzegovina and at the sub- national level in the entities and in Brčko District). A new system of taxation law is being drafted in Republika Srpska in order to create a register of parafiscal charges, which is a precondition for abolishing unjustified charges. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, efforts to improve the business environment focus on several aspects: reducing fiscal and parafiscal charges through a set of measures, simplifying the business registration procedure, including the procurement of new software, shortening deadlines and Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 91

An example of good practice through partnership

The ECA program, managed by the International Financial Corporation (IFC) and funded by the Swiss Government, provides transaction advisory services on public sector infrastructure and capacity building projects for the purpose of promoting public- private partnership in South East Europe and Central Asia. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the plan is to develop public transport in Sarajevo, develop the Sarajevo airport, the public lighting system and district heating in Travnik and the use of renewable energy sources instead of mazut at the Clinical Centre in Banja Luka.

simplifying procedures to obtain licenses or permits.

Having joined the Bologna process, Bosnia and Herzegovina began developing education in accordance An example of good with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European practice through Higher Education Area (ESG) in order for higher its diplomas and partnership qualifications to be recognized within the European area. This will allow student and teacher mobility, the Having recognized the role of small and exchange of ideas and practices and medium-sized enterprises in boosting eventually a free flow of labor force economic growth, the country joined EU as one of the basic elements of the EU COSME 2014-2020 (the EU program for the internal market. Providers of higher competitiveness of small and medium- education in Bosnia and Herzegovina sized enterprises). This program helps participate in the Erasmus+ program SMEs gain access to international markets. (16 projects in 2017) and the Central The development and consolidation funds European Exchange Program for within the Program are available to existing University Students (CEEPUS) and enterprises and start-ups and in particular for the country has joined the European young people and women facing difficulties in Centre for Modern Languages (ECML). starting a business. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of the South East European Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (SEECEL), an initiative for the development of a life-long entrepreneurial learning system, the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe (ERI SEE) and the Pan-European Network for Market-Oriented Industrial Research and Development Projects (EUREKA). Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 92

NEXT STEPS

The SDG Framework document consultations in relation to the The SDGs with the highest impact on in BiH is a framework document necessary levels of government the value chains will be determined that will inform through broad or local authorities. Sustainable based on the mapping and indicators strokes on development pathways development strategies that are (baselines and targets) identified to and acceleration options for the consistent with the SDGs and any set general and specific goals aimed country. Operationalization of additional specific priorities related at reducing the gap between the the SDG Framework in Bosnia to sustainable development will be current business practices within and Herzegovina is foreseen to adopted on the basis of the specific the targeted value chains and the be conducted by each level of development needs at the cantonal, principles and targets of the SDGs. governance during the integration municipal and cities level. The SDGs Thus, the analysis will provide the of the SDGs into regular strategic will be implemented in accordance grounds for embedding the SDGs into planning processes, in full respect with the available budgets and growing industries in the country and of the authority and mandates of international financial support for at the same time set in place a basic the state, entity and Brčko District development. monitoring framework for monitoring governments. their performance against the SDG Reporting to the governments and targets. Finally, the scope of the Because of the different levels of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia analysis includes a sustainable development, statistical data and and Herzegovina will be done on business report that will provide the functionality of institutions at a periodic basis in the form of the an insight into good sustainability the state, entity and Brčko District information prepared at each level practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. level, public consultations on the of government by the BiH members These identified practices will inspire strategic development documents of the SDGs Rollout Working Group other companies to contribute to will be conducted by each level in and the detailed reporting on the Agenda 2030. The approach and such a way that the needs, prospects, situation in the country done by the analysis are to be finalized during the priorities and specificities are Voluntary Review (VNR) at the High course of 2019 and as such can then harmonized in more detail with the Level Political Forum in New York be scaled up in relation to the needs needs of citizens. The results of these every three or four years. The SDGs of other industries in the country. consultations will be consolidated Rollout Working Group in Bosnia and and used in the development of Herzegovina will prepare the VNRs In the summer of 2019, the SDG strategic framework documents and the SDGs Rollout Working Group Business Week is envisaged for a in Bosnia and Herzegovina and will meet periodically. number of individual activities that for raising international funds and will focus on the promotion of the for international reporting on the SDGs in the private sector and among progress the country achieves in Sustainable Development future business leaders as well as implementing the SDGs. Goals and the private sector other key stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The SDG Business Week The entity governments and the The private sector, supported by agenda will consist of webinars, Government of Brčko District are the United Nations in Bosnia and partnership events, an awards committed to developing sustainable Herzegovina, have embarked on a ceremony and a B2B event. During development strategies, while mapping exercise of the Sustainable the SDG Business Week, the SDG the Council of Ministers of Bosnia Development Goals (SDGs) against Business Pioneers Award ceremony and Herzegovina is committed to existing value chains in the furniture will be organized to announce the developing a strategic framework and automotive sectors in Bosnia winners of the 2019 competition for the institutions of Bosnia and and Herzegovina. The existing value among small, medium and large Herzegovina that is harmonized chain was analyzed in relation to private sector companies competing with the SDGs and other sustainable the application of the SDGs (based in two segments: ‘creation of decent development priorities in the on specific targets and indicators) jobs’, companies that excel in country and recognized in the against each stage in the value chain ‘reducing the ecological footprint SDGs Framework in Bosnia in order to identify the SDG indicators and in innovation’. and Herzegovina. This will be that have an impact on individual elaborated further during the public parts of the selected value chain. Voluntary Review / Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina 93

SDG 18. Bosnia and Sustainable development in Herzegovina mine free by education 2030 How sustainable development can SDG 18 in Bosnia and Herzegovina be introduced into the education could bring demining to the center of system, including the creation of an the development agenda. This will be interdisciplinary master’s course proposed during the course of 2019 on sustainable development, is an to policymakers in order for them to interesting question and due process consider adding this important SDG will be initiated in this regard at the within this country context to Agenda earliest opportunity. 2030. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet a mine free country and there is still considerable demining work SDG platforms and networks ahead. Demining releases land and has a direct impact on reducing Perhaps most importantly, we need violence and fear (SDG16), but also to help establish durable solutions contributes to addressing SDG1 and platforms that will allow for (Poverty), SDG2 (Hunger), SDG3 better networking, participation, (Healthy Lives), SDG8 (Inclusive exchange and action on the SDGs Growth), SDG9 (Infrastructure), and the creation of enabling spaces SDG11 (Human Settlements) and for dialogue, collaboration and SDG15 (Ecosystems). collective action. In particular, focus will be on those organizations that cater for those left behind, such as Financing for development youth and women’s organizations, citizen initiatives and platforms that Over the forthcoming period, new will enable continuous dialogue business models that could unlock and feedback among and from investment potential and attract an institutions and citizens on Agenda inflow of development investment 2030. will be in focus and explored in collaboration with international financial institutions and international organizations as well as with the private sector and domestic financial institutions. April 2019