LocationsAnnual Report 2024
Foreword
Around the world, 2024 was marked by disruption and uncertainty from climate change impacts to increasing conflict and crises to the withdrawal of development investments. For the first time in 30 years, human development progress slowed while cooperation gave way to competition and investment into development dwindled.
While Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded slightly higher economic growth in 2024 compared to the previous year, the country remained exposed to mounting pressures, including persistent political uncertainty, a challenging global economic outlook, and a series of climate-related shocks such as the devastating floods and landslides in Jablanica in October.
Addressing these increasingly complex and inter-related events requires innovative solutions and cooperation. We are now in an era where ‘business as usual’ development pathways are no longer effective. Yet, development is the bridge to a world where inequalities are reduced, environmental limits are respected, and innovation benefits all members of society.
For the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) team in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this fast evolving context, coinciding with the end of a five-year programming cycle 2021-25, the arrival of a new senior management team, and the launch of a process to formulate a new Country Programme 2026-30, inspires an analysis of how best to continue the strong partnership we have built since 1996 with national development actors from government, civil society and business community across the country and sustain our relevance and impactful assistance.
As the development landscape changes dramatically, UNDP’s overall objective remains the same: supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its SDG progress and improving the quality of life of its people, with a focus on the most vulnerable.
On behalf of the UNDP team in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report that highlights key results over the year, made possible through our strong national and international partnerships. It also highlights some of the changes we are making to adapt to the current context. We remain a trusted and reliable ally to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its efforts to achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
I take this opportunity to thank our partners for their continued support and trust in UNDP. I also thank the UNDP team members for their continuous commitment to the values and principles of the United Nations and dedication to the work of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Renaud Meyer
Resident Representative
A Year in Numbers
UNDP is the United Nations’ leading development agency, working in over 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, build resilience, and promote sustainable development. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP partners with national and local institutions, the private sector, and civil society to advance economic growth, strengthen governance, and drive climate action, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In 2024, UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina continued to serve as a catalyst for systemic change, supporting the country in its green transition towards sustainable development, digital transformation, economic resilience, and inclusive governance. Through strategic partnerships, innovative financing models, and a portfolio-based approach, UNDP has helped to strengthen institutions, empower local communities, accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and EU membership.
The results presented in this report demonstrate concrete, largescale impact, reinforcing our support to the people and authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina by co-developing and leading transformation through integrated solutions. UNDP’s dedication and support to climate action, governance reforms, private sector development, and gender equality while ensuring no one is left behind have not only improved access to essential services and quality of life for more than half a million people across the country but have also contributed to institutional resilience and economic growth.
The foundation for UNDP’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2021–2025, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the country’s national development priorities. The CPD reflects UNDP’s political, programmatic, and operational commitment to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development. Firmly embedded within the broader UN programme in the country, UNDP’s contributions are designed to complement and reinforce system-wide efforts, ensuring development assistance is streamlined, coordinated, and impactful.
Guided by the CPD, UNDP’s work is structured around three strategic outcomes:
- By 2025, people benefit from sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic development, and management of environment and cultural resources.
- By 2025, people contribute to and benefit from more accountable and transparent governance systems that deliver quality public services and ensure the rule of law.
- By 2025, there is stronger mutual understanding, respect, and trust among individuals and communities.
Each of these outcomes is operationalised through integrated, multi-sectoral portfolios, enabling UNDP to respond with agility to systemic development challenges and deliver coherent, high-impact interventions for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development priorities.
To deliver on this vision, UNDP has served as a convener, bringing together institutions at all levels of government, the private sector, civil society, academia and international partners to align efforts and amplify impact. By applying a portfolio-based approach and creating inclusive platforms for cooperation,
UNDP channels diverse perspectives into joint action. Partners are united by common goals, advancing human development, gender equality, environmental protection, and progress toward the SDGs, anchored in shared values of inclusion and sustainability. Together, these efforts have strengthened services, accelerated digital and green transitions, and expanded opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In 2024, UNDP has adopted a portfolio-based approach that brings greater coherence to its work across multiple themes. By linking governance, economic development, climate action, and social cohesion within a single strategic framework, this approach better mirrors the complexity and fluidity of real-life challenges and the interdependent nature of society.
This shift marks more than just a new way of organising programmes. It enables UNDP to deliver whole-of-society solutions by connecting institutions, communities, and individuals through integrated interventions that are more efficient, adaptive, and impactful. By breaking down silos and aligning resources across sectors, the portfolio model ensures smarter use of funds, greater policy relevance, and stronger, lasting results.
In 2024 alone, these efforts directly benefited over 523,000 people, or 16 per cent of the country’s population, by expanding access to essential services, protecting jobs and generating employment, supporting environmental sustainability, and strengthening institutional capacities.
Map of Bosnia and Herzegovina showing number of projects at local level
UNDP’s adoption of a portfolio-based development approach in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a paradigm shift in how programs are designed, executed, and scaled. This model ensures that development efforts are interconnected, bridging sectoral gaps and fostering synergies across governance, economy, environment, and inclusion.
Key Aspects of the Portfolio-Based Approach
In 2024, UNDP reinforced its role as a key partner to institutions across Bosnia and Herzegovina in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All interventions were aligned with the national SDG Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, ensuring coherence with both
domestic priorities and global ambitions.
UNDP’s approach brought together economic development, climate action, digitalisation, social inclusion, and institutional reform into integrated, cross-sectoral solutions. These efforts extended beyond policy, combining institutional capacity-building, innovative financing, and grassroots engagement to deliver results that matter.
Working Together for Local Impact
Working with the SDG Council, government institutions, civil society, and the private sector, UNDP helped advance inclusive, citizen-focused development. Through the SDG2BiH program, funded by Sweden and implemented with UNICEF and UN Women, UNDP provided technical assistance to the Council, supporting Voluntary National Reviews and multi-stakeholder consultations to enhance national ownership and accountability.
To translate planning into action, UNDP also supported the application of the SDG Financing Framework. This long-term mechanism aligns public and private investments with sustainability priorities. In 2024, small grants helped local governments deliver SDG-aligned services, including support for environmental protection and infrastructure for vulnerable groups.
Engaging Society: SDG Business Pioneers and SDG Week
To mobilize the private sector, UNDP and the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina recognized the sixth generation of SDG Business Pioneers – companies embedding sustainability into their business models and inspiring others to follow suit.
UNDP also contributed to the SDG Week 2024 under the theme ‘Accelerating Action for a Sustainable Future’. More than a dozen events brought together government, business, youth, and development partners to connect local action with global goals. From gender-inclusive governance workshops to the Circular Accelerator for SMEs, and from youth startup camps to Special Olympics competitions and awards for municipalities and people championing SDGs, the week demonstrated how diverse actors can shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Sweden supports SDG Business Pioneer Award, celebrating private sector leadership in advancing sustainable development in BiH
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Why Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Matters
Bosnia and Herzegovina has made steady progress in improving its business environment, with advances in trade facilitation, tax systems, and access to finance. Reforms in customs, digitalisation, and rural development are supporting competitiveness, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent over 99% of all businesses and provide 70% of private sector jobs.
However, key development challenges remain. Productivity is still low, innovation capacity is limited, and access to finance, especially for women-led businesses and green initiatives, needs to improve. The economy continues to rely on resource- and energy-intensive industries, contributing to high carbon emissions and environmental pressures. Vulnerability to climate change and natural hazards adds complexity to the country’s development path.
Working closely with authorities at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP supports the country’s efforts to advance the green transition, digital innovation, and inclusive private sector development. These efforts are helping individuals and businesses build more resilient futures while protecting the environment, reducing economic disparities, and promoting job security.
Partnerships with, and support by, governments at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union, Sweden, the Government of Slovakia, the Government of Italy, the Government of Switzerland, the Government of Norway, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the Council of Europe Development Bank, and the UN Peacebuilding Fund played a crucial role in enabling climate action, economic diversification, energy efficiency, and inclusive growth.
The following snapshot presents selected results achieved in 2024 through these vital partnerships.
Key Results and Impact
Private Sector and Digital Transformation:
- Close to 240 companies – mostly in the agri-food industry - enhanced their competitiveness, resilience to external shocks and the adoption of green and sustainable business models, resulting in about 250 new jobs and protection of up to 2,000 existing jobs.
- More than 170 startups supported across various sectors, backed by 45 strengthened business support organisations, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification.
- A custom digital solution developed for the FBiH Government enabled transparent delivery of USD 30 million in grants to micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
- A national circularity assessment completed, the Circular Pulse tool launched, and more than 100 stakeholders engaged through the first Circular Economy Conference - setting the stage for more sustainable production and consumption models.
Green Transition and Energy Efficiency:
- 27 public buildings retrofitted for energy efficiency, benefiting more than 59,000 people.
- 14 photovoltaic solar plants installed, supporting a shift towards clean energy adoption.
- Strengthened national energy efficiency financial mechanisms, improving access to green financing.
Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction:
- Over 78,000 hectares of protected areas are now under sustainable management for biodiversity protection, with new plans adopted and endangered Serbian spruce replanted.
- More than 27,000 women benefited from climate adaptation and mitigation measures, including biodiversity protection and energy efficiency improvements.
- More than 570 people, including 240 women, trained in biodiversity conservation and sustainable financing.
- Four local governments integrated disaster risk reduction into their development plans, boosting long-term community resilience and preparedness.
With GEF’s support, endemic Serbian spruce returns – preserving Europe’s oldest tree species in BiH
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With support from Sweden and SlovakAid, Tuzla and Konjic harness solar power for sustainability
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With European Union’s support, Han Pijesak boosts sustainable tourism and empowers women entrepreneurs
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With GEF’s support, women are leading nature conservation across Bosnia and Herzegovina’s protected areas
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Why Good Governance and Rule of Law Matter
Strong institutions are the backbone of a functioning democracy and an inclusive society, ensuring stability, trust, and access to justice. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, low public confidence in governance and gaps in access to justice remain significant challenges. UNDP supports authorities at all levels in advancing their efforts to modernise public administration, strengthen transparency, and expand citizen engagement, contributing to more efficient and inclusive services aligned with national development priorities.
UNDP also works to ensure that people’s voices are heard and their needs addressed by supporting participatory governance mechanisms and civic engagement initiatives. Through close collaboration with government institutions, civil society, and international partners, UNDP helps create the enabling conditions for governance systems to become more responsive, resilient, and centred on people’s needs. By supporting digital transformation, anti-corruption efforts, and security sector reform led by institutions across the country, UNDP contributes to stronger, more accountable governance that fosters trust, public safety and long-term stability. In close collaboration with the Coordination Body for Small Arms and Light Weapons Control and all 14 police agencies across the country, UNDP provides technical and operational support to domestic partners’ efforts aimed at enhancing security at the local level, reducing illicit arms circulation, enhancing law enforcement capacities, and advancing crime prevention strategies. These efforts are particularly crucial in addressing gender-based violence and ensuring safer environments for women and vulnerable groups.
Partnerships with, and support by, governments and institutions at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, the Government of Switzerland, the Governments of Norway, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, the European Union, and the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Small Arms and Light Weapons (MPTF-SALW) played a crucial role in advancing public administration reform, transparent governance, citizen engagement and community safety.
The following snapshot highlights selected results achieved in 2024 through these strategic partnerships.
Key Results and Impact
Governance Digitalisation and Public Sector Efficiency:
- 92 local governments adopted innovative and scalable solutions, improving service delivery, water supply, sanitation and waste management for 523,000 citizens.
- Over 14 million BAM in additional revenues generated through enhanced local government financial management.
- e-Governance solutions: E-Citizen expansion in 40+ municipalities.
Civic Engagement and Local Governance:
- Close to 640 people (23% women) engaged in civic forums, fostering participatory governance.
- In 50 local governments, including 9 underdeveloped municipalities, community participation and social services were improved, benefiting more than 5,700 vulnerable citizens.
- Over 340 CSOs supported to strengthen local community work.
- Quality of water supply improved for approximately 80% of the population in 31 partner cities and municipalities, while around 36% of residents gained access to improved sanitation services.
Rule of Law and Security Reform:
- Supported joint UN report for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, reinforcing the UN’s advocacy for gender equality, the rule of law, and socio-economic rights.
- Cybersecurity initiatives reached over 5,000 individuals, equipping children, youth, and civil servants with essential digital safety skills, ensuring greater protection against cyber threats.
- 4,000+ small arms and weapon parts destroyed, enhancing security and safety of all communities and people across the country.
- 72 tons of ammunition stockpiles removed, strengthening arms control efforts.
With support from the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund, a nationwide campaign highlighted the dangers of illicit weapons in BiH
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With support from Republic of Korea, over 5,000 children and youth across BiH learned how to protect themselves in the digital world
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Over 400 households in Šamac gained access to clean, safe water thanks to the support of the EU, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic
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Why Social Cohesion and Inclusion Matter
In a country where divisions and inequalities persist, fostering social cohesion and inclusion is key to long-term stability and prosperity. UNDP’s work in this area strengthens gender equality, youth empowerment, and reconciliation efforts, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from development.
In 2024, UNDP reinforced its leadership in promoting gender equality as a core dimension of inclusive development. Through gender-responsive programming and systematic use of the Gender Marker, gender considerations were embedded across all interventions, supporting more equitable access to services, economic opportunities, and decision-making processes.
By supporting women’s economic participation, promoting interethnic and intergenerational dialogue, and empowering marginalised groups, UNDP contributes to building a more inclusive and peaceful society. Working with government partners, UN agencies, and grassroots organisations, UNDP helps ensure that development efforts reach those most at risk of being left behind – reflecting our core commitment to inclusion and equity.
Partnerships with, and support by, governments and institutions at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the private sector, the European Union, the Government of Switzerland, the Government of Norway, and the UN Peacebuilding Fund, played a crucial role in advancing gender equality, reconciliation, and civic engagement throughout 2024. The following snapshot highlights some of the key results delivered through these partnerships.
The following snapshot presents selected results achieved in 2024 through these vital partnerships.
Key Results and Impact
Social Inclusion and Gender Equality:
- 205,000 women benefited from improved access to public services.
- 45.5% of new jobs created through UNDP programs were for women.
- The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council became the first public institution in Europe to be awarded the Silver Gender Equality Seal for integrating gender equality into its institutional policies and practices.
- 100 women connected through the Women’s Mentoring Network led by Addiko Bank Sarajevo and Deloitte BiH to build leadership skills and share experiences.
- The Gender Equality Barometer published by UNDP offers clear data on the state of gender equality and guides future actions.
- Over 2,000 women leaders took part in the Women’s Forum for Development, working together to promote equal opportunities, decent jobs, and challenge gender stereotypes.
Youth Empowerment and Reconciliation Efforts:
- Over 620 women and dozens of young UN volunteers were actively engaged in leadership, governance, and reconciliation efforts, gaining experience and driving inclusive change across sectors such as climate action, ICT, and local development.
- 10 grassroots civil society organizations implemented innovative initiatives to support over 2,000 war crimes survivors and other vulnerable groups, advancing justice, healing, and social inclusion at the community level.
- 30 small-scale interventions proposed by civil society organizations were supported, improving social services and civic engagement for nearly 2,500 people, of whom over 1,500 were women.
- Strengthened youth participation in policy-making, increasing interethnic cooperation.
With Sweden’s support, Tuzla upgrades accessibility – removing barriers and advancing rights for all citizens
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With Norway’s support, “Butterfly” empowers youth with disabilities for inclusion, dignity, and equal futures
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With Norway’s support, young innovators in BiH turn bold classroom ideas into real-world entrepreneurship
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With European Union’s support, UNDP strengthens local government–CSO partnerships across Western Balkans for EU integration
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UNDP’s impact in 2024 was reinforced through the strategic application of three key enablers - strategic innovation, digitalisation, and development financing - that cut across UNDP’s six signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality. These enablers allowed UNDP to deliver systemic, adaptive, and scalable results that address both immediate needs and long-term development priorities.
Strategic Innovation
Strategic innovation is embedded in UNDP’s work and brings together the Accelerator Lab, programme strategy, and Monitoring and Evaluation to design future-ready, evidence-based interventions. The innovation system supports portfolio thinking and adaptive approaches to development.
Digitalisation
Digitalisation remained a cornerstone of UNDP’s support to governance reform, inclusion, and economic transformation. It enabled public institutions to better serve citizens, and businesses to compete in digital markets.
Development Financing
Development financing was a critical enabler of impact. UNDP led the design and rollout of the SDG Financing Framework for Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing the country with tools to mobilise investment and close a development financing gap estimated at USD 500 million annually. Together, these enablers have allowed UNDP to deliver responsive, high-impact programming, scale innovations, transform institutional practices, and attract the financing needed to sustain change. Their integrated application ensures that development progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina is inclusive, measurable, and aligned with long-term national and global development goals.
Key Results in 2024
Strategic Innovation:
- A joint study on environmental justice and an AI-supported social simulation of trust provided new insights into cohesion and governance programming.
- UNDP supported the creation of 11 entrepreneurship clubs, STEM labs, and introduced the Schools of the Future programme, equipping youth with critical thinking and digital skills.
- The Local Governance 2.0 Portfolio, co-designed with over 70 stakeholders, aims to tackle systemic issues in service delivery, accountability, and inclusion.
Development Financing:
- Since 2020, UNDP helped mobilise USD 202 million in development funding, including USD 27.1 million in 2024 alone from 12 partners.
- Municipalities and cities supported by UNDP generated BAM 14 million in additional revenue through improved financial management practices.
- UNDP facilitated the Circular Economy Conference, convening over 100 stakeholders to promote green business models and sustainable financing solutions.
- A new energy efficiency loan product for SMEs was co-developed with a commercial bank, unlocking private capital for climate-smart business development.
Digitalisation:
- 92 local governments and 9 cantons adopted digital tools for planning and public service delivery.
- More than 523,000 citizens, including over 205,000 women, gained improved access to services ranging from healthcare and education to water, sanitation, and e-governance.
- The e-Porodilja platform enabled over 16,000 new mothers to access financial support digitally - an innovation that removed administrative burden and improved service speed.
- A dedicated software solution was developed and provided to the FBiH Government to enable transparent and efficient management of USD 30 million grant support package distribution to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
- UNDP-supported digital tools, including the scaled-up eCitizen platform, Digital Pulse for business transformation, and TvojCO2 for citizen-led climate action, strengthened civic engagement, enhanced local services, boosted private sector digital maturity, and promoted environmentally conscious behaviour.
- UNDP supported the development of cybersecurity governance frameworks to safeguard digital infrastructure and protect citizens online.
- A new bachelor’s programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence was launched at the University of Sarajevo with UNDP support.
In 2024, UNDP and UN Volunteers deepened our strategic partnership in Bosnia and Herzegovina, harnessing the power of volunteerism to drive inclusive development, expand civic space, and promote social cohesion. UN Volunteers strongly contributed to UNDP’s work across governance, economic inclusion, climate action, and disability empowerment, amplifying the reach and impact of development efforts.
With UNDP’s support, UN volunteers contributed to over 26 civic forums, empowering nearly 650 citizens, 23% of them women, to engage in decision-making processes on community development and reconciliation. UN Volunteers also played a key role in enhancing social protection systems in nine underdeveloped municipalities, directly improving welfare services for more than 5,700 vulnerable individuals, including persons with disabilities.
One example is Enaida Alispahić, a UN Volunteer working on the ReLOaD2 project, who helped create inclusive opportunities for persons with Down syndrome in Sarajevo. Her efforts reflect how volunteerism can contribute to long-term inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities, aligning with UNDP’s and UNV’s broader commitment to leaving no one behind.
This collaboration reaffirmed the transformative role of volunteerism in supporting systemic change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with UNDP and UNV working hand-in-hand to foster resilient and inclusive communities across the country.
With EU’s support and UNV partnership, Enaida proves inclusive employment empowers individuals and communities alike
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As an integral part of the UN team in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP collaborates closely with sister agencies to harness collective expertise, optimize resources, and drive systemic change that transcends sectoral boundaries. By advancing integrated, cross-cutting solutions to complex development challenges, this collaboration delivers transformative and scalable impact, ensuring that progress is not only measurable but also deeply embedded in the fabric of society, strengthening institutions, fostering inclusive economies, and building sustainable communities.
Through these coordinated efforts, UNDP plays a pivotal role in advancing social cohesion, strengthening peacebuilding, and ensuring that no one is left behind, which are core priorities of joint UN action in the country.
As a driving force behind several joint UN initiatives, UNDP has been instrumental in strengthening governance, advancing human rights, and fostering economic and social resilience. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025, UNDP ensures that its interventions align with and amplify broader UN and the country’s development priorities, reinforcing a unified approach to sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
As the leading UN development agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP plays a central role in tracking, facilitating, and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in close cooperation with governments at all levels, the private sector, civil society and academia, to ensure that SDG implementation is localized, data-informed, and sustainable.
In 2024, UNDP led the EU-UN policy dialogue on digital transformation, advancing systemic change across public services, cybersecurity, digital skills, business innovation, and connectivity, aligned with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration goals.
UNDP also reinforced its commitment to human rights and civic engagement by contributing to the joint UN submission for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This engagement underscored the importance of accelerating progress on gender equality, the rule of law, and socio-economic rights, and affirmed UNDP’s continued contribution to advancing fundamental freedoms and democratic governance as part of the UN system.
Key Areas of Joint UN Engagement
Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding
As an integral part of the UN team in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP partnered with UNESCO and UNICEF, as well as the Council of Europe and OSCE through the Quartet project, fostering reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. The Mostar 2024: Dialogue for the Future Conference, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the Old Bridge, was a landmark event in these efforts.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness:
UNDP led a joint DRR project with multiple UN agencies, strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capacity for disaster risk management.
Following the October 2024 flood, UNDP and IOM were among the first responders, working with local authorities to coordinate post-disaster recovery and resilience-building efforts.
Green Transition and Climate Action:
UNDP spearheaded joint UN efforts on climate action, leading the development of a USD 12 million Green Transition Portfolio focused on decarbonisation, depollution, nature and biodiversity conservation and circular economy. Through this initiative, UNDP is advancing systemic change in energy efficiency, sustainable resource management, and low-carbon development, ensuring Bosnia and Herzegovina moves toward a greener and more resilient future.
Gender Equality and Inclusion:
As part of the Gender Equality Accelerator initiative, UNDP collaborates with UN Women, UNICEF, and UNFPA to promote gender-responsive governance, address violence against women, and enhance women’s economic empowerment. These efforts align with UNDP’s broader commitment to mainstreaming gender equality across all programs.
Strengthening Public Institutions:
Within efforts supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, UNDP supported inter-agency collaboration to enhance public administration efficiency and transparency, ensuring better service delivery at the municipal level.
With EUR 20 million in funding and support from the European Union, UNDP and IOM implement a recovery project for communities affected by the October 2024 floods
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With support and partnership from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and BiH authorities, UNDP helps advance sustainable tourism along Via Dinarica trails
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Partnerships are at the core of UNDP’s ability to deliver sustainable and impactful development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2024, UNDP continued to leverage its role as a key development partner, mobilising resources and expertise from bilateral international and domestic donors, multilateral institutions, and private sector actors.
Support and cooperation from the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Republic of Korea, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia played a crucial role in enabling inclusive economic growth, green and digital transitions, social cohesion, and institutional reform. Significant contributions were also made through UNDP’s Funding Window, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the MPTF for Western Balkans SALW Control, and the MPTF for Disaster Risk Reduction in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Partnerships with development banks and private actors, including the Council of Europe Development Bank, Qatar Fund for Development, Stiftung Auxilium, and Dogs Trust Worldwide Foundation BiH, further reinforced UNDP’s ability to deliver targeted, high-impact interventions.
In 2024, for every USD 1 provided by domestic authorities at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, an additional USD 4.5 was mobilised from international partners. This ratio is a powerful reflection of the shared commitment of all partners, domestic and international, to advance a common vision of sustainable development, accelerate progress toward the SDGs, and ensure that no one is left behind.
By working collaboratively within the UN system, UNDP ensures that interventions are coordinated, aligned with national priorities, and capable of delivering transformative change.
| Donor | 2024 Expenditures in USD |
| European Union | 14,701,000.00 |
| Governments in BiH, all levels | 6,811,000.00 |
| Sweden | 5,746,000.00 |
| Switzerland | 2,585,000.00 |
| Green Climate Fund (GCF) | 2,039,000.00 |
| Global Environment Facility (GEF) | 1,456,000.00 |
| UNDP (own funding) | 1,238,000.00 |
| UN Peacebuilding Fund | 948,000.00 |
| Germany | 911,000.00 |
| Norway | 655,000.00 |
| MPTF - Wester Balkans SALW Control | 589,000.00 |
| Italy | 327,000.00 |
| Council of Europe Development Bank | 266,000.00 |
| UNDP Funding Window | 234,000.00 |
| MPTF - JP BiH Disaster Risk Reduction | 215,000.00 |
| Czech Republic | 178,000.00 |
| Slovak Republic | 110,000.00 |
| JKP VIK Tuzla | 86,000.00 |
| Republic of Korea | 70,000.00 |
| Qatar Fund for Development | 63,000.00 |
| Saudi Arabia | 47,000.00 |
| Dogs Trust Worldwide Foundation BiH | 34,000.00 |
| Türkiye | 22,000.00 |
| United Kingdom | <10,000.00 |
| Netherlands | <10,000.00 |
| Stiftung Auxilium | <10,000.00 |
| IFAW | <10,000.00 |
| Total | 39,341,000.00 |
USD 39.3 million
UNDP implemented USD 39.3 million in development support, including USD 6.9 million in cost-sharing from governments at all levels, benefiting 16 per cent of the country’s population – 523,000 women, men and children, as well as institutions and organisations across the country.
USD 27.1 million
UNDP mobilised USD 27.1 million from 12 international and domestic partners to support scaling up and implementation of high priority projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Increased investments
Increased investments in green transition, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.
BAM 14 million
Strengthened financial sustainability mechanisms, supporting cities and municipalities in increasing revenues by BAM 14 million through improved financial management.
2024 Delivery - SDG Breakdown
UNDP Team in Bosnia and Herzegovina
