Bosnia and Herzegovina Honored at Global Ceremony for Gender Equality Reform in Public Institutions

June 13, 2025

Bosnia and Herzegovina was prominently recognized at the Second Global Awards Ceremony of the UNDP Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, where public institutions from around the world were formally celebrated for their achievements in advancing gender equality through public governance.

Among the honorees, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina stood out as the first institution in Europe and the Western Balkans to be certified under this flagship global initiative, having earned the Silver Gender Equality Seal earlier this year. The award marks the culmination of more than 18 months of focused institutional effort and transformative change.

The global ceremony, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme, gathered awardees from over 30 countries and across sectors such as finance, education, health, and justice. The event celebrated institutions that have demonstrated measurable progress in dismantling gender inequalities and creating more inclusive and responsive public systems.

“It is with great pride that we join this global ceremony,” said Mr. Hajro Pošković, Deputy Director of the HJPC Secretariat, who addressed the event on behalf of all Silver Seal awardees.

A man sits at a conference table in a modern office, looking directly at the camera. — Hajro Pošković

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“This formal recognition from UNDP confirms that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not only regionally but globally positioned as a leader in gender-responsive governance. We are proud that our institution has been acknowledged for its commitment to fairness, inclusion, and equality.”

The Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions is a voluntary certification programme designed to embed gender equality into public governance systems and policies. To date, over 100 institutions globally have taken part, reaching more than 260,000 public officials, nearly half of whom are women.

“This award is more than symbolic—it represents real, institutional change,” stated Ms. Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, Director of the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which co-leads the Seal programme with UNDP.

“It demonstrates how public institutions can lead transformative change when a sound methodology is matched with visionary leadership. Bosnia and Herzegovina is setting a standard for the region and beyond.”

UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, Renaud Meyer, underscored the significance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s role in this global movement:

“This should be a proud moment not only for the HJPC and the Agency, but for the entire country. The Silver Seal represents commitment, perseverance, and national ownership. It confirms that Bosnia and Herzegovina is shaping the global agenda for institutional gender equality reform- and we at UNDP are honored to stand beside our partners on this journey.”

The ceremony also served as a platform to highlight the next steps in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path forward. Building on the success of the HJPC, the Ministry of Security of BiH has now entered the certification process- continuing the country’s commitment to making its public institutions more inclusive and equitable.

As the world looks to scale gender equality through institutional transformation, Bosnia and Herzegovina has secured its place among global leaders working to ensure that public systems deliver fairly and equitably for all.