Locations
The programme Accelerating Agenda 2030 through Governance and Sustainable Growth supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by strengthening governance systems, improving the way sustainable development priorities are planned and financed, and supporting local solutions that respond to the needs of people and communities.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has made important progress in establishing the foundations for Agenda 2030 implementation, including the adoption of the SDG Framework in BiH and the SDG Financing Framework. However, further progress requires stronger coordination among institutions, better links between planning and budgeting, more reliable data for decision-making, and stronger partnerships with local governments, the private sector, civil society and academia.
Building on the results of previous SDG initiatives, including SDG Roll-Out and SDG2BiH, the programme focuses on strengthening systems that can help institutions translate sustainable development priorities into policies, budgets, services and investments.
Implemented jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, IOM and ILO, the programme brings together complementary expertise in governance, social services, employment, migration, private sector development and sustainable finance.
Overall goal
The overall goal of the programme is to contribute to the accelerated achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina by strengthening systemic and integrated governance and empowering citizens, the private sector and academia to localize the SDGs, thereby supporting sustainable and inclusive growth.
The programme supports institutions at all levels of government in designing, financing and implementing policies that are more coherent, inclusive, gender-responsive and based on evidence. It also works with local governments, businesses and communities to create practical solutions for shared development challenges.
Key facts
Programme duration: 2026–2029
Budget: US$7.78 million
Participating UN organizations: UNDP, UNICEF, IOM and ILO
Focus: SDG implementation, governance reform, SDG financing, local development, social services, private sector competitiveness and sustainable business
SDGs supported: SDG 1, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 16 and SDG 17
Programme approach and strategy
The programme is structured around two interconnected outcomes aimed at accelerating SDG implementation through stronger governance systems, improved financing, local action and partnerships.
Outcome 1: Sustainable development approaches adopted in policy design, financing and implementation
The programme supports authorities at all levels in adopting sustainable development approaches to policy design, financing and implementation, powered by data, innovative solutions and collaboration with businesses, academia and financial institutions.
This includes support to the SDG Council in BiH in promoting, monitoring and reporting on SDG progress, including annual reporting and preparation of the 2027 Voluntary National Review. The programme will also support the integration of SDG priorities into development strategies, policy frameworks and budget processes.
A strong focus will be placed on improving links between strategic planning and public finance management, including support for programme-based budgeting, SDG investment portfolios, sustainable public procurement and innovative financing models.
The programme will also support institutions in integrating innovation and digitalization into policy implementation, with particular attention to inclusive service delivery, gender equality and the principle of leaving no one behind.
Outcome 2: Local governments, businesses and communities create solutions for shared challenges
The programme supports local governments, businesses and communities in creating and implementing solutions for shared challenges, with the private sector contributing to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
At the local level, the programme will support SDG localization through strategic planning, improved public finance management, citizen participation, better grants management, asset management and sustainable urban development. It will also help local governments strengthen inclusive social services, including early childhood education and care, social protection and services for vulnerable groups.
The programme will work with the private sector to improve competitiveness, sustainability and market access. This includes support for internationally recognized sustainability standards, responsible business conduct, environmental, social and governance practices, digital tools, e-commerce, innovation, entrepreneurship and circular business models.
The programme will also continue to support partnerships for sustainable business, including the SDG Business Pioneers Award in Bosnia and Herzegovina, peer learning among companies and cooperation with business support organizations, chambers, academia and financial institutions.
Cross-cutting priorities
Across all activities, the programme promotes gender equality, human rights, social inclusion, data-driven policymaking, innovation and digital transformation.
The principle of leaving no one behind is central to the programme. This means that special attention will be given to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women, children, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities, rural communities and people facing multiple forms of exclusion.
The programme will also promote climate-sensitive and sustainable development approaches, including sustainable public procurement, green and digital transformation, responsible business practices and support for innovation that contributes to more resilient communities.
Geographic coverage
The programme is implemented across Bosnia and Herzegovina, working with institutions at state, entity, cantonal, Brčko District and local levels.
Programme activities will involve selected local governments and cantons, while also supporting systemic policy, financing and institutional improvements that can benefit communities across the country.
Partners
Key partners include institutions represented in the SDG Council in BiH, governments at all levels, line ministries and departments, parliamentary bodies, cantons, local governments, associations of municipalities and cities, social protection and education authorities, civil society organizations, statistical institutions, the private sector, business support organizations, academia, financial institutions and international partners.
Fund management
The programme is funded by Sweden. The programme uses a pass-through fund management modality, with the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office acting as the Administrative Agent.
Timeline
The programme runs from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029.
Focus area
Effective Governance
