Energy Summit 2022 in BiH is officially open today in Neum, jointly organized by the USAID through its Energy Policy Activity (USAID EPA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU Delegation to BiH, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Government and the British Embassy Sarajevo.

Ingrid MacDonald, UN Resident Coordinator in BiH:

"The people and environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina are increasingly impacted by climate emergency. And while solutions require urgent global solidarity, local level and country-wide action in Bosnia and Herzegovina can and must urgently move forward. More efficient energy use and a just, socially responsible, and inclusive transition to cleaner, greener alternatives are essential. Supporting the workers and communities who will be most affected by transitioning from coal to green energy must be at the core of any energy transition."

Michael J. Murphy, Ambassador of the United States of America, said:

"Three years ago, BiH leaders have committed to global climate pledges, including obligations to advance its transition to clean energy and improve energy efficiency, leading to new investments and creating jobs for BiH citizens. BiH has made some progress since then. Yet, it has failed to resolve the most pressing issues. This includes the failure to adopt a state-level Electricity and Natural Gas Law. The United States remains committed to supporting BiH's energy sector and this important work, as it has over the past several years. "

Johann Sattler, Head of EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative:

"I expect authorities in the country to adopt the National Energy and Climate Plan and other legislation needed for the energy sector reform in BiH. What I can promise is that the EU will stand by Bosnia and Herzegovina, as evidenced in our funding secured for energy transition projects through the Economic and Investment Plan worth 9 billion Euros and other assistance instruments, all requiring good projects from BiH."

Margret Uebber, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany:

"What we need now is a fundamental transformation of our energy systems and re-alignment of our energy policies on national, regional, and global levels because we can only achieve the Paris Climate Goals if we act together as the international community. The German bilateral technical and financial assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina has a clear focus on energy and assisting the country in its transition towards clean, competitive, and secure energy. "

Matt Field, Ambassador of the United Kingdom:

 "The sad events in Ukraine, energy price hikes, and other instabilities show how BiH's energy sector is easily affected by external volatilities and demonstrate the importance of BiH's transition to its own cleaner energy sources. Shifting to local sources of clean energy would increase BiH's energy independence, build resilience to rising energy prices, and most importantly help ensure cleaner air and a better quality of life for all of its citizens."

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Zvizdić:

"We need to create a climate where renewable energy sources will present security because it is the best model for developing a sovereign and safe economy. "

Minister of energy, mining, and industry FBiH, Nermin Džindić:

"Today, I want to underline two important things – energy transition and adopting the legal framework necessary to implement the energy transition! "

Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining RS, Petar Đokić:

"Energetic transition is a process assembled from duties and challenges, and we have to have enough courage to implement it."

The Energy Summit in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022 that is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Regulatory Commission for Energy in Republika Srpska, and Regulatory Commission for Energy in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will bring together the key domestic, regional, and international actors who will discuss the much-needed energy sector reform and the BiH path to the clean energy transition.