In April 2025, an agreement on the first phase of the SDG partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland for the period 2025–2028 was signed, with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in BiH.
During the inception phase of this project in October 2024, a Swiss delegation visited Bosnia and Herzegovina and initiated key discussions on cooperation in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first session was dedicated to the role of academia, the business sector and civil society in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in BiH. Insights and ideas were exchanged on how these sectors can further contribute to sustainable development in partnership with Switzerland. During the visit, meetings were also held with business leaders who presented their own initiatives aimed at the implementation of the SDGs – emphasizing their key role in fostering sustainable growth and innovation.
In May 2024, members of the SDG Council of BiH, an inter-agency working group that brings together representatives of all levels of government, visited Switzerland. During the visit, the Council members met with officials at the federal, cantonal and municipal levels, learned about Swiss practices, and jointly defined steps for further cooperation and improvement of SDG monitoring and implementation mechanisms in both countries.
The initial phase of the program also included the preparation of a report with analyses of the current situation and recommendations for consultations and further engagement for better and more efficient implementation of the SDGs and the Agenda 2030.
This partnership represents a strong foundation for harmonizing the Sustainable Development Goals with the European integration process of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the continued support of the Embassy of Switzerland in BiH.