Bosnia and Herzegovina Highlights Key Achievements and Calls for Stronger UN Engagement at High-Level Dialogue
New York, October 16, 2024
At the Dialogue between Member States and Resident Coordinators held today at the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Zlatko Lagumdžija, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, delivered a powerful address, emphasizing his country’s achievements and the indispensable role of the UN Resident Coordinator system in advancing the 2030 Agenda. His intervention stood out among the high-level discussions, focusing on cooperation with the UN, peacebuilding efforts, and regional integration initiatives.
Lagumdžija opened by reaffirming Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dedication to sustainable development and peace, expressing gratitude for the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Ingrid Macdonald, and the UN country team for their critical role in aligning local efforts with global development goals. “Our progress would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the UN system,” he stated, underscoring the impact of strategic cooperation with the UN in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lagumdžija highlighted the Peacebuilding Steering Committee, established earlier this year in Sarajevo and co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković and Ms. Macdonald, as a key milestone. The Committee provides guidance for activities supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and promotes coordination among national, regional, and international partners, including the European Union.
He stressed the importance of these efforts as the country approaches the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide on July 11, 2025. “The support of the UN country team in these preparations is indispensable,” he noted, emphasizing that the commemoration will be a moment for reflection, reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to peace. Lagumdžija also expressed his gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his ongoing support for the “Mothers of Srebrenica” and confirmed plans to join the Secretary-General at the 30th-anniversary event.
In discussing regional collaboration, Lagumdžija highlighted Bosnia and Herzegovina’s co-leadership, alongside Italy, of the “Working Group on the Western Balkans 2030 for the SDGs and the European Union”. He emphasized the importance of aligning sustainable development priorities with European integration efforts, calling this initiative essential for both regional stability and economic growth.
Looking ahead, the Ambassador also spoke about the upcoming BiH Economic Forum in Sarajevo this October, where UNDP’s participation will enhance discussions on human capacity development, institutional strengthening, and sustainable financing. “These conversations are crucial as we chart a path toward sustainable economic development in the Western Balkans,” he added.
In his closing remarks, Lagumdžija called for continued and enhanced cooperation with the Resident Coordinator system and the broader UN network. He urged Member States to fully support the Secretary-General’s call for increased funding for the RC system, emphasizing the system’s demonstrated effectiveness in fostering sustainable development.
“We are determined to continue on our path toward sustainable development, peace, and prosperity—but we cannot do it alone,” Lagumdžija concluded. “We are grateful to the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN country team for their dedication, and we look forward to even greater cooperation in the future.”
The “high-level dialogue”, moderated by Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Tarano, Assistant Secretary-General of the Development Coordination Office, featured remarks by key UN figures, including Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, and prominent Member State representatives. The interactive exchange allowed Resident Coordinators and diplomats to share insights and explore ways to accelerate SDG implementation across various regions.
With Bosnia and Herzegovina’s active leadership and the commitment of its partners, the dialogue reinforced the importance of global cooperation in overcoming challenges and achieving the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
