A high-level meeting between Ms. Ivana Zivkovic, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Christian Schmidt, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed critical political and socioeconomic challenges facing the country. The discussion in Sarajevo touched on a range of pressing issues, including the ongoing brain drain, rampant corruption, and the need to reinforce the rule of law.

Ms. Zivkovic, who also serves as Director of the UNDP's Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, emphasized the urgency of addressing these internal and external challenges to foster stability and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The UNDP Office in BiH provided updates on their ongoing work, including projects tied to the Peacebuilding Fund, gender equality initiatives, and efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the exchange, High Representative Schmidt expressed deep appreciation for the UNDP’s critical contributions to peacebuilding and development across the country. He underscored the importance of continued collaboration between international partners and local stakeholders to address Bosnia’s complex challenges.

Schmidt reiterated that the future of BiH depends on three key pillars: the Dayton Peace Agreement, integration into the European Union, and the cultivation of trust within the country. “Dayton safeguards the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internal structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina, serving as the foundation and starting point. The EU is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strategic objective, contributing to enhanced stability and incentivizing reforms,” he said. “Finally, trust-building is indispensable for a sustainable transition from a post-war society to a modern and peaceful democracy. This requires coming to terms with the past through truth, remembrance, and memorialization.”

The meeting highlighted the intersection of international aid and governance reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The shared vision emphasized by both UN and OHR officials is centered on ensuring peace, promoting democratic values, and addressing corruption, which remains a persistent obstacle to progress. As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues its journey towards EU membership and internal reconciliation, the role of international partners like the UNDP will be pivotal in sustaining momentum and ensuring long-term peace and stability.

In addition to tackling these broader challenges, the focus on gender equality and sustainable development reinforces the UNDP’s comprehensive approach to addressing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s immediate needs while ensuring alignment with global development standards.