BiH SuTra project launches International Advisory Board

The BiH SuTra project marked an important milestone with the successful kick-off meeting of its newly established International Advisory Board (IAB). Bringing together leading experts from European institutions, international networks, and academia, the IAB will play a key role in supporting the project’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with European best practices in sustainable and just transition.

The advisory board also includes renowned researchers and experts in the field of sustainable transition. Their combined expertise covers just transition processes, regional development, governance, and sustainability policy which will all be valuable for the project.

BiH SuTra International Advisory Board members are:

Balbina Gluza-Czyczerska, Coordinator of the Just Transition Platform, European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy

Brina Lazar, Undersecretary at the Secretariat of the Development Council of Cohesion Region Vzhodna Slovenija / Eastern Slovenia at the Ministry for Cohesion and Regional Development in Slovenia

Dr. Erblin Berisha, Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning, Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Dr. Ingeborg Niestroy, Founder and director of the Public Strategy for Sustainable Development (PS4SD) and Senior researcher at Research Institute for Sustainability, GFZ Potsdam

Masha Smirnova, Head of Governance and Just Transition at Eurocities

Meeting twice a year, the IAB will provide strategic advice to the BiH SuTra project and support its implementation through concrete ideas, international networks, and best practices. Members bring extensive knowledge in steering just transition pathways, including managing the Eastern Slovenia region’s shift from coal dependency to a fossil-free future, as well as evaluating key aspects of the green transition across the Western Balkans.

Their diverse expertise will significantly strengthen the project’s capacity to design effective, locally tailored solutions for sustainable transformation.

The digital kick-off focused on establishing a shared understanding of BiH SuTra’s objectives, discussing key components of the upcoming implementation phase, identifying priority areas for expert support and compiling initial ideas and concepts for further development by the project team.

Read more about the International Advisory Board members here.

News and updates

Discover the News and Updates section, delivering the latest updates and insightful content across various topics. Stay informed with most recent news articles, reports, and publications, of the BiH SuTra project.

05. December 2025.

Building the future of wastewater management in BiH: Lessons from Sweden

Representatives of local self-government units involved in the BiH SuTra project gathered in Breza on 2 December 2025 for the workshop “Enhancing Wastewater Management within Municipal and City Sustainability Transition Plans – Lessons from Sweden.”

13. November 2025.

Smarter district heating – Banovići learns from Sweden

When district heating expert Ariana Tanha from the Swedish company Ekzel AB took the floor at a workshop in Banovići yesterday, participants were excited to hear about Sweden’s experience in building one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable district heating systems. Drawing on years of professional experience, Tanha also shared practical insights on the economics of combined heat and power (CHP) plants – systems that simultaneously produce both heat and electricity.

30. October 2025.

“Vision 2050”: Gacko, Kakanj and Gradiška on the path to a sustainable future

The Sustainable Transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina – “BiH SuTra” project continues to grow and evolve, reaffirming the country’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future. In September 2025, three new local communities – the Municipality of Gacko, the Municipality of Kakanj and the City of Gradiška – officially joined the project, bringing new perspectives and energy in building a greener and fairer Bosnia and Herzegovina.

30. September 2025.

Joining the journey: Vision 2050 workshops for a sustainable future

Sustainable Transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina – BiH SuTra project is expanding its network of partners, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a sustainable future. Three new local self-government units (LSGUs) – Municipality of Gacko, City of Gradiška, and Municipality of Kakanj – have officially joined the initiative, strengthening the collective effort to build a greener, fairer tomorrrow.

28. September 2025.

From the ground up: Local leaders join partnership for a just transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In turbulent times with escalating climate change impacts and pressing energy challenges, the third Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week (SECW) brought together key stakeholders from across the energy and climate sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans to showcase sustainable policies and practices. SEI and BiH SuTra representatives took part.

27. June 2025.

Strengthening local capacities for sustainable agriculture: BiH SuTra workshop held in Ugljevik

Can agriculture be smart, green, and good for the planet? That was the question explored at the workshop held in Ugljevik, where experts and municipal representatives came together to discuss the future of sustainable agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The workshop, held on 17 June, focused on strengthening the capacities of local self-government units (LSGs) in this field - helping them grow their knowledge, share experiences, and explore new ideas. And it certainly delivered plenty of food for thought.

23. May 2025.

A week of discovery – BiH SuTra partners visiting Sweden

BiH coal communities are facing significant challenges in the areas of decarbonization, depollution, and circular economy - all essential for a fair and efficient transition. Through the BiH SuTra programme, SEI is supporting self-local government units staff by building capacities to meet these challenges. This week, representatives from the three partner communities — Ugljevik, Breza, and Živinice - visited Stockholm, Sweden, to gain insights into how the country is designing smart and environmentally friendly neighborhoods, sustainable energy systems, and circular waste management solutions.

08. May 2025.

City of Živinice hosts second Steering Board Meeting of BiH SuTra

The second meeting of the Steering Board of the BiH SuTra – Sustainable Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina programme was held in Živinice on the 6th of May. The programme team and its partners reflected on programme progress, presented completed and ongoing activities, and discussed next steps in supporting local governments as drivers of just and sustainable transition of these coal regions in BiH.

12. March 2025.

A visual presentation of the municipality of Ugljevik

As one of the communities within the "BiH SuTra" programme, Ugljevik is making strides toward a sustainable future aligned with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. At the same time, it stands out for its economic potential, natural beauty, and rich tradition.

14. February 2025.

Ramping up climate action in BiH communities

A dynamic three-day workshop in Tuzla, BiH, brought together representatives from NetZeroCities, local governments awarded the 2024 SDG Local Governance Awards, and communities participating in the BiH SuTra programme. The workshop aimed to explore climate action and investment planning, focusing on the feasibility and funding of climate initiatives in Bosnian communities.

31. January 2025.

A visual presentation of the city of Živinice

Discover Živinice through our infographic! Selected as one of four communities in the BiH SuTra programme, Živinice is making strides toward a sustainable future aligned with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

23. January 2025.

Bosnian Ambassador in Sweden visits SEI headquarters

This week, Ambassador Bojan Šošić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of Sweden visited Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) to discuss environmental sustainability and the country’s path towards EU membership. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) addresses socio-political and environmental, as well as climate challenges, while aligning with EU requirements.

26. December 2024.

Happy Holidays!

This holiday season, we're delighted to share a video capturing the best moments of 2024. Let’s celebrate progress and the journey toward a sustainable future in Bosnia and Herzegovina!

27. November 2024.

A visual presentation of the municipality of Breza

We invite you to discover Breza through our informative infographic! Selected as one of four communities in the BiH SuTra programme, Breza is the first municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt a sustainable transition plan aligned with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

07. November 2024.

Spotlight on cities at the SDG Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week under the theme “Accelerating Action for a Sustainable Future” is taking place in Sarajevo now; it is a week full of inspiration, innovation and action on how to accelerate the SDGs, with only five years left of the 2030 Agenda. The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the implementing partner of BiH SuTra, took part in the opening ceremony, organised by the Embassy of Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP BiH).

01. October 2024.

A visual presentation of the municipality of Banovići

Discover Banovići through our infographic! Selected as one of four communities in the BiH SuTra programme, Banovići plays an important role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey toward a sustainable transition at the local level.

26. September 2024.

How to deliver on a just transition at the Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week

BiH SuTra programme took an active role in the regional conference Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week (SECW), bringing together thought leaders, activists, and stakeholders in Sarajevo to address some of the most pressing energy and climate challenges.

25. July 2024.

A Q&A with the Municipality of Banovići

The Municipality of Banovići has been selected as one of the four local self-government units for the implementation of activities under the BiH SuTra programme. The primary objective of the programme is to facilitate the sustainable transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina by creating and implementing effective measures and regulations at the local level, thus improving living conditions for citizens in municipalities and cities located in mining regions. We talked to the Edita Lugavić, adviser to the Mayor of the Municipality of Banovići, who is involved in the programme, who provided short and to the point answers to our questions related to the sustainable transition of the community. This is the last of four Q&As that has been published on the BiH SuTra website.

18. July 2024.

A Q&A with the City of Živinice

The City of Živinice has been selected as one of the four local self-government units for the implementation of activities under the BiH SuTra programme. The primary objective of the programme is to facilitate the sustainable transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina by creating and implementing effective measures and regulations at the local level, thus improving living conditions for citizens in municipalities and cities located in mining regions. We talked to the Alija Nurkić, advisor to the Mayor of the City of Živinice, who is involved in the programme, to hear more about their thoughts and ideas for a sustainable transition.

09. July 2024.

A Q&A with the municipality of Ugljevik

The Municipality of Ugljevik has been selected as one of the four local self-government units for the implementation of activities under the BiH SuTra programme. The primary objective of the programme is to facilitate the sustainable transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina by creating and implementing effective measures and regulations at the local level, thus improving living conditions for citizens in municipalities and cities located in mining regions. We talked to the Milorad Jovičić, Head of the Mayor's Cabinet in Municipality of Ugljevik, who is involved in the programme, to hear more about their thoughts and ideas for a sustainable transition.

02. July 2024.

A Q&A with the municipality of Breza

The municipality of Breza has been selected as one of the four local self-government units for the implementation of activities under the BiH SuTra programme. The primary objective of the programme is to facilitate the sustainable transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina by creating and implementing effective measures and regulations at the local level, thus improving living conditions for citizens in municipalities and cities located in mining regions. We talked to Meliha Beširević, coordinator of the BiH SuTra program and Assistant to the Mayor of the Municipality of Breza who is involved in the programme to hear more about their thoughts and ideas for a sustainable transition.

27. June 2024.

Elevating political dialogue in Swedish Almedalen – an inspiration for the rest of Europe

Have you heard of the Almedalen Week in Sweden? “Almedalsveckan - the democratic meeting place for everyone. A magical place for dialogue, exchange and unexpected meetings that help to develop our society. The unique Almedalen spirit is created by openness, accessibility and mutual respect.” This is how Almedalen is officially described on its website.

21. June 2024.

The meeting in the municipality of Ugljevik concluded the second round of consultation events

Today's event in the municipality of Ugljevik successfully finalized the second round of consultation meetings within the BiH SuTra programme, bringing the four local communities of the programme closer to their transition plans.

20. June 2024.

City of Živinice hosted the second consultation meeting on the Transition Plan for sustainable development

Today, the city of Živinice hosted the second consultation meeting within the BiH SuTra programme, as part of the process to develop the Operational Plan for sustainable transition in the city.

19. June 2024.

The second consultation event held in the municipality of Banovići: One step closer to the Transition Plan

Following the consultation event in the municipality of Breza, the second round of consultation meetings within the BiH SuTra programme continued in the municipality of Banovići. During the one-day consultation event, experts from the BiH SuTra programme presented draft goals for the year 2050, along with measures and activities within five development pathways. These development pathways include decarbonization (energy, climate, and sustainable transport), circular economy, reduction of pollution, sustainable agriculture, and protection of nature and biodiversity, and they are aligned with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

19. June 2024.

The second round of BiH SuTra consultation events kicks off: Municipality of Breza hosts the first event

Yesterday marked the beginning of the second round of consultation events within the BiH SuTra programme, with the municipality of Breza hosting the first event. This event, following the previous vision-defining and first consultation meetings, was the third such event in Breza, aimed at engaging a broader group of stakeholders.

14. June 2024.

Exploring foresight for sustainable transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In a recent webinar, we explored foresight—the discipline of systematically exploring and anticipating the future. Harnessing strategic foresight allows us to anticipate future challenges and opportunities, guiding us toward sustainable transitions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

29. May 2024.

Insights on global megatrends shaping Bosnia and Herzegovina´s future

Throughout history people have tried to predict the future - from crystal balls to modern foresight methods and tools. Understanding global megatrends is essential as these long-term driving forces shape economies, businesses, and societies.

15. April 2024.

Pathways for development: Communities shape transition plans

During April 2024, the first round of consultation events took place in four local self-government units: Banovići, Breza, Ugljevik, and Živinice.

15. March 2024.

Invitation to consultation events on development pathways of the Transition Plans

You are hereby invited to planned events for consultation on future Transition Plans

13. March 2024.

Significant Partnership: the Ministry of Economy of the Zenica-Doboj Canton and the BiH SuTra

In light of the productive meeting held on March 12, 2024, between representatives of the Ministry of Economy of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, the Minister of Economy, Samir Šibonjić, and the coordination team of the BiH SuTra project, we are pleased to announce a significant step forward in our efforts towards the sustainable transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

20. February 2024.

Invitation to tender – on-site assistant in four local self-government units in BiH

We are in search of a qualified consultant (Field Officer) to support us as an on-site assistant in four local self-government units in BiH –Breza, Banovici, Ugljevik and Zivinice, as part of the BiH SuTra Programme.

08. February 2024.

Enabling a sustainable transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina – a first meeting

At the very end of January the BiH SuTra programme team organised an important meeting in Sarajevo. It marked the start of developing an operational plan for the sustainable transition of the Local Self-Government Units (LSGUs), i.e. the three municipalities Breza, Banoviće, Ugljevik and the town Živinice.

22. December 2023.

Season’s greetings and a green start to 2024!

The holiday season is upon us!

04. December 2023.

Invitation to Tender – Preparation of Transitional Plans in local self-government units in BiH

We are in search of qualified consultants to support us in the preparation of Transitional Plans in the Municipality of Banovići, Municipality of Breza, Municipality of Ugljevik and City of Zivinice in BiH, as part of the BiH SuTra Programme.

03. November 2023.

Building a better tomorrow: Banovići's vision for a sustainable community

On 1 November, the "Vision 2050" forum unfolded in the Municipality of Banovići, marking the culmination of a series of forums in four pilot local communities – Banovići, Breza, Ugljevik, and Živinice.

02. November 2023.

First BiH SuTra Steering Board meeting sets stage for local community empowerment

The first meeting of the Steering Board of the project component "Supporting the transition of the coal regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina," part of the BiH SuTra programme, was held on 30 October 2023.

19. October 2023.

“Vision 2050”: Živinice's journey from coal to clean energy

After the successful forums held to define “Vision 2050” in the municipalities of Breza and Ugljevik, the third forum took place in the City of Živinice.

17. October 2023.

Shaping the future together: Municipality of Ugljevik's “Vision 2050“

In a significant stride toward a greener, more sustainable future, the Municipality of Ugljevik hosted the "Vision 2050" event on 12 October 2023, as part of the BiH SuTra programme.

16. October 2023.

Engaging the community: Breza municipality's “Vision 2050”

On 11 October 2023, the municipality of Breza hosted a forum to shape the collective "Vision 2050," a pivotal component of the "Sustainable transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH SuTra)" programme.

04. October 2023.

Join us in shaping the future: sustainable transition workshops for Vision 2050 in four communities

The visioning workshops aim to gather representatives from various stakeholder groups within the four coal-rich local self-government units (LSGUs) to create a shared vision for achieving sustainable transition to climate neutrality by 2050.

27. September 2023.

Launching BiH SuTra to foster a sustainable and just transition in BiH

On the 26th of September, during the Sarajevo Energy & Climate Week, a significant step towards a sustainable and greener future for Bosnia and Herzegovina was taken.