Forum "Vision 2050" held in the municipality of Ugljevik: Shared vision for a brighter future

The municipality of Ugljevik successfully hosted the forum "Vision 2050," a significant event under the "Sustainable Transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH SuTra)" programme. Following the footsteps of the municipality of Breza, Ugljevik welcomed representatives from various sectors, including government officials, non-governmental organizations, private sector, and media outlets. Together, they participated in a collaborative and visual exercise to identify the challenges faced by the municipality and collectively envision the future.

The event, organized within the framework of the BiH SuTra programme, emphasized the pivotal role of citizen participation in defining the municipality’s future. Through a participatory approach, attendees explored solutions to pressing questions: "Where do we want to be, and how do we want to live in the future?"

Vanja Zekić, Deputy Mayor of Ugljevik municipality, expressed the municipality's unique challenges and hopes for the future, stating, "We live in a municipality rich in coal, which is vital for our community's livelihood. However, we face ecological concerns related to pollution and the eventual depletion of our coal reserves. The BiH SuTra programme aims to offer innovative ideas to ensure a sustainable and prosperous life for our citizens in the years to come."

The "Vision 2050" initiative marks the inaugural programme activity following the official launch of the BiH SuTra programme in September 2023. This programme unites four pilot municipalities/cities, namely Banovići, Breza, Ugljevik, and Živinice, along with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Embassy of Sweden in BiH (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency - Sida).

Ugljevik municipality advocates for inclusivity and active citizen participation. An ongoing online survey enables all interested parties to contribute their vision fostering community engagement and shaping the region's future collectively.

Suggestions, comments, and additions gathered from both the forum and the online survey will be integrated into the "Vision 2050." This dynamic document will encapsulate diverse community perspectives and serve as the foundation for the municipality of Ugljevik's Transition plan, . The plan will outline specific measures, activities, and funding sources for proposed initiatives, with BiH SuTra providing support for their implementation over the next eighteen months.

Looking ahead, similar forums to define the joint vision "Vision 2050" are scheduled in two more programme municipalities/cities: Živinice (October 17, 2023) and Banovići (November 1, 2023).

More about the BiH SuTra programme

BiH SuTra encourages a local, bottom-up approach to create transition plans and implement comprehensive transition policies in coal regions throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. The overarching goal is to support BiH's just transition to a decarbonized and environmentally sustainable future, aligning with other development priorities. BiH SuTra will empower stakeholders to identify and implement emission-reduction strategies, promote innovative technologies and behaviours, and develop ambitious yet attainable policies.

Banovići, Breza, Ugljevik and Živinice, four local self-government units are pilot areas in the programme, with a total population of approximately 105 000 residents. These units will serve as an inspiration and model for other coal regions in BiH.

The programme is funded by Sweden and implemented by the globally renowned environmental think tank, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI).