13.11.2025.
The Director of the Fund, Luka Balen, participated in the third international conference “Let's Build a Sustainable BiH”, which took place in Mostar. The conference is organised by the International Academy of Sustainable Development in partnership with the Government of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNC) and their Environmental Protection Fund.In his introductory address, director Balen emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. "Today's gathering is not only an opportunity to exchange experiences, but also an opportunity to confirm our common commitment to values that transcend borders - environmental protection, responsible development and a green future. Sustainable development and environment protection are no longer the topics of the future; they are the facts of the present. That’s why the Government of the Republic of Croatia and sectoral authorities have set environmental protection as a strategic determinant of all sectoral policies through strategies and action plans," said Balen. He also referred to the international programmes implemented by the Fund. "I am extremely pleased that this summer, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, we signed contracts worth 4 million euros for the implementation of 16 projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These mainly refer to the energy renovation of buildings, the use of renewable energy sources, and the development of climate neutrality action plans. It is an exemplar of successful cross-border cooperation and a roadmap for further joint projects in the field of green transition," said Balen.
In her address, Ana Buljubašić, director of the Environmental Protection Fund of the HNC, emphasised that Bosnia and Herzegovina must respond more strongly to the challenges of climate change, the loss of natural resources and the growing environmental debt. "If we take into account the climate change challenge and the ecological footprint we’re leaving on the planet, it is clear that we’re already indebted to the generations to come. Sustainable development should be a platform that ensures the future of our children," she said. She added that the conference wanted to show how large companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina apply the principles of sustainable development, how waste can be managed more efficiently, and how to improve the natural areas protection system.
The conference was ceremonially opened by Dragan Čović, the President of the Croatian National Assembly of BiH, emphasising the importance of joint reflection on the future of the country and building a sustainable society. "We should learn not only to do the right things, but do the right things in the right way," he said, stressing that the two concepts were often regarded separately, although they were equally important for progress. He concluded that it was crucial to find a balance between green and digital development so that Bosnia and Herzegovina could build a sustainable future.
This year's conference brought together representatives of the legislative and executive authorities, the academic and professional community, international organisations and businessmen from BiH and the region. Over the course of three days and eight thematic sessions, more than 40 experts and scientists presented current experiences and best practices in the implementation of SDGs, with special emphasis on cross-border environmental challenges and project financing opportunities through the B2B format. Apart from the director of the Fund, who also participated in the panel on sustainable development and environmental management policies, project manager Irena Hrković also gave a presentation on waste management in the Republic of Croatia. Hrković especially referred to the role of the Fund and projects that are co-financed by local self-government units. She pointed out that in recent years, Croatia had made significant progress in establishing a comprehensive waste management system, increased the share of separate collection and recycling, reduced the amount of waste at landfills, and encouraged the development of the circular economy.
Saša Pupovac, who participated in the panel on the challenges of waste management for Bosnian utility companies, emphasised the importance of continuous education: "Information and education campaigns on waste management are an essential tool for the functioning of any local and national waste management system. Without sufficiently informed citizens who know how to properly separate waste and why separating it is important, even the best infrastructure will not be properly and optimally utilised," said Pupovac.
Mostar, 12 November 2025
