A sub-regional meeting on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the Western Balkans, within the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2023, was held in New York.
During the meeting, representatives of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia gathered to present an overview of progress in the implementation of Agenda 2030 in their countries.
They discussed the challenges they face and shared good practices in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting was moderated by the Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations, Zlatko Lagumdžija, who emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and common goals in achieving the SDGs.
He emphasized the importance of working together to overcome challenges and achieve visible progress in sustainable development.
“By harmonizing the SDGs and the EU agenda in certain targeted areas, the region can improve regional cooperation and achieve joint progress, open up new opportunities and develop the economic and health community of the Western Balkans, including them in the corresponding EU integrative processes,” said Lagumdžija.
Another key aspect that Lagumdžija dealt with is the importance of harmonizing the European Green Agreement and the Green Agenda of the Western Balkans under one common framework.
“This approach ensures that the European Green Deal remains inclusive and responsive to the unique needs and priorities of the Western Balkans, preventing it from becoming just an EU Green Deal,” he pointed out.
Lagumdžija also emphasized the ongoing digital transformation within the EU and emphasized the necessity of integrating the digital transformation efforts of the Western Balkans into this process.
“Such integration provides a potential solution to the problem of brain drain, which is a current challenge the region is facing. This convergence of digital strategies not only solves the problem of brain drain but also positions the region as an attractive center for professional talents and innovative initiatives,” he said.
Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Ivana Živković, emphasized the importance of the SDG summit and the need for greater engagement with international financial institutions.
She also indicated that, although there has been some positive progress, global data indicate the need to accelerate progress in several SDGs in the Western Balkans.
“The UNDP is committed to helping the region in researching opportunities and achieving sustainable development,” she said.
Co-Chairman of the SDG Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Miloš Prica, emphasized the efforts in supporting regional cooperation through regular meetings and working groups throughout the year.
However, he expressed concern about the negative effects of the war in Ukraine and the consequences of the pandemic.
“Brain drain has become a major issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which requires more attention both at the state level and at the subregional level,” he said.
Representatives of North Macedonia and Serbia also shared their perspectives during the meeting.
They discussed challenges related to the rule of law, gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region.
They also emphasized the geopolitical impact of the war in Ukraine and external influences.
In his concluding remarks, Lagumdžija expressed optimism regarding the possibility of further expansion of regional cooperation and joint work on accelerating the SDGs in the Western Balkans.
He highlighted the need for joint efforts and initiatives to achieve short-term goals in selected areas such as trade, health, green and digital transformation, in addition to long-term goals.
The meeting ended with a joint commitment to support sustainable development in the region and to face challenges through collective action.
The countries of the Western Balkans recognize the importance and potential of implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an opportunity to significantly improve the social, environmental and economic aspects of life in the region.
Sustainable development is basically the policy of the European Union and its members.
All the countries of the Western Balkans aspire to become members of the European Union. The SDGs and Agenda 2030 should serve as a platform for reforms for every country in the region and create synergy with the process of integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, the organizers said.
