Deadline: 20-Jul-2026
The SDG2030BiH Programme is a UN-led initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina that supports local governments in strengthening governance systems and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides expert and technical assistance in areas such as strategic planning, public finance management, SDG localization, and development project implementation. Up to 25 local governments will be selected under different support packages based on their capacity and development needs.
What is the SDG2030BiH Programme?
The “Advancing Agenda 2030 Through Governance and Sustainable Growth – SDG2030BiH” Programme is a development initiative designed to help local governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina align with and implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is a joint programme led by:
- United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Government of Sweden (funding partner)
- UNDP, ILO, IOM, and UNICEF (implementing agencies)
- Coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Programme Objectives
The SDG2030BiH Programme aims to:
- Strengthen local governance systems
- Accelerate SDG implementation at the local level
- Improve strategic planning and public administration
- Enhance sustainable development capacity
- Support institutional reform readiness
- Improve efficiency in public service delivery
Key Areas of Support
The programme provides technical and expert assistance in multiple governance and development areas:
SDG Localization and Strategic Planning
- Integration of SDGs into local development strategies
- Development of planning frameworks aligned with Agenda 2030
- Monitoring and reporting on SDG progress
Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs)
- Preparation of local SDG progress reports
- Data collection and reporting systems
- Alignment with global SDG reporting standards
Public Finance and Budgeting
- Programme-based budgeting systems
- Improved public financial management
- Transparent and efficient budget planning
Grant and Project Management
- Strengthening grant administration systems
- Improving large-scale development project management
- Enhancing implementation efficiency
Public Asset Management
- Better management of public property
- Efficient use of municipal assets
- Asset tracking and governance systems
Urban Development and Transformation
- Urban planning and transformation initiatives
- Sustainable city development projects
- Infrastructure modernization support
Social Services Strengthening
- Improved delivery of social services
- Strengthening local welfare systems
- Enhancing service accessibility for vulnerable groups
Institutional Capacity Building
- Governance reforms and institutional readiness
- Training for development project management
- Administrative system strengthening
Programme Structure
The SDG2030BiH Programme supports selected municipalities through tailored assistance packages based on their development level and needs.
Support Packages
Up to 25 local governments will be selected under three categories:
1. Mentor Local Governments – SDG Pioneers
- Advanced municipalities leading SDG implementation
- Serve as models for best practices
- Receive high-level technical support
2. Local Governments with Strong Development Potential
- Municipalities with existing capacity and systems
- Supported to accelerate SDG integration
- Focus on scaling development performance
3. Underdeveloped Local Governments
- Municipalities with limited capacity
- Receive foundational governance and planning support
- Focus on institutional strengthening and basic systems
Selection Criteria
Local governments are assessed based on:
- Strategic planning capacity
- Degree of SDG integration
- Public finance management systems
- Development project management capacity
- Public asset management systems
- Institutional readiness for reforms
- Overall governance performance
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Local governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be officially recognized municipal or local government authorities
- Demonstrate willingness to engage in governance reforms
- Participate in capacity-building and technical assistance programmes
Who is NOT Eligible?
Not eligible:
- Non-governmental organizations
- Private sector entities
- National-level institutions (unless specified otherwise)
- Entities outside Bosnia and Herzegovina
Programme Implementation Approach
The SDG2030BiH Programme follows a demand-driven technical assistance model:
- Local governments are selected based on needs and capacity
- Support is tailored to specific governance gaps
- Emphasis is placed on long-term institutional strengthening
- Collaboration between UN agencies and municipalities is central
Why This Programme Matters
The SDG2030BiH Programme plays a key role in:
- Localizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Strengthening governance and institutional systems
- Improving transparency and public financial management
- Enhancing service delivery at the municipal level
- Supporting sustainable urban and rural development
- Building resilient and inclusive local institutions
It ensures that global development goals are implemented at the community level through strong local governance.
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Application Submission
- Local governments apply through the public call
- Provide details on governance capacity and development needs
Step 2: Assessment and Selection
- Evaluation based on technical and governance criteria
- Categorization into one of three support packages
Step 3: Assignment of Support Package
- Tailored assistance plan developed for each municipality
- Matching of technical support to needs
Step 4: Implementation of Support
- Delivery of training, advisory services, and technical tools
- Support for planning, budgeting, and SDG integration
Step 5: Monitoring and Progress Review
- Continuous tracking of governance improvements
- Evaluation of SDG localization progress
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak demonstration of governance capacity gaps
- Lack of commitment to SDG integration
- Incomplete application data
- Not aligning with eligibility requirements
- Overlooking public finance or planning system requirements
- Failing to show readiness for reform implementation
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate current governance challenges
- Show commitment to SDG localization (Agenda 2030)
- Highlight readiness for institutional reforms
- Provide data on budgeting and planning systems
- Emphasize long-term development vision
- Align application with one of the three support packages
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the SDG2030BiH Programme?
Only local governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. How many local governments will be selected?
Up to 25 municipalities.
3. What is the main goal of the programme?
To strengthen governance systems and accelerate SDG implementation.
4. Who implements the programme?
UNDP, ILO, IOM, and UNICEF under UN coordination in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
5. What kind of support is provided?
Technical assistance in governance, budgeting, SDG planning, and public services.
6. Are there different categories of support?
Yes, three categories based on local government capacity.
7. What framework guides the programme?
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030).
Conclusion
The SDG2030BiH Programme is a strategic governance and development initiative that supports local governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through tailored technical assistance and capacity-building support, it strengthens planning systems, public finance management, and institutional readiness, enabling municipalities to deliver more effective, transparent, and sustainable development outcomes.
For more information, visit UNDP.