The of presentation of the “Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2020-2030” was held today in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The NDC is related to the commitment pertaining to fulfilling the Paris Climate Agreement from 2015, when world leaders jointly agreed to improve climate actions in order to limit the global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The updated NDC for BiH includes a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33.2% by 2030 and nearly 66% by 2050 compared to 1990.

The ministers, members of the parliament and representatives of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina attended the event.

Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Green Club, Saša Magazinović, pointed out that in his capacity of the opposition's MP he would like to congratulate the BiH Council of Ministers on the adoption of such an important document, and he stated that he was glad that thanks to the joint work it was achieved that the green policies, environmental protection and the fight against climate change have finally entered the BiH Parliamentary Assembly.

Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Staša Košarac said that climate change is one of the greatest challenges that humanity is facing, and that Bosnia and Herzegovina understands the importance thereof, and it is making every effort to contribute to the global fight against it. He called on all local decision makers, as well as partners from the international community, to provide help along the way.

Dr Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, recalled the remark of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres that the next ten years are our final chance to avert climate catastrophe, and that 2021 is therefore a turning point. She pointed out that the United Nations is fully committed to strengthening support to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the implementation of climate action.

Steliana Nedera, UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed her satisfaction with the organization of such a gathering, which brought together key decision makers committed to combating climate change. She called for stronger actions and partnerships in reducing CO₂ emissions, and expressed the readiness of UNDP to continue to provide support, together with donors, local institutions in the implementation of planned activities.

The FBiH Minister of Environment and Tourism, Edita Đapo, pointed out that she was pleased for the opportunity to discuss the “Nationally Determined Contribution of Bosnia and Herzegovina” because climate change is threatening sustainable development. To fight against this plague, we need quick and courageous political decisions, Minister Đapo emphasized.

The Minister of Physical Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology of Republika Srpska, Srebrenka Golić, said that the key challenge was to use the transition to a low-carbon economy in achieving the goals of rapidly improving the economic situation and social equality, and she emphasized that every day should be a day of fighting for environmental protection.

The British Ambassador to BiH, Matt Field, reminded that this year the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 is being held, hosted by the United Kingdom and Italy. He expressed hope that, after the Paris Agreement, it would be a turning point in an even more ambitious effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the journey to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century. He reminded that the British Embassy continues to support BiH and that they are ready to share their significant experience in this field.

Italian Deputy Ambassador Matteo Evangelista congratulated Bosnia and Herzegovina on submitting an updated and more ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution. He expressed  satisfaction that the ministers agreed that a greater commitment to the issue of climate change is needed, and he emphasized that this issue is also important on the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Ambassador of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johanna Strömquist, said that no country can cope with climate change alone, and that it is necessary to use this moment to continue to work actively in order to meet the goals. She also reminded that Sweden would continue to provide support in the field of environmental protection, energy efficiency and civil society.