At the University of Sarajevo – School of Economics and Business, the First Green Taxonomy in Bosnia and Herzegovina Presented: A Roadmap Towards a Sustainable Future

Sarajevo, June 9, 2025 – The University of Sarajevo - School of Economics and Business, today hosted the official launch of the publication “Green Taxonomy – Guidelines for a Sustainable Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, the first of its kind in the country. The event gathered representatives of the academic community, institutions, international organizations, the private sector, and students, reaffirming the importance of the green transition and the role of knowledge in that process.

The promotion was opened by the Dean of the School of Economics and Business, Prof. Dr. Meliha Bašić, who emphasized that the publication is the result of years of research and the dedication of a team of experts gathered around the School, as well as an expression of institutional responsibility and commitment to sustainable development. "The Green Taxonomy is not just a technical document – it is a clear and structured proposal for classifying what truly contributes to sustainability, climate change mitigation, and economic transformation towards green models," stated Dean Bašić in her opening remarks.

The audience was then addressed by Prof. Dr. Amila Pilav-Velić, project lead and one of the authors of the publication. She highlighted that this is not a conventional document, but rather a strategic tool that allows for clearer identification and direction of economic activities contributing to environmental protection and sustainability. "This publication is the result of two years of research conducted with the support of the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of Sarajevo Canton. It reflects the work of an interdisciplinary and dedicated team whose contribution is not only academic but also strategically important for aligning BiH with EU standards and attracting green investments," Pilav-Velić emphasized.

The publication was peer-reviewed by renowned experts, including Prof. Dr. Azra Hadžiahmetović, Professor Emeritus of the School, who underlined the document’s deep relevance, its mobilizing role, and its concrete recommendations for responsible institutions. "This taxonomy represents a clear guide and a tool that leaves no room for avoiding responsibility when it comes to the implementation of the green agenda. BiH must understand that without a green economy, it will not be able to build a competitive future," said Hadžiahmetović.

The central part of the event was a panel discussion on the significance of the Green Taxonomy, moderated by Prof. Dr. Amila Pilav-Velić. Panel participants included:

  • Dr. Admir Softić, Assistant Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH
  • Dr. Aldin Međedović, UNDP BiH Representative
  • Vesna Paćuka, Chief Integrated Risk Officer of the Central Bank of BiH
  • Vanja Cico, Representative of Finance in Motion

Panelists discussed the practical application of the taxonomy in the context of investment flows, regulation, and the financial sector, with reflections on institutional challenges and the necessity of coordinated action between the public and private sectors.

The event concluded with a call for joint action, further education, and the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the publication. It was also announced that educational modules in green finance, ESG standards, and sustainability will be developed as part of the School’s teaching and research activities.

On this occasion, all attendees signed the Green Charter, expressing their readiness to contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s green transition.

The Green Taxonomy is now publicly available. The author team – Prof. Dr. Amila Pilav-Velić, Prof. Dr. Jasmina Mangafić, Prof. Dr. Hatidža Jahić, Assistant Professor Dr. Anes Hrnjić, and MSc holders Nejra Hadžiahmetović and Amila Bijedić – emphasized that this document is just the first step toward systemic change and the building of a sustainable, resilient, and competitive economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

University of Sarajevo – School of Economics and Business