Interview with Nermina Suljević, Assistant Mayor of Sarajevo for Sustainable Development, to discuss the city’s progress, challenges and lessons learned
Author: Marko Lonkar, for SALTO Green
As the region of Western Balkans moves closer to the European Union, it is increasingly visible how authorities work on sustainability, climate and everyday quality of life. Across the region, local governments are beginning to align their policies with EU standard turning long-term ambitions into concrete action. Initiatives such as the EU Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030” reflect this change based on cooperation, accountability, and stronger citizen involvement.
In this evolving circumstances, Sarajevo is emerging as a particularly interesting example. Together with East Sarajevo, a neighbouring city from Republika Srpska entity, the city is showing that even in a complex administrative system meaningful cooperation is possible. Their joint approach to climate action goes beyond institutional boundaries and offers practical lessons for other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the Western Balkans, all facing similar challenges on their path toward a greener and more European future.
Sarajevo and East Sarajevo joined the EU Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030”.
What does this commitment mean in practice and how is the Climate City Contract impacting city’s priorities?
Sarajevo decided to apply for the EU Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030” because it offered a unique opportunity to accelerate the city’s sustainable transition through a clear European framework, access to knowledge, partnerships and innovative financing opportunities. For Sarajevo, the Mission was not only about climate goals, but about improving everyday quality of life for citizens through cleaner air, better public transport, more energy-efficient buildings, and greener urban spaces.
Another important reason was the recognition that climate challenges such as air pollution, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility require long-term and coordinated action that goes beyond individual projects. The Mission provided a structured approach that helps connect local priorities with European climate objectives and supports cooperation between institutions, experts, businesses, and citizens.
At the same time, Sarajevo saw the Mission as an opportunity to position itself as a proactive and forward-looking city within the Western Balkans region. The joint application with East Sarajevo also reflected a shared understanding that environmental challenges do not stop at administrative boundaries and that cooperation is essential for building a more resilient and sustainable future.
Joining the EU Mission marked a real shift for Sarajevo, from ambition to implementation. It means that we are no longer only setting goals, but actively working toward becoming a climate-neutral city by 2030 in a structured and measurable way. At the centre of this effort is the Climate City Contract. For us, it is not just a formal requirement, but a shared roadmap that connects Sarajevo and East Sarajevo around common priorities. It helps us align policies, investments, and actions across sectors like energy, mobility, and urban planning. Most importantly, it allows us to focus on what truly matters for citizens: cleaner air, more efficient energy use and better quality of life, while ensuring that all efforts contribute to a long-term climate-neutral future.
Sarajevo organised a Climate Citizens’ Assembly last year, the first of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina. How was this process designed and what made it different from other forms of public consultation?
The Climate Citizens’ Assembly was designed as a deliberative process, which makes it fundamentally different from traditional consultations. Instead of simply asking citizens to comment on existing proposals, we invited them to actively shape solutions. Participants, including many young people, were randomly selected to reflect the diversity of Sarajevo, and they were given access to expert knowledge, time to reflect, and space to discuss among themselves. This created a much deeper level of engagement. What made the biggest difference was the sense of ownership. Citizens were not just expressing opinions, they were co-creating recommendations. This approach builds trust and leads to solutions that are more grounded in real-life experiences.
photo credit @EUBIH
What were the main recommendations that emerged from the Citizens’ Assembly and how are they being reflected in Sarajevo’s Climate City Contract and local action plans?
The recommendations that emerged were both practical and closely connected to everyday life in Sarajevo. Citizens placed strong emphasis on improving air quality, particularly through cleaner and more accessible heating solutions. They also highlighted the importance of reliable public transport, better waste management, and more green and inclusive public spaces. What is especially important is that these recommendations are not staying at the level of ideas.
They are being directly integrated into the Climate City Contract and local action plans. In that sense, the Assembly has become part of a broader shift toward participatory governance, where citizens’ voices are reflected in concrete policies and projects.
Air pollution, especially in winter, remains one of Sarajevo’s toughest challenges. What concrete steps are being taken?
Air pollution remains one of Sarajevo’s most pressing challenges, particularly during winter. However, it is increasingly understood not only as a heating issue, but also as a mobility challenge. A significant part of the response focuses on sustainable urban mobility. Efforts are underway to modernise public transport, making it more reliable, accessible, and attractive. At the same time, the city is promoting cleaner mobility solutions, including low-emission and electric vehicles, as well as improving conditions for walking and cycling.
Sustainable urban mobility is one of the key priorities within Sarajevo’s Climate City Contract as it includes promoting cycling as a healthier and lower-emission mode of transport. The city is working on improving conditions for cyclists through the gradual development of safer and better-connected cycling infrastructure as well as integrating cycling into broader mobility planning.
The objectives are linked not only to reducing transport emissions, but also to improving air quality, reducing congestion, and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Alongside cycling paths, the broader goal is to create a more accessible and people-oriented urban environment that supports walking, public transport, and other sustainable mobility options.
Reducing traffic congestion and emissions from transport can significantly improve air quality, especially in dense urban areas. These efforts are closely linked with measures in the energy sector, reflecting a more integrated approach that connects mobility, urban planning, and environmental policy. Ensuring that this transition remains fair is equally important. Sustainable options must be accessible and affordable for all citizens.
Collaboration between Sarajevo and East Sarajevo is unique[1]. How was this achieved?
Cooperation between Sarajevo and East Sarajevo has proven to be not only essential, but exemplary. While environmental challenges naturally require joint action, what has been built goes beyond necessity and reflects a genuine partnership. This cooperation is based on mutual trust, open communication, and a shared vision for the future. It has been developed gradually through continuous dialogue and transparency. The Climate City Contract has further strengthened this relationship by providing a common framework that aligns priorities and actions. Today, this partnership stands as a strong example of how cities can successfully coordinate climate action even within complex governance systems.
How are young people involved in Sarajevo’s climate-neutral initiatives?
Young people bring a particularly important perspective because they tend to approach climate issues not only as environmental challenges, but also as questions of quality of life, social fairness, and future opportunities. In discussions, they often emphasize topics such as sustainable mobility, greener public spaces, mental and physical well-being, digital innovation, and the need for faster and more transparent institutional action.
They also bring a stronger focus on participation and community-driven solutions. Through initiatives like the Climate Citizens’ Assembly and local awareness campaigns, young people contributed ideas that were practical, citizen-oriented, and closely connected to everyday urban life. Their involvement helps ensure that climate policies are not designed only from an institutional perspective, but also reflect the needs and expectations of future generations.
What can other cities in the region learn from Sarajevo’s experience?
One of the key lessons is that meaningful change starts with people. Engaging citizens early leads to better solutions and stronger institutional trust. Partnerships are equally important, across institutions, sectors, and cities. Climate neutrality cannot be achieved in isolation, especially in complex governance contexts. Finally, it is crucial not to wait for perfect conditions. Starting with small, concrete actions can build momentum and lead to more ambitious transformations over time.
What should citizens expect by the end of this decade?
By 2030, the goal is for citizens to experience tangible improvements in daily life: cleaner air, more reliable public transport, greener public spaces, and more energy-efficient homes. Beyond these visible changes, there is also an ambition for a deeper societal impact, greater trust in institutions, a sense of pride, and a feeling of shared ownership of the city’s transformation. Ultimately, becoming a climate-neutral city is not only about reducing emissions. It is about creating a healthier, fairer, and more liveable Sarajevo for everyone.
Watcht the racep of this assembly consultation:
[1] Bosnia and Herzegovina is administratively divided into two main entities—the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska—established under the Dayton Peace Agreement. Sarajevo and East Sarajevo belong to different entities, each with distinct governance structures, making direct and sustained intercity cooperation relatively uncommon.