Overview
The “Building a Sustainable Future: ESG Business Handbook” is a comprehensive resource designed to guide businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) toward sustainability. Tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it offers practical strategies for implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and in partnership with the AIRE Centre, the handbook is a cornerstone for advancing responsible business practices in the region.
Challenge
Businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina, like those in other countries bordering the European Union, face a critical need to align with EU sustainability regulations. These include the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which aim to ensure fair competition, foster responsible practices, and enhance supply chain transparency. However, many SMEs in BiH face barriers such as limited knowledge, insufficient resources, and a lack of tools for compliance. Without adaptation, they risk trade barriers, reduced competitiveness, and exclusion from EU market opportunities. Accessible guidance and practical solutions are urgently needed to address these challenges.
Approach
The handbook is a practical, user-friendly guide that equips businesses with the tools and knowledge to adopt ESG practices effectively. It provides step-by-step frameworks, performance assessment methodologies, and case studies of pioneering companies. By breaking down the complexities of ESG integration, the handbook empowers businesses to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for sustainability-driven growth.
Impact
The ESG Handbook was introduced at the conference, “The Future of Sustainable Business in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans — ESG Standards and Gender Equality,” co-organized by the AIRE Centre, Sustineri Partners, and UNDP BiH in Sarajevo. This event brought together leaders from government, the private sector, and civil society to discuss sustainable development, ESG practices, and gender equality. Since its release, the handbook has been widely praised for its accessible design and actionable insights, significantly raising awareness among SMEs about the benefits of sustainability. By fostering a culture of responsibility and inclusivity, the handbook is paving the way for enhanced corporate accountability and sustainable development in the region.
Team tags
Biljana Braithwaite
Nevena Kostic
Amina Hujdur
Aleksandra Njagulj
