On February 26, 2025, conference “World in 2025” was held in Sarajevo, organized by Color Media Communications, with institutional cooperation with the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CBBH), and with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the University of Sarajevo School of Economics and Business. The conference brought together leading economic experts, businessmen and holders of the highest public offices, as well as representatives of the diplomatic core in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The conference is one of the oldest conferences of the Color Media Communications company and has already become recognizable in the countries of the region as an event that, with its discussions on the business, political and social environment, contributes to a better understanding of the challenges facing the economies of Bosnia and Herzegovina and offers certain recommendations in this regard.
Opening the conference, the Governor of the CBBH, Jasmina Selimović, Ph.D. emphasized that we are currently facing one of the most challenging geopolitical situations in the world, and that as a small and open economy, Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be isolated from global changes.
“Our connection with the European Union is gaining additional importance, especially after obtaining candidate status, while we await the date for the start of negotiations. In such circumstances, the key question today is not only what awaits us, but how we will adapt to the changes that lie ahead,” said Governor Selimović, emphasizing that there is increasing talk of agile organizations that quickly and efficiently adapt to changes in their environment – economic, political or technological, focus on cooperation, continuous improvement and processes that enable constant development and improvement. They often rely on technology and data to make quick and informed decisions.
“If we take into account our context in which uncertainty and changes have been constant for years, it becomes clear that the only right direction is to strengthen internal capacities. And not only in the Central Bank of BH, but also at the level of the entire country. Therefore, the question that we all have to answer is how agile Bosnia and Herzegovina is and how ready we are to adapt to the future ahead of us,” said the Governor.
On this occasion, she emphasized that the CBBH, through its strategic plan, with four key priorities, has clearly laid the foundations for agile operations.
“The traditional role of every central bank is to preserve monetary and financial stability, but we are going a step further – focusing on the modernization of business processes, investing in human resources and retaining talents, as well as strengthening international cooperation. These four priorities can easily be reflected in the broader picture of Bosnia and Herzegovina: the stability of the country, investing in talent, modernization of the economy and strengthening international ties”, added Governor Selimović, concluding that our task is not to passively wait for changes, but to welcome them being ready.
Addressing the participants of the conference, the Head of the European Union Delegation to BiH, H.E. Luigi Soreca, pointed out the fact that the digital revolution that transformed industry took place to a large extent in Europe, and that the European Commission has launched a strategic framework that will guide the European path in the next five years. This is not just a policy document coming from Brussels, but also a call to action, for Europe’s transformation as a global leader in innovation and sustainability, said Ambassador Soreca. He added that BH, in order to face the challenges, must improve and accelerate its reform Agenda.
H.E. Julian Reilly, British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointed out that the world in 2025 is the world is on the move, economic development has stopped, and the climate crisis needs to be addressed. “The Agenda of this conference is clear, economic development must be at the heart of every economic discussion in BH and the region”, was pointed out by Ambassador Reilly, emphasizing the importance of issues such as digitalization, automation and strengthening the green transition, and adding that the Western Balkans will integrate into the European economy and that BH needs to be able to create a simple, clear, predictable legislative framework to retain foreign investment.
Mr. Robert Čoban, Director of Color Media Communications focused on global challenges and unpredictable situations, emphasizing that each time when the conference “The World in…” was organized, it was followed by global challenges and unpredictable situations.
Professor at the University of Sarajevo School of Economics and Business Amila Pilav Velić, Ph.D. held the presentation “Business Pulse 2025: How to achieve sustainable growth” in which she presented the results of a business survey aimed at assessing the business environment in BH, as well as the perceptions and experiences of companies from all over BH regarding the political and regulatory framework, business environment, macroeconomic conditions, foreign investments, export, fiscal and parafiscal burdens, access to sources of financing, anti-corruption measures and the labor market.
The first panel, entitled “Stop the Earth, I’m Getting off: Where is this world going”, brought together diplomats and ambassadors who presented their views on geopolitical developments and their impact on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The panel participants were, H.E. Julian Reilly, British Ambassador to BiH, H.E. Thomas Fitschen, German Ambassador to BiH, H.E. François Delmas, French Ambassador to BiH, H.E. Gabriele Derighetti, Swiss Ambassador to BiH, Sara Lindegren, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden. The conclusions of this panel emphasized that the world is in a state of constant and rapid change, and that Bosnia and Herzegovina must develop resilience and capacities for proactive action, instead of passively reacting to global trends.
During the second panel entitled “Money Never Sleeps: Green Financing – European Trends and Priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, experts from the financial sector discussed sustainable financing as a key factor in future economic development. The participants were Marko Vidaković, Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mejra Juzbašić-Bajgorić, Regional Director of Finance in Motion for Southeast Europe, Michele Castoro, President of the Management Board of Intesa Sanpaolo Banka BiH, Edis Ražanica, Director of the Association of Banks of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On this occasion, Vice Governor Marko Vidaković emphasized that in the past year the CBBH has become an active member of two internationally recognized networks – the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) and the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN).
“Membership in these networks will enable the improvement of business standards in the field of central banking through the application of best practices in the international environment, with the aim of preserving the environment and reducing climate risks, which is one of the greatest challenges of today,” emphasized Vidaković. He also added that the CBBH has started investing in green bonds, thereby actively contributing to sustainable financial flows and helping to transition to more environmentally responsible investments. These steps are key in positioning BH in line with European and global trends in the field of sustainable financing. The conclusions pointed to the growing importance of green investments and financial mechanisms that support sustainable development, emphasizing the need for better integration of BH into European green financing flows.
Through these panels, it became clear that the future cannot wait – it must be built through strategic planning, investment in resources and strengthening resilience to global challenges. The conference concluded with the panel “Brave New World: Digitalization – a Project of the Future”, which was addressed by Nihad Salkić, CEO of ORKA, and Robert Čoban, CEO of Color Media Communications. The panel emphasized that digitalization is an indispensable segment of the development of modern economies, especially in the context of BH. It was emphasized that the future belongs to those who manage to use technology to improve business processes, more efficient communication and improve the quality of life of citizens.