Krišto at COP28 in Dubai: Only together, as a global community, can we achieve significant changes and preserve our planet

(Patria) - Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto addressed participants of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai today, as part of the High-Level Segment.

At the beginning of her address, Krišto said that the Climate Change Conference is taking place at a crucial moment in human history because climate change is not just an issue for certain parts of the world but represents a global threat that requires urgent, coordinated, and decisive action. She emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina shares the commitment to transitioning to a sustainable future, and due to the seriousness of the current situation and the challenges ahead of us all, readiness to participate in the global fight to preserve our planet.

She stressed our country's determination to achieve changes that will guide us towards a sustainable tomorrow and added that our efforts in the fight against climate change are unreserved and permeate all spheres of our society.

„We are committed to transitioning to renewable energy sources, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. The transition to renewable energy sources is not only an imperative but also a unique opportunity to build a more sustainable, economically stable, and environmentally conscious BiH society,“ said Chairwoman Krišto.

She particularly emphasized that through investment in renewable energy technology and fostering innovation, Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to be a partner in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. She stressed unreserved support for all global initiatives and efforts aimed at sustainability and environmental protection, and that we support and follow the guidelines and recommendations arising from United Nations initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement on climate change.

„We are establishing and implementing the concept of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as a strategy for aligning the environmental policies of the Western Balkan countries with the European Green Deal and transitioning to a sustainable economy, i.e., implementing its five pillars: decarbonization, circular economy, reducing pollution of environmental components, sustainable rural areas, and protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems, through the implementation of measures envisaged by the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Sofia Declaration,“ emphasized Chairwoman Krišto.

She added that cooperation, exchange of knowledge and technologies, and support from the international community are needed to achieve the goals of the Green Agenda. She stressed Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to more active involvement in global efforts to preserve the climate through cooperation with other countries, and sharing positive experiences and resources to achieve a common goal.

„Bosnia and Herzegovina responsibly joins the Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action, which represents an important step towards a global partnership that is key to facing the challenges brought by climate change. As a responsible member of the international community, we recognize the urgency of the need for joint action to preserve our planet. By joining the Emirates Declaration, we send a strong message of solidarity and shared responsibility towards preserving our planet. We also call on all other countries to follow our example and join this global effort to together create a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous society for all,“ said the Chairwoman.

Krišto, on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, confirmed the commitment, readiness, and desire for active cooperation in the fight against climate change.

"I believe that only together, as a global community, can we achieve significant changes and preserve our planet for our future," she said in conclusion.