The first climate citizens' forum within the EU Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 commenced its work today, 9 May 2025 in Sarajevo. This Mission brought together 80 randomly selected citizens representing communities from Canton Sarajevo, the City of Sarajevo, and the City of East Sarajevo.

Throughout May 2025, this Forum will consider the development of sustainable and equitable solutions for a healthier industry, environmentally friendly transport, and so-called green construction. The primary goal is to explore how pollution can be reduced in a fair manner, while working toward the achievement of climate neutrality. One of the key goals is to reduce the air pollution.

The EU Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030” has the aim of making the wider Sarajevo area one of Europe’s “Net Zero” climate-neutral cities/regions. Sarajevo Functional Urban Area was selected from among 375 applications and is one of only three chosen from the Western Balkans.

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative to BiH, Ambassador Luigi Soreca stated: "The Sarajevo Functional Urban Area is among the most polluted places on the planet during winter period. Its selection for the European Commission's '100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030' initiative is already a significant achievement. That underscores our collective commitment to environment protection and sets a path toward reducing air pollution and achieving net zero emissions. Citizens' recommendations through this Forum will be integrated into the Climate City Contract, which will be submitted to Brussels in June 2025 for official endorsement. Our goal is simple – to transform the Sarajevo Functional Urban Area, fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future for all."

The Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, said: “The first Climate Forum of Sarajevo Citizens, within the Net Zero Cities Mission, is an important step towards meeting the main prerequisites for obtaining the Mission Label and for a more intensive implementation of the Mission’s projects. I fully support this forum, and I hope that the citizens’ voice will be adequately represented in the Mission's action plans.”

“The City of Sarajevo is proud to create space for dialogue with citizens during the process of making recommendations for a sustainable future. The Climate Forum of Sarajevo Citizens is dedicated to the Net Zero Mission and is an important step towards jointly designing concrete solutions in areas such as air pollution, greening, mobility, and energy efficiency. In the fight against climate change, it is essential to listen to and include the voice of the community. This confirms our commitment to transparency, cooperation, and ambitious climate goals. The City of Sarajevo is ready to be a leader of change, together with its citizens,” stated Mayor of Sarajevo, Predrag Puharić.

This initiative is funded by the European Union and it is implemented by NTU International.