GIZ Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro

The panel on Gender Dynamics in the Energy Sector, moderated by Rodon Miraj at the Second Power Regional Exchange, brought together notable voices from the Western Balkans. The topic drew significant attention and sparked discussions on gender equality in the green transition. Panellists included Krenar Bujupi from Expertise France, Arijeta Pajaziti Qerimi representing the Association of Women in the Energy Sector of Kosovo AWESK Kosovo, Melina Kalem from CETEOR, and Yuliana Onishchuk of the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation. They explored the critical challenges for women and vulnerable communities as the Western Balkans moves away from coal. The discussion focused on the economic risks for communities deeply rooted in coal, including low-income households, rural populations, and marginalised groups, particularly women. Job losses in coal can lead to poverty and social isolation, especially for women in vulnerable households facing energy poverty. Moreover, barriers such as cultural stereotypes and the lack of access to STEM education limit women’s participation in technical and leadership roles within the sector. Panelists recommended reskilling initiatives for coal sector workers, support for women entrepreneurs, and legal protections to foster a fair transition. International comparisons, like women-led energy cooperatives in Greece, showcased how targeted support can economically empower women. Looking forward, scholarships and legislative support for young women in STEM aim to boost women’s roles in renewables, from solar to wind energy, creating an inclusive future in the energy sector. The exchange, in the framework of Green Agenda: Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Government, underscored the importance of gender equity and representation in building a resilient, inclusive energy sector in the Western Balkans. 💚⚡Nicolas Heger

📢 We present the program "Sustainable Economic Development and Employment Promotion (SEDEP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina", co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Government of Switzerland. Key goals of the program include: 💼 Job Creation in the Green Economy: By promoting innovation in green technologies, SEDEP is unlocking new employment opportunities that benefit both the economy and the environment 🌱 Supporting the Private Sector: SEDEP supports the transition of businesses toward sustainable practices, enhancing their resilience and competitiveness in a digitalized world 👩🏫 Vocational Education and Training (VET): Through partnerships with schools and relevant institutions, SEDEP prepares young people with skills needed for the modern job market, including hands-on experience directly applicable in fields like digital and green industries. 💚🌍 ♻ We are building green and digital sociaty ! Jens Elsner #SustainableDevelopment #GreenEconomy #DigitalEconomy #GIZPartnerships

🚀 We concluded the first day of our second Regional Power Exchange with an inspiring visit to Terna! 🌊🌍 The "Energy Bridge" seamlessly connects Cepagatti in Pescara Province with Lastva in Kotor Municipality. This 445-kilometre subsea and underground cable showcases engineering excellence on an international scale, representing cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions in energy infrastructure. ⚙️💡 This year’s Power Exchange happens in Montenegro, uniting industry leaders, regulators, and international experts to address the critical issues in greening the Western Balkans' power grids. The agenda was packed with insightful sessions and dynamic discussions. 💬🔋 Following a presentation of our project achievements by Nicolas Heger, Charles Esser, Secretary General of E.DSO, delivered a compelling keynote on enhancing grid flexibility, underscoring the vital role of DSOs and long-term investment. 🔑 The European Commission’s Grids Action Plan highlights the renewable targets that have made grid modernisation a top policy priority! 🌱 Our expert panel—featuring Nermin Suljanovic, Dr. Michael Heihsel TransnetBW GmbH, Jaromir Simon BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e.V., and Simon Martz KfW—examined the energy transition's progress in the region, emphasizing the importance of regional and cross-sectoral collaboration. 🤝🌐 Participants were later divided into four specialized Working Groups to dive deep into support requests submitted by attendees, advancing practical solutions. Stay tuned as we continue building a greener, interconnected power sector! 🌍⚡️and have a look at the Western Balkans Power Sector Knowledge Hub on Energypedia to explore and discuss current topics in the power sector. Discover valuable resources and connect with professionals across the region to drive sustainable change! 🌍💪 🔗 Follow the Hub here: https://lnkd.in/dXqVd3Yc  💼 Join the LinkedIn group for updates: https://lnkd.in/dGK2uGJ4 The Regional Power Exchange is part of the Green Agenda: Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Government. #RegionalClimatePartnership 

🌍✨ Empowering E-commerce in the Western Balkans! We are committed to strengthening private sector associations in e-commerce by fostering structured public-private dialogue. Our recent study visit to the CEFTA - Central European Free Trade Agreement Secretariat, Ecommerce Europe, and Euro Commerce included insightful presentations on the Digital Services Act by the European Commission. This collaboration provides vital knowledge and EU expertise, enabling the private sector to play a pivotal role in shaping laws and regulations that create a more productive environment for e-commerce. Together, we are building a thriving digital economy in the region! 🚀💼 This visit is supported by ORF FT, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Vartan Surmejan Aida Bejtula #Ecommerce #WesternBalkans #PublicPrivateDialogue #DigitalServicesAct #EconomicGrowth

🌍✨ Empowering E-commerce in the Western Balkans! We are committed to strengthening private sector associations in e-commerce by fostering structured public-private dialogue. Our recent study visit to the CEFTA - Central European Free Trade Agreement Secretariat, Ecommerce Europe, and Euro Commerce included insightful presentations on the Digital Services Act by the European Commission. This collaboration provides vital knowledge and EU expertise, enabling the private sector to play a pivotal role in shaping laws and regulations that create a more productive environment for e-commerce. Together, we are building a thriving digital economy in the region! 🚀💼 This visit is supported by ORF FT, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Vartan Surmejan Aida Bejtula #Ecommerce #WesternBalkans #PublicPrivateDialogue #DigitalServicesAct #EconomicGrowth

🚀 We concluded the first day of our second Regional Power Exchange with an inspiring visit to Terna! 🌊🌍 The "Energy Bridge" seamlessly connects Cepagatti in Pescara Province with Lastva in Kotor Municipality. This 445-kilometre subsea and underground cable showcases engineering excellence on an international scale, representing cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions in energy infrastructure. ⚙️💡 This year’s Power Exchange happens in Montenegro, uniting industry leaders, regulators, and international experts to address the critical issues in greening the Western Balkans' power grids. The agenda was packed with insightful sessions and dynamic discussions. 💬🔋 Following a presentation of our project achievements by Nicolas Heger, Charles Esser, Secretary General of E.DSO, delivered a compelling keynote on enhancing grid flexibility, underscoring the vital role of DSOs and long-term investment. 🔑 The European Commission’s Grids Action Plan highlights the renewable targets that have made grid modernisation a top policy priority! 🌱 Our expert panel—featuring Nermin Suljanovic, Dr. Michael Heihsel TransnetBW GmbH, Jaromir Simon BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e.V., and Simon Martz KfW—examined the energy transition's progress in the region, emphasizing the importance of regional and cross-sectoral collaboration. 🤝🌐 Participants were later divided into four specialized Working Groups to dive deep into support requests submitted by attendees, advancing practical solutions. Stay tuned as we continue building a greener, interconnected power sector! 🌍⚡️and have a look at the Western Balkans Power Sector Knowledge Hub on Energypedia to explore and discuss current topics in the power sector. Discover valuable resources and connect with professionals across the region to drive sustainable change! 🌍💪 🔗 Follow the Hub here: https://lnkd.in/dXqVd3Yc  💼 Join the LinkedIn group for updates: https://lnkd.in/dGK2uGJ4 The Regional Power Exchange is part of the Green Agenda: Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Government. #RegionalClimatePartnership 

🌍🚴♀️ Sarajevo Welcomes Its First Bike Counter! Today, Sarajevo installed its first bike counter near the Olympic Pool at Otoka, promoting sustainable mobility and cycling in the city. Mayor Benjamina Karic celebrated this milestone, saying: “Installing the first bike counter in Sarajevo represents a major advance for sustainable mobility and our commitment to building a greener, healthier, and safer city for everyone.” Minister Adnan Šteta of the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Traffic also expressed commitment to developing bike infrastructure: “In the coming years, the Ministry, in close cooperation with the city and municipalities, will work significantly on improving cycling infrastructure. Our collaboration and the successful implementation of planned urban mobility projects are vital for the well-being of all our citizens.” Milenka Mila Knezevic from GIZ stated: "The location was selected to determine the actual state of using the bicycle as a means of transport for travel/transport for business purposes, thus obtaining clear parameters that enable further sustainable planning of the city oriented towards people and not cars, all with the aim of reducing emissions from transport." This pilot project, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through the ProSUMP project of Open Regional Fund for Southeast Europe – Energy, Transport, and Climate Protection, implemented by GIZ, will track cyclist numbers, providing crucial data for enhancing infrastructure based on real needs. Located at Otoka's mobility hub, the counter complements covered bike parking, dedicated bike lanes, a smart bench, EV chargers, a pedestrian zone, and the riverside walkway. This project is part of the Sarajevo Canton Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), a strategic framework supported by GIZ, aimed at making Sarajevo a greener, more livable city through sustainable transport solutions. The data gathered by this counter will help increase awareness and encourage more citizens to choose cycling, reducing congestion and pollution in a city often facing high air pollution levels. Additional bike counters are planned across Sarajevo, advancing the city’s journey toward a sustainable, healthier future. Sustainable Sarajevo

We're excited to announce that Tanja Boskovic, PhD, Sector Fund Manager at GIZ, will be moderating the panel "2014 - 2024: From the Business Community Perspective" at this year’s Economic Conference Montenegro 2024! 🇲🇪 📅 Privredna komora Crne Gore / Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, for the 13th time, hosts this important event under the theme "A Decade of the Berlin Process". The conference will explore key economic issues in the region, reflecting on past achievements and focusing on current and future challenges. This event is organized in partnership with the of German Eastern Business Association, a Berlin-based business association with a 70-year history, connecting German businesses with Southeast Europe. Stay tuned for insights on regional growth and cooperation! 🌍 #Montenegro2024 #EconomicConference #BerlinProcess #RegionalCooperation #GIZ

🌍✨ Today, the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Republic of Srpska and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH signed a Memorandum of Understanding, laying the foundation for energy-efficient renovations in multi-apartment buildings in four municipalities: Doboj, Čajniče, Milići, and Sokolac! 🏢💡 Kirstin Bretthauer, Project Manager at GIZ, emphasised the importance of this partnership: “This Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms our shared commitment to supporting the energy transition at the local level. By working together, we aim to improve living conditions for residents in multi-apartment buildings while helping them save on heating costs. Through technical expertise and collaboration, we’re ensuring these communities can realise their energy-efficient renovation plans, contributing to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s broader energy transition efforts.” Srdjan Todorovic, Director of the Fund, highlighted the public interest and long-term impact: “The Fund has been supporting energy efficiency projects for years, both in public and residential sectors. We’ve already seen immense interest in renovating multi-apartment buildings, and this partnership allows us to move forward in that direction. With energy costs rising and the energy transition underway, these projects are not only beneficial but necessary at this time. They will provide lasting value to our communities.” Citizens can use the Motivator, an online tool available on the Fund’s website, https://lnkd.in/dyRbjf4i, to calculate the investment needed for energy-efficient renovations. As part of the "Community Action for Energy Transition" (CAET) project, on behalf of the German Government, GIZ continues promoting sustainable energy measures across Bosnia and Herzegovina, empowering municipalities to embrace a greener, more energy-efficient future. 🌱🏠