Sarajevo, 25. February 2025. – The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and the UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund are proud to announce the draft Population Development Strategy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2024 - 2031. This strategy is among the first in the region to be developed based on scientific evidence and global best practices.
This comprehensive strategy addresses the evolving demographic changes and is designed to foster sustainable socio-economic development by focusing on the quality of human capital rather than merely population numbers.
The strategy recognizes that for each family to achieve its desired fertility, it is needed to create a society in which child care and care for older persons will be easily accessible and affordable, in which life-long education will be exercised in line with labour market needs, in which universal health coverage will be achieved for all, and in which every person will be able to contribute to development either through employment or voluntary work. Improved public services would unlock the vast potential of over half a million women across the country who are out of the labour market but who could drive broader socio/economic progress.
However, this should not be seen as a social welfare strategy, but rather a development-driven approach—one that seeks to build a resilient and inclusive economy by enhancing employability and ensuring access to essential public services, especially for women. At its core, it is about human capital development designed to empower individuals and families, enabling them to thrive and contribute to their own prosperity but also the prosperity of their families and communities.
Minister of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, Adnan Delic stated: “The data is telling. In the last ten years, the number of children born in the Federation of BiH is down by 13% compared to the earlier decade. As many as 95 percent of municipalities and cities are facing negative population growth. In some cantons, such as the Posavina and the Canton 10, the vital index fell below 30 – in other words, on every three deaths, there is one birth. We are no longer talking about demographic trends; we are talking about an economic and social collapse. This is beyond a challenge. There is no euphemism to conceal it and avoid calling it a problem. And unless we tackle this problem now, in just a decade or two we will have an economy unable to function, a social protection system incapable of covering the increasing needs, schools without pupils, hospitals without patients, pensioners without pensions as there will simply be no people.”
UNFPA Representative, Dr. Justine Coulson added: "Our collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has been a testament to the power of evidence-based policymaking. By leveraging global lessons and local insights, we have jointly developed a strategy that not only addresses current demographic challenges but also paves the way for a more prosperous future for citizens of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The successful development of this draft strategy is the result of extensive research, stakeholder consultations, and technical support provided by UNFPA. With today’s presentation, the process of wider consultations across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be launched, leading to its finalization and expected adoption in the months to come.
