Center for Promotion of Sustainable Development (CePSuD)
The objectives of CePSuD include promotion of inclusive and sustainable development in local communities through a people-centred approach as well as capacity building and mobilization of actors from the public, private, civil sector and academia to understand and actively implement the SDGs at all relevant levels in partnership.
Vision and work in relation to the Global Forum
CePSuD was created primarily with the goal of promoting and raising awareness in Bosnia and Herzegovina of the importance of sustainable development and the SDG localization process, focusing primarily on the level where everyday life occurs – the local level.
The CePSuD founders have so far conducted SDG localization training for more than 500 representatives of the public, private, civil sector and academia from more than 30 cities/municipalities in BiH. Through implemented projects we have demonstrated in practice the value of multi-stakeholder partnership, engagement of citizens into the decision making processes and concrete benefits of activity results for citizens.
At a national country level, CePSuD co-operates with the BiH Council for SDG implementation, providings advice and presenting experiences and impact of SDG localization – for example the work of the city of Bijeljina which is our leader in the field and best example of SDG implementation
During the revision process of the Bijeljina City Development Strategy in 2018, together with the city administration, there was intensive engagement with three partner groups, a development co-ordination body and seven thematic focus groups. The document was changed to feature Agenda 2030 and its implementation progress is being measured through localised SDG indicators.
Other objectives include:
- active advocacy for human-centred, safe and inclusive communities
- raising awareness of the importance of social and environmental responsibility through economic development
- promotion and support in the establishment of local Multi-stakeholder bodies/partnerships as a model for efficient functioning of local communities through SDG implementation
- contribution to long-term socio-economic development and to the improvement of living conditions of citizens and all social groups
- advocating for social change through the application of knowledge and networking
- sustainable strategic planning at all levels including monitoring, evaluation and assessment of the outcomes
- promoting tolerance, multiculturalism, non-discrimination, respect for diversity, gender equality, human rights and minority rights
- advocating for the principles of professionalism, work ethic, impartiality, transparency, independence, solidarity, responsibility and social justice.
Bringing together voices from different sections of society
CePSuD is promoting a model of multi-stakeholder bodies at local level (city, municipality) – using partner groups based on three pillars of sustainable development. This model has been successfully established in the city of Bijeljina in 2018, and includes representatives of all sectors (private, public, NGO, academia) who actively participate, especially in the strategic development of the city.
In additionthrough regular surveys with citizens, focus groups and citizens’ fora, needs are articulated and through analysis of the findings put forward to the decision makers at local level. This enables citizens requests to be included in the work plans of the city administration.