Formal, non-formal and informal learning

Formal learning

The SDG Framework in BiH was adopted in April 2021 by all relevant authorities, aligning the national educational vision with the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. This provides a structured policy foundation for integrating global issues like climate action and responsible consumption into curricula.

The CIVITAS program, part of the global civic education network, has been integrated into BiH school curricula with textbooks on democracy and human rights. These programs reach the majority of the school population (around 80,000 students annually) and foster understanding of global values, including tolerance and the fight against discrimination. Information centres, such as EU Info Centres and youth centres in Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka, provide young people with access to materials on global issues, including online platforms such as the WeBalkans.eu website.

In the field of formal education, a notable example is UNESCO’s pilot program on global citizenship education, which was implemented in 10 secondary schools in RS in 2022, in cooperation with the RS Ministry of Education and Culture. The program included topics such as sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, and intercultural dialogue, and was carried out using innovative pedagogical methods and teacher training. The pilot was positively assessed by participants and opened the door for broader integration of global topics into the education system.

Non-formal learning

Non-formal education has recorded significant progress. The “Eco-Education” manual for primary and secondary schools, developed within the framework of the “Think Nature!” project (supported by the EU and the Center for Civil Society Promotion – CPCD), promotes ecological awareness through 10 modules tailored for students. The modules encourage critical thinking and responsible behavior towards the environment, with practical workshops and correlations with other subjects. From 2021 to 2024, this program reached over 5,000 students in 30 schools across BiH.

The manual was created in ten modules, five for each type of school, covering topics that are essential for developing ecological awareness among children. The modules are designed as lesson preparations, which, in addition to basic instructions such as age group, topic, objectives and tasks, methods and forms of work, learning outcomes and correlation with other subjects, also include workshops that describe how to implement the lesson with time limits. This should make it easier for teachers to engage children in solving specific environmental problems. The author of the manual and the illustrator enriched the content with original stories and illustrations, making it particularly engaging.

The goal of the manual is to stimulate curiosity, the desire to learn and explore the world around us, and interest in natural and social phenomena and relationships. Its ultimate aim is to address environmental problems by developing students’ critical and constructive thinking, as well as their responsibility toward themselves, nature, and the social environment. The purpose of this manual is to equip students with knowledge, skills, and attitudes for a better understanding of the world around them and to satisfy the individual interests and needs of students beyond regular classes. The implementation of the proposed modules is expected to raise students’ awareness of environmental problems and readiness for responsible behavior, as well as foster environmentally conscious behavior that continues after their schooling.

The UNICEF Summer School on Climate Change and Air Pollution, held in July 2024 at the University of Sarajevo, brought together high school graduates and university students from across BiH for lectures and workshops on climate change and its effects on society.

Informal learning

In the context of informal learning, the “Eco-Schools” program (supported by the Foundation for Environmental Education – FEE) enables students to learn through practical projects such as tree planting and recycling. In BiH, this program is implemented by the “Eko-Zona” Association in cooperation with local schools, reaching around 2,500 students annually.

In collaboration with Dzemal Bijedic University and Sveuciliste u Mostaru, Kokoza, a Czech NGO focused on composting, biowaste, and sustainability, launched a project as a part of the Innovation Challenge Fund aimed at addressing environmental issues in BiH through the education of youth. The initiative focuses on urban composting and environmental education to tackle problems like droughts, heatwaves, low agricultural productivity, and the lack of biowaste management facilities.

Youth-targeted information campaigns on global issues 

The European Mobility Week (16–22 September), supported by the EU Info Centres and local authorities, promotes sustainable urban mobility under the theme “Save Energy” (2025). Eight cities in BiH organize educational and recreational activities, involving young people in campaigns for energy efficiency and public transport. According to the EU Info Centre, in 2024 more than 3,000 young people participated in these activities, including workshops on bicycle use and public transportation.

Information providers

There is no top-level authority responsible for disseminating information on global issues among young people in BiH.

CIVITAS and EU Info Centres in BiH, through their activities for all citizens and media campaigns, contribute to raising awareness of the importance of environmental protection, both among youth and the general population.

The European Union is making continuous efforts to support the alignment of regulations and laws in BiH with the EU acquis and best European practices in the fields of environment and energy. Support through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), as well as other EU programs and initiatives, strengthens administrative capacity at all levels, supports alignment and the development of new legal frameworks, and raises citizens’ awareness of environmental protection.

Key initiatives 

Raising youth awareness in BiH about global issues such as climate change, human rights, sustainable development, and international solidarity is achieved through a combination of formal education, non-formal activities, and information campaigns implemented by local and international organizations.

The UNICEF’s Climate Change and Air Pollution Summer School, held at the University of Sarajevo in July 2024, contributed to the dissemination of information on climate change issues. It was a non-formal education initiative combining lectures and field visits for youth to grasp climate issues firsthand.

The Fast Forward – Youth Exchange, as part of an Erasmus+ project and implemented in partnership with BRAVO, was held in BiH, Sarajevo, from 1 to 6 November 2024 bringing together young people to learn about and address environmental issues. This exchange was part of the Erasmus+ project Engage, Connect and Empower Youth for a Sustainable Green Future – Fast Forward, supported by the European Commission.  The goal of the project was to give young people the skills and knowledge to tackle environmental challenges of today, and its focus was on two main goals - quality education and a sustainable and green Europe.

Over the course of the exchange, 30 participants discussed important topics like climate change, reducing waste, and making eco-friendly choices. Through group activities and discussions, they learned about how climate change affects the world and explored simple ways to live more sustainably in their daily lives. Another key topic was how social media can support climate action. Participants were encouraged to use digital platforms to raise awareness and inspire others to make environmentally friendly choices.

The information campaigns targeting the wider youth population also play an important role. One example is a recycling campaign carried out by the Eko-Zona organization, focused on educating young people about the importance of responsible waste management, the circular economy, and environmental protection. The campaign includes promotional videos, school workshops, and social media activities, and has been implemented in several local communities across BiH, particularly targeting youth in urban areas.