Intersectoral Advisory Board Established to Support Digital Transformation of Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo, March 4, 2025 – The inaugural meeting of the Advisory Board for the implementation of activities within the UNICEF-ITU Giga initiative was held today in Sarajevo. The primary mandate of this intersectoral body, established to support the digital transformation of education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is to connect all schools in the country to the internet, ensuring that every young person has opportunities, choices, and access to information.

The Advisory Board was established through a partnership between the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Communications Regulatory Agency, with the support of UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Observers from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNESCO, and the Delegation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina will also contribute to the Board. The meeting resulted in the adoption of key priorities, including:

• Enhancing internet connectivity in schools to provide access to digital resources and quality educational content, especially for children from marginalized communities;
• Supporting the digital transformation of education through clear guidelines, multisectoral partnerships, and policy development; and
• Promoting synergies between local and international initiatives to increase the impact of technological innovations in the education sector.

According to the results of the ICT resource mapping of primary and secondary schools conducted in 2022 by UNICEF and the relevant education authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, more than 30% of schools in the country are not connected to the internet, limiting educational opportunities for over 14,000 students. The Advisory Board has identified this issue as a priority and a key driver of all future activities.

The Advisory Board’s work plan for the current year includes five strategic activities aimed at fostering infrastructure interventions, improving security standards, strengthening the digital capacities of educational institutions and staff, and identifying a financial model to ensure school connectivity:

1. Collecting data on infrastructure and assessing the cost of connecting all schools to the internet.
2. Developing internet packages for schools, including security requirements and tailored solutions in collaboration with the four largest internet service providers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
3. Updating the Basic Technical Standards for ICT tools in the education system of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
4. Expanding the Giga real-time internet monitoring coverage, aiming to install the application in at least 90% of schools across all administrative units.
5. Developing the concept of an investment fund for connecting unconnected schools, with resource mobilization from the private sector and other interested stakeholders.

The meeting also approved initiatives directed at relevant institutions to launch processes and ensure efficient and coordinated progress in implementing these activities. This will involve key institutions, representatives of telecommunications and technology companies, education authorities, and experts in education, telecommunications, and technology.

"It is extremely important to ensure that every child in our country has equal access to knowledge and digital tools necessary for quality education, and that is the core of our work within the Giga initiative. Today, we are taking the first step towards achieving this goal," said Vlatko Drmić, Assistant Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Adnan Husić, Assistant Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, also emphasized the importance of joint action and coordination: “Digital transformation is reshaping the education sector and is crucial for reducing inequalities and providing equal opportunities for every child. Our responsibility is to ensure that no one is left out of this process. Our collective efforts through this Advisory Board lay the foundation for long-term changes in education, enabling our children to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the 21st century. Today, we reaffirm our strong commitment to this goal.”

Sanja Kabil, Head of the Education and Skills Development Programme at UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina, welcomed the initiative and stressed that multisectoral cooperation is a key driver of agile and timely responses to technological advancements. She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to continued collaboration and support for the Board, aiming to ensure equal access to safe and high-quality resources and opportunities for quality education for every child and young person in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Advisory Board for the implementation of activities within the UNICEF-ITU Giga initiative recognizes the importance of equal access to digital technologies as the foundation for inclusive education. Through its work, it will strive to involve other relevant institutions and private sector representatives, ensuring the sustainability of priority interventions for children and youth in the digital transformation process.