The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) hosted the fourth local transnational seminar on June 25, 2025, as part of the ongoing activities of the ADRION NATURED project. This seminar, held under Work Package 1 focused on Understanding Climate-City Interactions, explored how climate change affects urban areas and how communities can strengthen resilience through sustainable development.
The event gathered environmental experts, municipal representatives, academics, and students to engage in a timely discussion on the topic “Sustainable Urban Development through the Lens of Climate Change.” Through a series of dynamic presentations, the seminar emphasized the urgent need for integrated approaches that address ecological, economic, and social dimensions of climate resilience—particularly within the ADRION region.
Guest speaker Mr. Bakir Krajinović from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the session by analyzing climate variability trends in the country, with a focus on urban vulnerabilities and resilience-building measures. His presentation was followed by Ms. Elma Bosno, who discussed how shifting precipitation patterns are impacting water resources and increasing the frequency of hydrological hazards, raising concerns for long-term urban planning.
Adding a regional development perspective, Mr. Domagoj Vidaković, an international consultant with experience in EU, UNDP, and USAID projects, offered insights into funding mechanisms that support sustainable infrastructure and climate action at the local level. His talk underscored how international financing can empower municipalities to implement climate-smart solutions.
From the local government sector, Mr. Muhamed Memišević, representing the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo—one of the pilot municipalities within the project—shared practical experiences in civil protection and preventative measures aimed at minimizing climate-related risks.
Concluding the seminar, Dr. Ismar Alagić, IUS professor and project manager for NATURED, emphasized the role of technical regulations in advancing green construction. He outlined how updated standards can support the transition to environmentally responsible and future-ready urban environments.
The seminar provided an important platform for cross-sectoral dialogue and reinforced IUS’s commitment to supporting regional climate adaptation initiatives through education, research, and stakeholder collaboration. As cities across the ADRION region face increasingly complex environmental challenges, events like this contribute to building knowledge and partnerships that will shape a more sustainable and resilient future.
