SARAJEVO, June 16, 2011 – The World Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) in partnership with the Initiative for Better and Human Inclusion (IBHI) convened today a round-table to discuss social transfers in BH.
The round-table gathered a broad spectrum of government officials, representatives of public agencies, private sector, and academia with the aim to i) generate policy dialogue about social protection in BH and provide input to the newly elected governments about key issues that need to be addressed over the next four years; and ii) to provide input to the World Bank’s new Country Partnership Strategy for BH for the period 2012-2015.
“Two themes are emerging as key for BiH as the economy is recovering: protecting the vulnerable, and competitiveness of BiH economy,” said Marco Mantovanelli, World Bank Country Manager for Bosnia and Herzegovina. “And these two themes are interrelated as the system of cash transfers should protect the most vulnerable, without undermining the competitiveness of the labor market.” added Mantovanelli.
“ Reform of the social transfer system and better targeting of the real needs of beneficiaries will result in socially righteous social protection,“ stated Dr. Žarko Papić, Director of the Initiative for Better and Human Inclusion. It is also part of the EU integration process, strengthening of social inclusion.“
