Governor of the CBBH Participated in the IGES Conference in Sarajevo

The Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jasmina Selimović, Ph.D. participated in the panel “Economic Dynamics in a Turbulent World”, as part of the conference “IGES 2025: Is a Multipolar World Possible?”, organized by the Institute for Geopolitics, Economics and Security (IGES). The conference was held on 20 May 2025 in Sarajevo.

At the panel dedicated to the economic challenges of the modern world, Governor Selimović spoke about the role of central banks in preserving macroeconomic stability, strengthening institutional resilience and the need for a proactive approach in times of increased uncertainty.

“In an environment characterized by geopolitical tensions, energy instability and technological disruptions, economic policy must be flexible, but also consistent. The role of central banks is no longer limited to monetary stability – today we are also expected to be a source of trust, clarity and predictability,” said Governor Selimović.

She added that global changes, such as the escalation of trade tensions and unpredictable political decisions, are testing the resilience of the world economy. In such a context, she recognized the importance of timely response and international cooperation as key factors in preserving stability.

“Our ability to recognize risks and respond in a timely manner directly affects the quality of life of citizens and business security. Therefore, cooperation, both within the country and regionally and globally, is more important than ever,” she emphasized.

Speaking about financial markets, Governor Selimović emphasized that the global economy is currently facing a high degree of uncertainty, especially due to changes in trade policies of major global players, which has direct and indirect effects on economies like BH. She emphasized that the CBBH is facing challenges that come from a combination of external factors that it cannot directly control, and internal needs that require strategic adjustment.

“In times of political and economic uncertainty, it is important to have institutions that act as an anchor of stability. Our task is to preserve the currency board, ensure monetary stability and manage foreign exchange reserves in a way that contributes to the resilience of the financial system and the economic development of the country,” she said.

She also pointed out that the financial system of BH has shown some resilience thanks to the high liquidity of banks, good capitalization and dominant reliance on domestic sources of financing. At the same time, she warned of vulnerabilities associated with a high degree of openness of the economy and dependence on global flows.

Through her participation, the Governor further emphasized the need for strategic dialogue and exchange of experiences between countries striving for greater stability in a multipolar world.