The Western Balkans region has come a long way over the last two decades in achieving economic and social progress. With a population of 17.6 million, the region today boasts a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of close to EUR 100 billion, an average GDP per capita of about EUR 5 400 and a comprehensive process of integration with the European Union.

The Western Balkans region has come a long way over the last two decades in achieving economic and social progress. With a population of 17.6 million, the region today boasts a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of close to EUR 100 billion, an average GDP per capita of about EUR 5 400 and a comprehensive process of integration with the European Union. This report provides multi-dimensional assessments across the economic, social, finance, governance and environmental pillars of sustainable development for five economies of the region. The region's location, its deep relationships with Europe and its academic tradition present many opportunities for future development, especially at a time when distances are shrinking further with digitalisation. Making the most of this potential will require collaboration in tackling challenges, which have been further exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Boosting competences and education, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring a green transformation towards clean energy and the valuation of the region's natural wealth, emerge as strategic priorities. Beyond practical and financial constraints, future solutions must address considerable institutional and governance challenges that remain across the region.

The Western Balkans region has come a long way over the last two decades in achieving economic and social progress. Its people are the region’s greatest asset. Yet faced with a lack of opportunities many, particularly the young, decide to emigrate.

This book presents interdisciplinary research and scientific outcomes in sustainable development acquired from the BHAAAS International Conference on Sustainable Development-ICSD2022 as part of the 13th Days of Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences held in Sarajevo, June 23-26, 2022. The main event enabled researchers and experts from 25 countries to exchange their knowledge, ideas and experiences. The general scope of the book includes topics presented at three specialized symposia: The Quadruple Helix Approach, Sustainable Urban Development and Sustainable Civil Engineering with research topics ranging from SDGs, sustainable development education, environmental and social responsibility and consumption to sustainable retrofit strategies, urban heritage conservation, urban mobility, Space Syntax analysis, watercourse recovery, railway corridors and more. The book is recommended for fellow researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of economy, politics, architecture, urban planning, civil engineering and related fields.