Memorandum of Understanding between UNDP and the University of Sarajevo Signed

Mrs. Steliana Nedera, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH and Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, University of Sarajevo Rector signed today a Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the University of Sarajevo with the aim of enabling a strategic partnership that will initiate a targeted contribution of higher education in promoting knowledge, young people skills and sustainable and inclusive growth of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The signed Memorandum of Understanding will enable cooperation between the parties that bring together science, research and development, and envisage the realization of cooperation through the following activities:

• Joint design and implementation of educational and learning initiatives involving young people in innovative and future-oriented thinking.
• Cooperation in enriching the teaching offer of universities from the perspective of Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals, including pilot learning programs, guest lecturers, etc.
• Partnership in pilot research and development initiatives in various fields and disciplines, including open data access.
• Interaction and joint organization of innovative challenges and events for young people, conferences and workshops that provide forums for discussion on topics defined as priorities of this Memorandum, which encourages wider engagement of various socio-economic, public actors, as a wider academic community in sustainable development.

The intention of the cooperation envisaged by the signed Memorandum is derived from the goals set within the UNDP Strategic Plan for BiH 2021-2025, which are especially aimed at sustainable and inclusive growth, transparent and accountable institutions, quality public services for all, and the promotion of a free and socially inclusive society.

UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Steliana Nedera said: “The problems facing the world are becoming increasingly complex. That is why we need a new, innovative solution, stronger youth engagement and strong partnerships. Today we mark a new step forward in cooperation with the academic community, which will support positive and sustainable development changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will focus on young people. At the same time, I would like to invite other universities to join us, so that we can work quickly to achieve the goals of sustainable development.”

Rector Škrijelj expressed his gratitude to UNDP for the support it provides to the University of Sarajevo and its organizational units, and satisfaction with the cooperation with a respectable institution that has an extremely important role in the world and BiH, such as UNDP.
“UNDP and the University of Sarajevo are committed to a stronger connection between science, academia and development in all sectors, and the Memorandum of Understanding, which we signed today, will facilitate future cooperation, especially in the field of sustainable development and environmental protection, as well as cooperation on energy efficiency projects”, pointed out Rector Škrijelj.