Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo | Together for a Sustainable Future
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the building of the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Sarajevo was decorated with a mural by academic artist Adnan Dupanović. The mural is inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnership for the Goals. It speaks about the importance of unity and cooperation as the foundations of a sustainable future. The figure of a girl in nature symbolizes interconnectedness, unique and mutual care. The water, whose flow the girl calms in her palms, is a metaphor for the balance of shared interests. The mural, designed in the spirit of Art Nouveau, emphasizes the beauty of harmony and mutual interconnectedness.
In line with Sustainable Development Goal 17, the mural sends a clear message that cooperation, trust, and solidarity are key to building a more sustainable and humane world.
On this occasion, on 15 December 2025, a visit was organized at the Faculty of Health Studies by the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Arnhild Spence, who, together with Prof. Dr. Arzija Pašalić, Dean of the Faculty, unveiled a plaque dedicated to this artistic work and its symbolism. This act highlights the importance of joint action in promoting sustainable development and social responsibility.
Alongside the UN Resident Coordinator in BiH, the visit was also attended by heads and representatives of UN agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH; Marc Lucet, UNICEF Representative in BiH; Justine Coulson, UNFPA Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina; Erwin Cooreman, WHO Special Representative for BiH; Siniša Šešum, Head of UNESCO Office in BiH; Vlado Pijunović, Program Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Michael J. Folliard O'Mahony, Deputy Head of Mission at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in BiH; Ljiljana Kokotović, Acting UNHCR Representative.
Dean Pašalić conducted a tour of the Faculty building and introduced the guests to the study programs attended by students of the Faculty of Health Studies. She presented the mission and vision of the Faculty, whose unique goal is to provide high-quality education and to train health professionals capable of responding competently, responsibly, and modernly to the needs of the healthcare system and society as a whole. She emphasized that the Faculty continuously works on strengthening partnerships, developing study programs, and improving teaching processes so that students acquire knowledge and skills in accordance with international standards.
For the Faculty of Health Studies, the mural depicting powerful symbolism serves as an encouragement to continue developing our work concept in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This artistic display further motivates us to contribute to creating an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable society through education, research, and partnerships.
The Faculty of Health Studies owes special thanks to UNDP in BiH, which recognized the importance of investing in knowledge, creating adequate conditions for student education, and improving the work of our teachers and associates through selfless support in realizing the capital project “Reconstruction, investment maintenance, and equipping of the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Sarajevo.”
Considering the Faculty’s commitment to developing in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we highlight that, with the help and support of UNDP in BiH, activities will begin at the end of December to install a solar power plant with a capacity of 83 kW, as well as to equip two laboratories and a clinical skills room.
