With a ceremonial academy at the National Theatre on Monday, 2 December 2019, the University of Sarajevo marked its 70th anniversary. The seventieth birthday of any institution is an occasion to pause, look back at the past and envisage its near and more distant future. We are celebrating the seventieth anniversary of the University of Sarajevo at a time of significant reforms that should bring about more efficient and more harmonised functioning of the integrated University.
The programme of the ceremonial academy began with the screening of a film about the history and development of the University of Sarajevo, which presented some of the most important facts about the University.
In his address, the Rector of the University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr Rifat Škrijelj, stressed that, as a modern university that has been and remains the main pillar of scientific knowledge in our country, the University of Sarajevo has, over many decades of work, contributed to the development and strengthening of academic capacity throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Balkans and Europe.
“What we can be particularly proud of is the fact that at the University of Sarajevo we have preserved the multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism that have adorned Bosnia and Herzegovina for centuries, and shown that this is the only way to live here,” said Rector Škrijelj, adding: “We will continue to advocate full autonomy of the University of Sarajevo and the promotion of academic freedom, because the University, as a driver of progress, can only bear its historical responsibility in shaping a better and brighter future for all of us if it is autonomous and free from all kinds of lobbies and political pressure, regardless of where they come from. Only under these conditions can a healthy academic atmosphere be created that can yield positive results.”
He also emphasised that the University of Sarajevo continues to strive towards long-term goals of excellence, and that the University's orientation is and must be further integration into global academic currents, because only in this way can we achieve our fundamental mission – the prosperity and progress of society as a whole.
On behalf of the Rectors' Conference of BiH, congratulations were extended to the University of Sarajevo by its president, Prof. Dr Milan Kulić, Rector of the University of East Sarajevo, who emphasised that science and knowledge in this region have long known no borders.
Reflecting on the development of Bosnian-Herzegovinian society and science, Academician Dr Miloš Trifković, President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of BiH, stressed: “Because it was founded first, was the best staffed and received special attention from society, the University of Sarajevo served not only as the most important nursery of knowledge and the main driver of research, but also as the institution that essentially made possible the gradual establishment of other higher education and scientific institutions in our country. For this reason, the University of Sarajevo has been and remains one of the recognisable symbols of all higher education and science in our country.”
When speaking about the University of Sarajevo, it is important to us to speak from the widest range of perspectives, and especially from the perspective of those who gained their knowledge at this university and are now using it to bring progress to society as a whole in their fields, and who are the best ambassadors of our university. On this occasion, video messages recorded by the young scientists Admir Greljo and Harun Hindija were shown.
On behalf of the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton, the founder of the University of Sarajevo, congratulations were extended to the University by the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Elmedin Konaković, who stated that they are firmly committed to the full autonomy of the University of Sarajevo and its complete academic independence.
The Mayor of Sarajevo, Mr Abdulah Skaka, emphasised that the City of Sarajevo – as the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a regional metropolis and a world symbol of multi-ethnicity and coexistence of people of different worldviews, faiths, nations and outlooks on life – is inextricably linked to the University of Sarajevo.
The University is important not only for the city; its significance extends beyond the borders of our country, and its influence is visible in every corner of the planet where our current and former students and professors achieve success through their scientific and professional work and make tomorrow a little better than yesterday. The University of Sarajevo presents awards to those who deserve credit for this institution still being a bastion of knowledge and progress today, and for continuously realising and expanding its vision.
Medals of the University of Sarajevo were presented to Academician Prof. Dr Dejan Milošević, Danis Tanović, Amel Tuka, Nirhad Mešić, a student at the Faculty of Forestry, Eldin Jelešković, and Edin Vučelj, a student at the Academy of Music.
Plaques of the University of Sarajevo were presented to Prof. Dr Hasan Muratović, Rector of the University of Sarajevo from 2005 to 2007; the Speaker of the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton, Mr Elmedin Konaković; the Government of Sarajevo Canton; the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina; the European Commission; the Saudi Fund for Development; and the Government of Austria.
For outstanding success in promoting the University of Sarajevo internationally, Admir Greljo was named “Ambassador of the University of Sarajevo”.
The Award for Peace and Progress was presented to the Association “Movement of Mothers of the Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves”, the Interreligious Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ajna Jusić, President of the Association “Forgotten Children of War”.
Source: UNSA.ba.
