Delegation of the Swedish Embassy in BiH and UNDP pays a visit to the Music Academy

August 1, 2019

Marie Bergström, Head of Cooperation with the Swedish Embassy in BiH, and Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in BiH paid a visit today to the Sarajevo Music Academy and met with Dean of the Music Academy Senad Kazić and Director of the Secondary Music School Tatjana Romanić.

The visit marks the launch of the second phase of energy renovation of the Music Academy, implemented as part of the UNDP’s Green Economic Development project (GED) funded by the Government of Sweden. The GED project aims to contribute to establishing a sustainable energy management system at all levels of government in BiH in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the energy efficiency of public facilities and reinvest the financial savings made.

“Not only will the renovation of the Music Academy contribute to environmental protection through energy savings, being one of the most important priorities of the Swedish Government, but we are also particularly pleased to have 860 students continuing their education in a more comfortable setting. This is yet another way to support young people in developing their talents, boosting their creativity and development of culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Marie Bergström, Head of Cooperation with the Swedish Embassy in BiH.

A part of the façade of the Music Academy is currently being renovated within the first phase of energy renovation, with funding provided in the amount of BAM 147,000 by the Stari Grad Municipality, the City of Sarajevo and the FBiH Ministry of Culture and Sports.

After the completion of the first phase, energy efficiency measures will continue to be implemented, including the restoration of the remaining façade, replacement of joinery, renovation of the roof and construction of a new heating system. The Government of Sweden and the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of the Sarajevo Canton have allocated BAM 420,000 for the second phase, while the UNDP will be in charge of the implementation of the works.  

Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, highlighted the importance of partnership with the Swedish Government on improving the situation concerning environment in BiH and raising awareness on the importance of energy efficiency. “Together with its partners, UNDP has so far conducted energy renovation of more than 140 public buildings across BiH, generating savings of BAM 4 million in public budgets and improving the working and living conditions for over 110,000 beneficiaries,” said Khoshmukhamedov.

The Music Academy, among the most important national landmarks in Sarajevo, was built in 1882. Apart from the Music Academy, the building also houses a primary and secondary music school.

Project background:

The Green Economic Development (GED) project aims to facilitate favourable conditions for investments in energy efficiency projects, increase the number of green jobs, as well as to contribute to environmental protection and economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The GED project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the financial support of the Government of Sweden, and in partnership with the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, the two Entity Environmental Protection Funds, the Entity Ministries of Spatial Planning, cantonal ministries, municipalities and other partners.