UN Bosnia and Herzegovina marks 80 years of the United Nations with a mural celebrating partnership

To commemorate this milestone, the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina created a mural inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. This SDG was chosen because strong and meaningful partnerships have never been more important. The mural also aimed to show that cooperation with communities is just as essential as partnerships with institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders.

The opportunity to demonstrate this partnership arose through cooperation with the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Sarajevo. The renovation of the faculty building, carried out under the Green Economic Development III (GED) project, with the support of Sweden, Canton Sarajevo and UNDP, provided a state-of-the-art learning environment for students – and a meaningful space to host the mural.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the United Nations in BiH for choosing the Faculty of Health Studies for the creation of this magnificent mural. I believe this is its rightful place, as its symbolism reflects the values our faculty is committed to today – collaboration, education, and community development – as well as those we will continue to support in the future, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Prof. Dr. Arzija Pašalić, Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies in Sarajevo.

The faculty has educated many young professionals who now contribute across the health sector – from nurses and physiotherapists to sanitary engineers and laboratory technologists. Since 2024, the renovated premises have provided a modern, well-equipped environment tailored to the needs of the health industry, offering students and professors a contemporary space to train the next generation of health professionals.

The mural was created by Adnan Dupanović, a painter and graphic artist from Bihać known for his large-scale wall art. During the painting process, he engaged with students, explaining the design and techniques, and some even took part in painting. It was the largest mural he had ever created, painted on a 17-meter-high wall.

“The mural reflects the importance of unity and cooperation as the foundations of a sustainable future,” said Adnan. He explains that the girl depicted in nature symbolizes connection, unity, and mutual care, while the water whose flow she calms represents the need to balance shared interests. “Inspired by the Art Nouveau style, the mural highlights the beauty of harmony and interconnectedness. In the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, it conveys the message that cooperation, trust, and solidarity are key to creating a more sustainable and humane world.”

While Adnan captured these values through artistic expression, the UN sees them as equally essential in real-world collaboration.

“Close collaboration with our partners is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with academic institutions being vital partners in shaping the future generation. Painting the mural on the Faculty of Health Studies, which was renewed with UNDP’s support, reflects the synergies we strive for - linking improved learning environments with community engagement and shared values. This mural celebrates the spirit of partnership through SDG 17 and brings beauty and inspiration to the local community. It reminds us that when we work together, we create spaces that support learning, connection, and a more sustainable future for all,” said Arnhild Spence, UN BiH Resident Coordinator.

The UN’s 80th anniversary is an opportunity to reaffirm the value of partnership at every level. The mural at the Faculty of Health Studies is a tangible example of how cooperation between institutions, communities, and young people can drive meaningful results. It reflects the UN’s long-standing commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing sustainable development and building a future grounded in shared responsibility and mutual trust.