Ceremonial Academy on the 30th Anniversary of FCSFS: Founded in the Toughest Year of 1993, Today a Driving Force in Education for the Security Sector

(Patria) - In the packed hall of Sarajevo City Hall, the Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology and Security Studies (FCCSS) of the University of Sarajevo marked the 30th anniversary of its founding and successful operation.

The ceremonial event was held under the slogan '30 years of dedication to education and security, together we build a safe future'.



Participants had the opportunity to learn about the mission and development path of this significant higher education institution.

The Dean of FCCSS, Prof. Dr. Jasmin Ahić, recalled that this faculty was founded by a Decision of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on this day 30 years ago, in the most difficult war year of 1993.

„In the years of aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, in besieged Sarajevo, in a time of general destruction of man and humanity, the University of Sarajevo and our professors built a faculty – said Ahić.

He emphasized that the existence and construction of FCCSS corresponds with 30 years of organization and strengthening of the institutions of the state of BiH, underlining how "the story of this faculty is also a story of spiritual resistance, the desire for progress and striving towards a society and state of knowledge, and the belief that education and human capital are the most important factors in building a modern democratic state".

The Rector of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA), Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, assessed that FCCSS represents a testament to the unwavering commitment and determination of the BiH academic community and the then political nomenclature.

Those present were also addressed by the Commander of the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Brigadier General Pamela McGaha, pointing to the broader context and importance of educating security experts and their engagement, and emphasizing the importance of joint action in eliminating current security threats and risks.



„Threats are so diverse that no single state can respond to all of them effectively. Just as threats transcend state borders, so our response must be transnational in nature – emphasized General McGaha.
The Commander of the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo praised the University of Sarajevo and its CFS forum for continuous engagement and welcomed the holding of the International Scientific Conference 'Crimen, Forensis, Securitas – 30 years in BiH' as an opportunity for fruitful discussion on all important issues in the domain of security.

Prof. Dr. Lada Sadiković, Vice Dean for Scientific Research and Chair of the Scientific and Program Committee of the Conference, spoke about the international scientific conference which, like the celebration of the FCCSS anniversary, is being held as part of the 20th Days of Criminalistic Sciences, and which she officially opened.

She emphasized that this conference is being held at a time characterized by great changes in the world, and that "it is now, more than ever, obvious how important cooperation and a joint approach to solving numerous crises and problems are".

The participants of the ceremony were also greeted via video message from Washington by the first Ambassador of the United States of America to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Viktor Jackovich, who is also the first honorary student of FCCSS.

Ambassador Jackovich, at the same time, extended congratulations on the significant anniversary, recalling that time and the difficult conditions in which FCCSS initially operated.
He stated that those difficult days in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the large number of people who selflessly sacrificed themselves must not be forgotten.

The ceremonial academy, held under the patronage of the Chair of the Presidency of BiH Željko Komšić, was also an opportunity to award FCCSS certificates of appreciation to deserving institutions and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development and growth of this faculty over the past three decades.