Ambassador's Biography
Ambassador Sven Alkalaj was born on November 11, 1948, in Sarajevo, where he began his education. He graduated from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sarajevo in 1974 and earned a Master’s degree from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Sarajevo in 1987, specializing in international relations and economics. Ambassador Alkalaj obtained his PhD from the Faculty of Law at the University of Travnik in 2016, with a dissertation in international law and international relations. He also pursued advanced studies at prestigious international institutions, including Harvard, INSEAD, and Stanford.
Since July 2023, Ambassador Alkalaj has been serving as the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States of America, as well as the non-resident Ambassador to Mexico and Brazil.
Prior to the current appointment, Ambassador Alkalaj was the Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations in New York (2019–2023), as well as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) with the rank of UN Assistant Secretary-General (2012–2014). He also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2007–2012).
Throughout his career, he served as Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Belgium, NATO, and Luxembourg (2004–2007), Ambassador to the Organization of American States (2000–2003), and Ambassador to the United States of America (1994–2000). Earlier in his professional path, he also worked in the business sector, including as Managing Director at Energoinvest, a multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing company, and the leading one in the former Yugoslavia, as well as Commercial Manager at Petrolinvest, an engineering company.
In addition to his diplomatic career, Ambassador Alkalaj has been active in academia. He taught and lectured at the University of Travnik, the American University in Sarajevo, and the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations.
Ambassador Alkalaj is the recipient of numerous international awards, including honorary doctorates from the University of Astana and the Geneva School of Diplomacy, as well as awards for his contributions to human rights and freedoms.
Message from the Ambassador
I am pleased to welcome you to the Official Website of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States of America.
The Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington is committed to strengthening and advancing partnership relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States. Our mission is to enhance political, economic, security, educational, and cultural cooperation, as well as to promote the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the United States, as well as, the United Mexican States and the Federative Republic of Brazil.
We place particular emphasis on strengthening ties with the Bosnia and Herzegovina diaspora in the United States, which represents an important bridge between our two countries.
This website is designed to serve as a reliable source of information about the activities of the Embassy, bilateral relations, and the services we provide to citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and our partners in the United States.
Thank you for your interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We encourage you to contact us regarding any matters or initiatives of mutual interest.
Sincerely,
Sven Alkalaj
Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States of America
