State Secretary Jović Visits Simón Bolívar Mausoleum and El Sistema Foundation in Caracas

During his visit to the mausoleum, State Secretary Jović emphasised the importance of preserving historical memory and national heritage.

Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military leader and statesman who played a pivotal role in liberating South America from colonial rule. In recognition of his extraordinary historical achievements, he is widely known as “El Libertador” — the Liberator. Throughout his life, he led the struggle for independence and helped liberate the territories of six present-day countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Bolivia.

State Secretary Jović congratulated the Foundation’s Executive Director, Eduardo Méndez, on the inauguration of the newly established José Antonio Abreu University of Music, conceived as the culmination of El Sistema’s 50-year legacy.

Over its five decades of existence, the El Sistema Music Foundation has provided free music education to approximately 1.3 million children and young people, predominantly from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. This remarkable initiative has nurtured numerous internationally acclaimed musicians who have gone on to enjoy distinguished careers and receive some of the world's most prestigious honours, including Grammy Awards. In doing so, the Foundation has become synonymous with cultural and academic excellence.

During the discussions, State Secretary Jović extended an invitation to representatives of the Foundation to visit Belgrade next year during the Specialised Expo 2027.