Introduction and welcome 

Milena Laković (co-founder WB ESG Foundation; founder and CEO Minted Advisory)

Exclusive Fire chat: Walking the talk: Regional business leaders on ESG reality & future

Moderator: Vojislav Lazarević (co-founder WB ESG Foundation, Seasoned Executive and Board Member)

Participants: Gergely Pókos (Managing Director, Green Programme Directorate, OTP Bank Hungary), Dr. Dragan Lončar (Faculty of Economics, Peterhof Consulting), Darko Vuković (Vice President for Finance, Elixir Group), Nemanja Laković (Chief Executive Officer, Coal Mine AD Pljevlja)

This panel offers a unique and high-profile platform for esteemed regional business leaders to share their candid insights on whether companies are genuinely embodying their sustainability commitments. As ESG continues to be a critical priority for society and the corporate world, these influential leaders will discuss their opinions on strategic initiatives in CO2 reduction, social equity, and sustainable innovation. The conversation will delve into the true state of ESG implementation across the region, highlighting notable successes, ongoing challenges, and areas where greater commitment is essential. We will hear whether the future of sustainability in the region is bright, as top executives share their visions for a more responsible and sustainable business landscape. Expect a forward-looking dialogue on how leading organizations are shaping a resilient and impactful future in sustainability.

Panel 2: Multi-Sector open dialogue on ESG: Hype or sustainable reality?

Moderator: Kosta Andrić (Executive Director, ICT Hub)

Participants: Jelena Drakulić Petrović (CEO, Ringier Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia), Vladan Balaban (President, M&I Systems Group), Maja Grubor (CRO, AikBank), Dejana Backović (CFO, Kappa Star Group)

The panel will begin by addressing the question of how realistically ESG is currently integrated into company strategies in the region, and whether the business community still perceives it as a passing trend. The discussion will focus on the mindset shift in companies and how different industries incorporate ESG principles into their business models. Participants will provide insights from their respective sectors, highlighting industry-specific characteristics and practical comparisons, and emphasizing the key challenges and opportunities that ESG brings in reporting, investments, and long-term sustainability. The conversation will also address the dilemma of whether ESG in the region is becoming a strategic driver of transformation or remains largely a declarative approach fading away.

Panel 4: How are we (not) preparing for the green transition in the labor market?

Moderator: Dušan Basalo (co-founder WB ESG Foundation; founder and CEO Talks & Folks)

Participants: Vojislav Vučićević (innovation consultant, ICT Hub), Mia Popić (manager of the Synergy Centre, a psychotherapist and a business psychologist), Dr. Jelisaveta Lazarević (Vice Dean and associate professor FEFA, Chief Content Officer Bloomberg Adria), Danijela Isailović (manager, RES SERBIA)

The panel will focus on preparing the labour market for the green transition, including the most in-demand green skills across functions, how ESG reporting can transform jobs, and ways to close existing gaps through collaboration between employers, education, and government. It will also explore how to measure progress using KPIs for skills and career pathways in the green economy. This panel shall address the following, despite strategic documents and EU obligations: • ESG reporting by companies in Serbia is at a low level – only 2% of large companies report locally. • Green skills and reskilling are not systematically included in education and employment reforms. • Companies do not recognize the role of the HR sector in the ESG transition, while state policies still separate "sustainability" from "employment."

Panel 6: Energy Transition in Serbia and Montenegro: Challenges, Reality, and Future 

Moderator: Ksenija Karić (Head of Business and Strategy, PULSEC)

Participants: Bojan Đordan (Director for renewable energy, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore), David Žarković (Assistant General Manager for Electricity Portfolio Management, Elektroprivreda Srbije)