SPEAKERS

The page is under construction and is updated on adaily basis.

Stevan Katić

Montenegro - Mayor of Herceg Novi Municipality

Stevan Katić was born in 1980 in Herceg Novi, where he completed elementary and high school. He graduated in economics and continued his professional development as a master's student in a joint study program of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Novi Sad and the Faculty of Logistics at the University of Maribor, specializing in "Logistics Systems in Economics." He also completed the School of Democratic Leadership.

For many years, he held managerial positions in the private sector, where he was repeatedly recognized and awarded for his work. Within the local government, he served as the Head of the Protection and Rescue Service and as Deputy Mayor of Herceg Novi. He has been elected twice as a councilor in the Herceg Novi Municipal Assembly.

José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto

Ambassador of Brazil to Serbia

H.E. José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto is the Ambassador of Brazil to Serbia, with an extensive and distinguished diplomatic career spanning over four decades.

Born in Asunción, Paraguay, in 1952, Ambassador Costa Couto studied law at Candido Mendes University and the University of Brasília before earning a Master’s degree in International Relations from Boston University. He is fluent in English, French, and German.

His professional journey began in Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he held key positions in consular affairs, the Near East and Africa divisions, and trade and tourism promotion. He also served as a special adviser at the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade, as well as at the Ministry of National Integration.

Throughout his career, Ambassador Costa Couto has represented Brazil in multiple diplomatic missions across the globe. His postings include assignments in Germany, Uruguay, Suriname, the United States, Japan, Sudan, and Germany. Prior to assuming his current role as Brazil’s Ambassador to Serbia in 2022, he served as Deputy Consul General in Miami, Counselor at the Embassy in Tokyo, Consul General in Munich, and Brazil’s Ambassador to Sudan. He is also the non-resident Ambassador of Brazil to Montenegro.

For his outstanding contributions to Brazilian diplomacy, he was awarded the Order of Rio Branco – Grand Officer, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Brazilian government.

At Eco Forum 2025, Ambassador Costa Couto will share insights on international cooperation in sustainable development, Brazil’s role in global environmental initiatives, and opportunities for joint projects in green transition.

Denis Šulić

Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republika Srpska) - Minister of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska

Denis Šulić was born on May 25, 1992, in Gradiška.
He holds a degree in political science.
He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Banja Luka, specializing in Public Administration and Public Policy.

In the general elections of 2018 and 2022, he was elected as a member of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.
From March 2020, he served as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska. Since 2021, on several occasions, he has presided over the National Assembly of Republika Srpska by authorization of the Speaker.

He is a voluntary blood donor, having donated blood more than 30 times. He is also active in sports and other organizations.

He currently serves as the Minister of Trade and Tourism in the Government of Republika Srpska.

Married, father of one child.

Milan Milojević

Serbia - Road Traffic Safety Agency of Serbia
 

Milan was born in 1984 in Belgrade. He completed elementary and high school in Mladenovac. He graduated from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Belgrade in 2013.

From 2006 to 2013, he was employed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering as a collaborator in the CIAH laboratory. From 2013 to 2018, he was employed at the Traffic Safety Agency as a professional associate and department head.

From 2018 to 2023, he was employed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, CIAH Laboratory, as a coordinator for testing modified vehicles and chief vehicle inspector.

Since October 2023, he has been serving as the Head of the Vehicle Department, Control, and Expert Supervision at the Traffic Safety Agency.

Hana Hanžek-Turnšek

Slovenia - YouSea Institute

Hana Hanžek-Turnšek is a passionate marine conservationist and environmental educator. She holds a Master’s degree in Nature Conservation and specialises in biodiversity in the Northern Adriatic Sea and the impacts of fisheries on marine ecosystems.

She is a Projects Manager at the YouSea Institute, an institute for the conservation of marine biodiversity, and a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Biodiversity, University of Primorska. In her role at the YouSea Institute, Hana is responsible for coordinating a range of projects focused on marine conservation and environmental education. Her work at the YouSea Institute contributes to the development of innovative solutions for sustainable mariculture and the protection of the marine ecosystem, such as the Sea Oasis Piran—Slovenia’s first artificial structure dedicated to multitrophic mariculture, combining environmental conservation with research to preserve marine biodiversity.

In addition, Hana is involved in the institute’s educational initiatives. She leads various environmental education programs, focusing on ocean literacy across multiple demographics. By collaborating with schools, she delivers interactive workshops, lectures, and field trips designed to engage children with marine conservation concepts. She also coorganises a variety of events, such as public lectures, artistic exhibitions, and community-based awareness campaigns, which extend the outreach to the broader public. These initiatives aim to raise public understanding of the rich biodiversity of the Slovenian Sea, promoting long-term environmental stewardship and responsibility.

Urška Starc -Peceny 

Austria  - Arctur

Urška Starc-Peceny, PhD, is an accomplished innovation specialist with expertise in business communication and new technologies. She received her international education in Slovenia, Italy, and Austria. In 2001, her PhD thesis entitled "Netlife" paved the way in research of collaboration design in an AI and big data-driven reality. 


With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur across Europe and the Middle East, Urška currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Arctur Ltd., where she leads the Tourism 4.0 department. In this role, she is dedicated to spreading Industry 4.0 technologies into the tourism sector to create a better future for all. 

She is proud to be part of several flagship projects co-creating the European Transition Pathway, including data spaces for tourism and cultural heritage, and Smart Tourism Destinations. She is deeply passionate about digital innovation of heritage. Living between Slovenia and Vienna, Austria, she leads the NASA Space Apps Challenge and serves as a university lecturer on smart-related topics.

Lidija Škatarić

Montenegro - Eco Fund

Head of the Department for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects, Eco Fund of Montenegro

An experienced professional in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental protection. Currently serving as Head of the Department for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects at the Eco Fund of Montenegro, she leads planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs and initiatives. Her work involves organizing public calls, selecting project beneficiaries, and assessing the effectiveness of funded projects.

Previously, she worked as an energy efficiency and climate change expert at the Eco Fund, and for more than a decade she was a project coordinator at Project Consulting, providing technical support for infrastructure and environmental projects in cooperation with international financial institutions and EU funds.

She holds a degree in Environmental Protection Engineering from the Metallurgical-Technological Faculty at the University of Montenegro.

Draško Boljević

Montenegro - Eco Fund

Executive Director, Eco Fund of Montenegro, A visionary leader with over 10 years of experience in driving growth and innovation across both private and public sectors in Montenegro. As the Executive Director of the Eco Fund, he is focused on strategic planning and overseeing the institution’s operations, goals, projects, and initiatives. His mission is to position the Eco Fund as a leading professional and financial institution in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development in Montenegro.

Prior to his current role, he held senior sales management positions in well-known companies such as Podravka, Telekom, and Mil-Pop. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, program implementation, and organizational sustainability.

He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Belgrade.

IVA ĐINĐIĆ - ĆOSIĆ

Serbia

She graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Belgrade and passed the bar exam. She obtained the Master of Law degree in the field of international business law from the Faculty of Law at the University of Niš.

She is a long-time manager specialized in the fields of energy law and international legal cooperation at Srbijagas Public Enterprise and Elektromreža Srbije Joint Stock Company. From 2008 to 2021, she represented EMS AD in working bodies and groups of the Association of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) in Brussels. During the same period, she was a member of working groups for drafting laws and regulations in the energy sector in the Republic of Serbia, as well as a member of the Commission for Monitoring the Implementation of Market Rules and Transmission System Rules.

She is listed as an expert consultant of the Energy Community of Southeast Europe in Vienna. She is the author of a number of professional and scientific papers in the field of energy, published in renowned scientific journals.

Tomi Ilijaš

Slovenia - Arctur

Tomi Ilijaš is founder and CEO of Arctur and he holds a degree from Ljubljana University, Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Mr. Ilijaš is an entrepreneur focusing on Hi-Tech innovation, who has shared his knowledge and experience to many start-ups and spin-offs in the region. He participated in several EU funded R&D projects, inventing new business models in HPCaaS and successfully breaking the barriers in bringing HPC to manufacturing SMEs. He was a member of EUROHPC Research & Innovation Advisory Group (RIAG) and member of PRACE Industrial Advisory Committee. Recently, his research focus is on transferring new technologies from Industry 4.0 to different sectors, such as health and tourism.

Peđa Sabljić

Serbia - Foton

Peđa was born in 1984 in Belgrade, where he graduated from the Faculty of Economics.
He has spent over 20 years in leadership positions in the private sector within the automotive industry. He worked for well-known brands such as Volvo, Ford, Land Rover, Jaguar, and MG.
Since 2022, he began his career within the Balkan Group, where he became a leader at the company Balkanauto, and later at Ecofleet, the official distributor and importer of the renowned Chinese brand Foton.
In recent years, he has been a frequent visitor and speaker at eco conferences, where, in addition to his extensive knowledge of electric vehicles, he also shares his experience and expertise in sustainable transportation, cost savings achievable through the transition to electric vehicles, and methods of energy storage.

DAMIEN PLANT

United Kingdom

Damien is an Irish and British citizen. Until 2021, he served as a UK diplomat and military officer. He possesses a strong (and rare) combination of skills in Sustainability and Security/Risk, supported by significant experience and broad academic credentials. As a Chartered Environmentalist, IEMA Fellow (and European Chair), alumnus of the Cambridge University Sustainable Business programme, and an Executive Coach, Damien is well-positioned to support organizations transitioning to a more sustainable footing, which is his personal mission.

Damien formally collaborates with consulting firms and informally with numerous notable players in the sustainability field. He can particularly support all aspects of organizational evolution, training, and the professional development of employees. Based in the EU and with an extensive network across Europe, the US, and UK organizations, Damien is well-placed to provide international support. His attendance, for example, at COP26 in 2021, as a business delegate at COP15 (2022), and most recently at COP16 in Colombia (2024), demonstrates that he is thoroughly informed about the current global landscape and implications/opportunities for climate and nature agendas.

Damien routinely presents and facilitates sessions at conferences, webinars, and podcasts, for instance, for governments, military and diplomatic training, and international organizations such as RUSI. Recently, he was appointed as a Research Associate with Oxford University.

Mat Roberts

United Kingdome

Mat is a sustainability leader with over 30 years of experience in developing award-winning sustainability, social value, and waste management strategies across multiple sectors.

He holds a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Hertfordshire, an MBA from Glasgow Caledonian University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, where he is now a Senior Associate.

As the Founder and Director of Kerry Roberts Associates, he advises businesses of all sizes on creating maximum value through sustainability programs. His expertise includes waste reduction, circular economy, carbon reduction, fleet electrification, modern governance and reporting systems, and social value programs.

Previously, he has held key leadership positions, including:

  • Group Head of Sustainability at Belron International (2021–2023), where he led global environmental programs, achieving a recycling rate increase from 47% to 95% in three years.
  • CEO of Shetland Amenity Trust (2018–2020), where he resolved financial and governance challenges and transformed the organization into a sustainable business model.
  • Group Director of Sustainability Strategy at Interserve PLC (2013–2017), where he developed an award-winning sustainability strategy and engaged in policy development at the EU and UN levels.
  • Head of Sustainability at Landmarc Support Services (2008–2013), where he managed sustainability efforts across 160,000 hectares of land for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Beyond his corporate roles, Mat is actively involved as Co-Chair of the Food Farming and Countryside Commission Scotland Inquiry, Senior Associate at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and Ambassador for Islands Innovation and the Virtual Island Summit. He also serves on multiple advisory boards and professional organizations dedicated to sustainability.

Mat is a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), as well as a Freeman of the City of London.

Andrej Pečjak

Slovenia - Metron Institute

Andrej was born in Ljubljana in 1957 and has lived near the Slovenian Julian Alps since 1982. His fascination with technology, particularly mechanical and electrical engineering, began in childhood. As a teenager, he developed a passion for model rockets and earned the title of Slovenian Champion several times. At the age of 16, he built his first motorcycle prototype powered by ethanol, sparking a lifelong interest in vehicular propulsion. He studied mechanical engineering with a focus on internal combustion engines at the University of Ljubljana. At just 21, he received the prestigious Prešeren Award for designing an internal combustion engine with isothermal compression to improve efficiency. After marrying in 1981, Andrej embarked on his first electric vehicle project, converting a German Messerschmitt two-seater with a DC turret motor from a US Sherman tank. In 1984, Andrej and his wife, Jasna, founded a company focused on selling car parts and developing software for vehicle maintenance. By 1990, they opened a retail shop powered solely by solar electricity and storage batteries. Their second attempt at building an electric car in 1997 was unsuccessful, but Andrej continued refining his expertise in car electronics and diagnostics, while also developing independent off-grid solutions using solar panels, windmills, and lead-acid batteries. In 2006, Andrej achieved a breakthrough by converting a gasoline Renault Espace into a successful six-seat electric van with an electric range of 160 km (100 miles). Over the years, he has converted several other vehicles, including a notable prototype of a Mazda RX-8. In 2008, Andrej and his family appeared in the environmental documentary Future Planet. 

In 2012, Andrej and Jasna took over the Metron Institute, focusing on sustainable mobility and energy solutions. Under their leadership, Metron has converted over 80 vehicles to electric propulsion and developed various electric vehicle (EV) prototypes for companies worldwide. Metron has also pioneered the development of dynamically controlled charging stations and portable charging stations, which are the smallest in the world. From 2020 to 2025, Metron evolved into Metron Group, with subsidiaries in Germany and the UK, becoming a leader in electric vehicle charging innovations, including cables, adapters, and wall-mounted stations. Andrej and his team also introduced an innovative solution for utilizing storage batteries in electric vehicles, increasing range when necessary, and enabling these batteries to be used as additional power sources for homes or businesses. Active in the promotion of sustainable mobility, Andrej frequently attends EV gatherings and rallies. In 2013, he won first place in the Electric Vehicles category and the Consumption Driving category at the Rallye Monte Carlo des Énergies Nouvelles with Metron’s converted Dacia. 

In 2015, Andrej and Jasna set an unofficial world range record for electric vehicles by driving 826 km (516 miles) on a single charge, from Berlin to Karlsruhe, with an average speed of 72 km/h (45 mph) while passing through five cities. The car, Metron 7, had a range far beyond any other street-legal family vehicle at the time. With this car, they also won first place in the "Pioneers" category at the WAVE 2015, the world’s largest EV rally. As part of the Metron Institute, Andrej has also contributed to technical training and lectures, educating students and technicians about electric mobility, sustainability, and the practical aspects of converting cars to electric propulsion. In October 2015, Andrej was named a finalist for the World Technology Award for his contributions to environmental achievements through the introduction of a sustainable energy cycle. He became a fellow of the World Technology Network during the finals held in New York City. This energy cycle has been implemented at various locations in Slovenia and Austria. Between 2018 and 2020, Andrej collaborated with the leading Slovenian electricity supplier GEN-i on integrating electric vehicles into the energy sector through the Sustainable Energy Cycle. Since December 2023, Andrej has served as an advisor to the Slovenian Prime Minister on matters of energy and electric mobility. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Andrej and Jasna have been passionate mountain climbers for over 30 years, specializing in ice climbing. Their climbing experiences have shown Andrej the undeniable effects of global warming worldwide, further fueling his commitment to promoting sustainable living in all its forms, not just sustainable mobility. 

Andrej’s personal motto is: Where there’s a will, there’s always a way.

Siniša Mitrović

Serbia - Chamber of Commerce And Inustry of Serbia

Head of the Circular Economy Center, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Siniša Mitrović is an environmental analyst and passionate naturalist dedicated to preserving natural capital in Serbia and the Balkans. He graduated from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade and holds a master’s degree in environmental studies, with a doctoral dissertation in preparation.

He currently leads the Circular Economy Center at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, focusing on the development of green industrial policies, environmental European integration, and the application of best technologies in waste and wastewater management. He is one of the leading advocates of circular economy as a model for sustainable development. He also teaches applied ecology at FUTURA Faculty.

Previously, he served as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly of Serbia, chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Environmental Protection, and advised several ministers and the Vojvodina provincial government. He is the founder of the MISIJA Foundation, a research center addressing Serbia's future challenges, and has authored studies for international organizations such as the ILO and UNOPS. He is also a board member of the UN Global Compact in Serbia and chairs the working group for promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.

He is committed to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity, with notable contributions to the protection of rare bird species in Serbia. For over 25 years, he has been actively engaged with the NATURA Center for Natural Resources.

DR Ivo Županović

Montenegro

A financial expert, innovator in local governance, and university professor, Dr. Ivo Županović has successfully balanced business and academic challenges since the beginning of his career in academia. As an internal audit manager at Jugopetrol AD and a consultant for local revenues and finance, he plays a key role in improving public revenue systems and developing strategic development plans.

In academia, Dr. Županović lectures at universities in Montenegro and Serbia, sharing his expertise in financial management, sustainable tourism, and crisis management. As an expert for Montenegro's Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, he actively contributes to enhancing higher education in the region.

Dr. Županović is the coordinator for the Tourism Development Strategy of Kotor until 2030 and a contributor to national strategies, such as Montenegro's Energy Strategy 2030. His expertise has also been recognized internationally through involvement in European Commission-funded projects.

He is the author of numerous scientific papers, a book reviewer, and a member of editorial boards for prestigious journals. As a mentor, he has guided the completion of over 200 theses, specialist papers, and master's dissertations.

Combining practical skills with academic knowledge, Dr. Županović remains committed to developing sustainable solutions for challenges in financial management, strategic planning, and education.

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Vlatko Trajkoski

N.Macedonia - Rade Končar

Vlatko Trajkoski, PhD in Economics
Expert in Waste Management and Environmental Protection

Vlatko Trajkoski has extensive experience in environmental protection, with a special focus on transformer decontamination and hazardous waste management. He served as a waste manager at Rade Končar – Skopje and Rade Končar – TEP, actively contributing to the preparation of documentation for obtaining international certifications (ISO 14001, 17025, 18000, 9001, and OHSAS).

He was the head of the PCB decontamination plant for transformer oil at Rade Končar-Service and participated in numerous regional conferences in the field of environmental protection. As a project manager, he led decontamination projects of PCB-contaminated transformers in Montenegro, supported by GEF, UNIDO, the Ministry of Environment, and other international partners.

He is the recipient of the “November 13 Award” from the City of Skopje for his contribution to environmental protection and improvement, as well as the European CSR Award – Eco Ray on the Balkan Peninsula for 2013.

Miladin Vidaković

Montenegro

Executive Director of “Parking Servis Herceg Novi” LLC, Herceg Novi


Miladin Vidaković has held the position of Executive Director of Parking Servis Herceg Novi since September 2018. During his tenure, he has achieved significant progress in improving and modernizing the company. His leadership has enabled the realization of major infrastructure projects, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Parking Servis. Focused on innovation, he has advanced payment systems, parking infrastructure, and customer support, contributing to improved urban traffic management and the quality of life for the residents of Herceg Novi.

Miladin Vidaković’s prior experience includes serving as a regional manager at Stadion, where he gained a deep understanding of the economic and financial aspects of business operations. This role equipped him to manage large teams and projects and to develop strategies with a long-term positive impact on business performance.

Known for his ambition, ability to push boundaries, and drive his team toward success, Miladin is a leader who consistently motivates his team to achieve set goals. His dedication, ethical approach, and commitment to every task enable him to continuously progress while contributing to the improvement of business practices.

Srđan Krčo

Serbia - DunavNET & AIOTI

An entrepreneur, innovator, and scientist, Srđan has skillfully navigated both the business and academic worlds since the start of his career at the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad. While working as an assistant and lecturer at FTN in the 1990s, he managed a startup that was among the first in the region to develop websites. During his tenure at Ericsson Ireland, contributing to the development of 3G communication systems, he earned his PhD for work on remote health monitoring systems and founded DunavNET in 2005, a company he successfully leads to this day.

DunavNET is renowned for its numerous IoT and AI-based solutions for smart cities, agriculture, and industry. In addition to DunavNET (Ireland and Serbia), Srđan has founded several other companies, such as WeDoSoftware (Serbia), specializing in software development, and DigitalSmart (Montenegro), focused on creating solutions leveraging emerging digital technologies. He actively participates in international research projects such as Horizon Europe and teaches at universities in Serbia, Montenegro, and Rwanda on topics including IoT technologies, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

A frequent speaker at conferences, workshops, and panels, Srđan is the author of more than ten patents in telecommunications and has published over 100 papers in international journals and conferences. He was named Engineer-Innovator of the Year in 2007 by the Irish Institution of Engineers and received several consecutive awards for the highest number of innovations at Ericsson Ireland. Since 2017, he has been a yearly recipient of the Microsoft MVP Award for IoT. Srđan also serves on the Board of Directors of the AIOTI (Alliance for IoT and Edge Computing Innovation: www.aioti.eu).

Katarina Ilić

Serbia - Torlak Institutte

Master of Biochemical Sciences with 20 years of experience in the Biopharmaceutical industry.
Head of the Virological Production Department at the Institute for Virology, Vaccines, and Serums "Torlak" and coordinator of multiple international and domestic projects.

Earned a bachelor's and master's degree from the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, specializing in biochemistry with a focus on immunology.


As a member of the expert team at the "Torlak" Institute, with expertise in Biopharmaceutics and Biorisk Management, actively participates in the establishment of Serbia's first biosafety level 3 laboratory.

Zoran Daljević

Serbia - Atlantic Group

Born in 1961 in Belgrade. He attended primary school in Skopje and Ljubljana, and secondary school (gymnasium) in Ljubljana and Belgrade. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Belgrade in 1984, majoring in Economic Statistics and Cybernetics. During 1982–1983, he served as Student Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics, and from 1983 to 1985, he was Student Vice-Rector of the University of Belgrade.He joined Atlantic Grupa in 2012 as Director of Central Finance, responsible for the accounting, treasury, and controlling functions of Atlantic Grupa's legal entities in Serbia and North Macedonia. He also led the finance department of Atlantic Štark, a company operating within the Atlantic Grupa system. In 2015, he managed the integration of the company Foodland into the Atlantic Grupa system. He is actively involved in the process of implementing SAP in companies in Serbia.

He later assumed the role of Director of Atlantic Grupa's Representative Office in Serbia, where he works on promoting and enhancing the visibility of Atlantic Grupa and its members in Serbia, primarily through relations with government institutions, NGOs, international organizations and other institutions, professional and trade associations, as well as the investment community, in cooperation with business sectors and other support functions of Atlantic Grupa.

He joined Atlantic Grupa from the position of Finance Director at Marbo – Pepsico for the Western Balkans, where from 2008 to 2011 he established the control and planning function and led the integration of Marbo's finance operations into the Pepsico system following a successful acquisition. In 2009/10, he participated in the preparations and implementation of SAP in the company as a cut-over manager.Previously, he worked at Allied Domecq, one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of alcoholic beverages and wines, first as Finance Director starting in 1997, and from 2002 as General Manager – a position he retained even after the company was acquired by French company Pernod Ricard.During this time, he led the Association of Importers of Alcoholic Beverages and Wines within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and was also a member of the working group for drafting the Law on Rakija and Other Alcoholic Beverages. He began his rich professional career at Iskra Delta, at the time one of the largest domestic companies for the production and sale of computers and computer equipment, starting as a trainee and later becoming export activities coordinator in Belgrade.

He has pursued additional training in finance and management. He is actively involved in the work of NALED, where he previously served as Vice President and currently serves a second term as President of the Alliance for Fair Competition. He was named NALED’s Business Member of the Year for 2024.He is also involved in the work of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), where he chaired the Committee for Digital Economy and, as of 2024, is a member of AmCham’s Board of Directors. He is a member of the Association of Financial Directors, as well as a member of the Presidency of SES, East-West Bridge, and PMI. He speaks English and Slovenian.


DR SC.MED ZORAN V. ĆOSIĆ

Serbia

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Specialist in Internal Medicine, and Subspecialist in Cardiology. University Professor and Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (F.E.S.C.). Advisor to the Serbian Road Traffic Safety Committee.

Born in 1964 in Belgrade, Dr. Ćosić graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Belgrade in 1990 with an average grade of 9.7. He completed his specialization in internal medicine in 1996, obtained his master's degree in 1999, and earned the title of subspecialist in cardiology in 2001. He defended his PhD in medical sciences in 2004 and was awarded the title of Primarius by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia in 2008.

His work has been recognized internationally, including the European Society of Cardiology Award in Vienna in 2003 for the best paper on pacemakers and arrhythmias among transitional and emerging European countries. His study focused on the prognostic significance of late ventricular potentials in patients treated with fibrinolysis after acute myocardial infarction.

International Professional Training
Dr. Ćosić has trained at renowned institutions, including the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, USA (2003), specializing in arrhythmia diagnostics and treatment, and Imperial College in London, UK, where he completed the ultrasound school in cardiology (2003). He became a European Certified Cardiologist in 2004.

Contributions to Science and Education
Dr. Ćosić is the author and co-author of over 90 scientific and professional papers, including publications in internationally indexed journals. He published the monograph Hypertension (2011) and ten scientific papers in journals indexed in Medline and SCIE. Additionally, he served as the editor of the medical library at the Textbook Publishing Institute (2009–2013) and as a member of the editorial boards of several prestigious journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) for Serbia.

Social Engagement and Projects
One of Dr. Ćosić’s key projects is the concept of "Healthy City," which promotes sustainable development, ecological approaches, and improving public health through intelligent urban planning. This concept integrates principles of environmental protection, efficient public transport, preservation of cultural and historical heritage, and infrastructure development.

Professional Activities
Dr. Ćosić frequently participates as a speaker at conferences and workshops. His work at the intersection of medicine, urbanism, and sustainable development contributes to stronger connections between science, practice, and the community.

Velimir Jeremić

Serbia - Dekra

He graduated from the Business Academy in Novi Sad, where he pursued postgraduate studies in Economic Diplomacy, focusing on Risk Asset Management.

With over 30 years of experience in motor liability insurance, risk assessment, damage evaluation, vehicle inspection, and periodic technical vehicle inspections, he has participated in numerous expert teams and professional bodies in Serbia and the region. He is a member of the working group for drafting Serbia's National Road Safety Strategy 2023-2030 and is currently active in the group preparing the Action Plan 2023-2025.

Since 2015, he has held a permanent position at DEKRA d.o.o. in Serbia and partially in the region. DEKRA SE Stuttgart is the world's largest testing and certification organization in the automotive sector. DEKRA is a leader in road safety commitment, the Vision Zero initiative, testing, homologation, and vehicle technical inspection. It also excels in automotive industry certifications, e-connectivity, Vx systems, autonomous driving, EVs (HiVo), and testing associated infrastructure and environments.

DR BraNislav B. Aleksandrović

Serbia - Green Drive Academy

A professor of applied studies, he is a full-time faculty member at the Academy of Applied Studies Šumadija, Department in Kragujevac, where he teaches in the Mechanical Engineering and Road Traffic study programs.

He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Motor Vehicles and Engines, at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Kragujevac, where he also obtained the academic title of Master of Technical Sciences. His doctoral dissertation, titled "Development of a Dynamic Parameter Model for Motorcycle Motion with a Focus on Traffic Safety," was successfully defended at the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad.

Throughout his career, he has been engaged in educating students at both secondary and higher education institutions, including the Second Technical School in Kragujevac, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Kragujevac, and the College of Applied Technical Sciences in Kragujevac.

At the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Kragujevac, as a research associate at the Traffic Safety Center and a leading engineer at AMSS-CMV, he participated in the testing and inspection of modified vehicles, preparation of documentation and reports for serial or individual vehicle upgrades, and the development of studies related to vehicle safety.

He has published 52 scientific and professional papers, participated in 23 international symposia, and contributed to three research projects, including one international project. He is a certified court expert in the fields of Traffic, Transport, and Safety, with a focus on the technical characteristics of motorcycles and their participation in traffic. His scientific and professional interests revolve around education in the fields of motorcycles and electric vehicles.

Slobodan Sovilj

Serbia -  Republic Hydrometeorological Service

He graduated from the Institute of Meteorology at the Faculty of Physics, University of Belgrade, in 2008. Since 2009, he has been employed at the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMSS) in the Department for Very Short-Range, Short-Range, and Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. As of September 2022, he has served as the head of the National Center for the Hydrometeorological Early Warning System.

For over a decade, he has been actively engaged in media, aiming to educate the public on various meteorological topics, particularly focusing on meteorological warnings for extreme events and the impact of climate change on the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions. During 2023 and 2024, as a member of the Special Task Force for establishing a system for transmitting urgent information to citizens in case of announced or occurring hazards caused by natural disasters or technical-technological accidents that could endanger lives, health, or property, he designed and defined meteorological criteria for launching a new public warning system, which was officially implemented in September 2024.

Previously, he represented RHMSS Serbia in international projects aimed at strengthening resilience to natural disasters in the Western Balkans. He is also a representative of RHMSS in the Operational Headquarters for Coordination and Management of Protection and Rescue in Case of Wildfires, the Operational Headquarters for Nuclear and Radiological Accidents, and one of the responsible RHMSS officials for communication, organization, and implementation of protection and rescue operations during extreme snowfalls on Corridor 10, Corridor 11, and the Morava Corridor.

He is the author of the manual "Conceptual Models of Cb Clouds," which serves as a professional guide in the Sector for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasts, Warnings, and Alerts, as well as the Hail Suppression Center.

DR SC.MED Dejan Spiroski

Serbia - Institute for Rehabilitation Belgrade

Employed at the Institute for Rehabilitation since 2007, he is a member of the European Society of Cardiology, the European Society of Hypertension, the Serbian Society of Cardiology, and the Serbian Medical Chamber. He serves as the main coordinator within the institution and deputy chief coordinator for Serbia. He completed studies for the IV EUROSPIRE project focusing on primary and secondary prevention.

He was the chief editor responsible for the translation of The 21st Edition of the Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Additionally, he is one of the authors and lecturers for the continuing medical education program at the Faculty of Medicine in Niš.

From 2017 to 2019, he was the chairman of the Working Group for Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Serbian Society of Cardiology. He has authored five papers included in the SCI or SSCI lists and has specialized in cardiopulmonary functional diagnostics.

He is a permanent member of the presidency of the Cardiology Section of the Serbian Medical Society.

His expertise is notably extensive regarding the impact of pollution on the cardiovascular system.

Saša Sovilj

Serbia

Fleet and maintenance expert & Sustainibility advocate

Saša Sovilj is a mechanical engineer with over two decades of experience in technical operations, maintenance, and resource management. He specializes in process optimization and the implementation of sustainable solutions, with extensive experience in managing infrastructure systems, fleet management, and maintenance processes, as well as in the organization and monitoring of production. He particularly excels in fleet management with over 1,000 vehicles, where, through strategic planning and the implementation of advanced technologies, he has achieved significant cost savings and improvements. By digitizing fleet administration, he has successfully reduced administrative burden and improved operational efficiency by introducing modern tools for tracking and managing data. 

In addition, he has developed and implemented strategies for vehicle electrification and the use of alternative fuels, focusing on sustainability and long-term cost optimization. Throughout his career, he has successfully realized business process digitalization projects, using advanced systems such as CMMS and SCADA, which have enhanced the efficiency and reliability of technical operations. His manufacturing experience encompasses planning, organizing, and monitoring processes, as well as continuous improvement of quality and productivity. 

With a deep understanding of sustainable business practices, Saša Sovilj was one of the key figures in the implementation of the ISO 14001 standard, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and improving waste management. His expertise also extends to leading technical teams and complex infrastructure projects, where he has achieved results through strategic planning and coordination. As an active member of the Global Fleet Managers Club, Saša Sovilj regularly follows global trends in technical innovations and sustainable fleet development. His commitment to enhancing operational excellence and compliance with standards makes him an expert who constantly contributes to creating value in dynamic business environments.

Anela Karahasan

Bosnia and Herzegovina (Chamber of commerce FBiH)

Anela Karahasan is a professional and private advocate of decarbonization and the development of a smart, sustainable, and green future in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a special focus on sustainable transport and electromobility. She is currently employed at the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a Senior Professional Associate for Industry and Services. She also serves as the Secretary of the Association for Electromobility, the Association of Authorized Representatives and Car Dealers, the Association for Extended Producer Responsibility, as well as the Coordinator of the Women's Economic Empowerment Program at the Chamber.

She has participated as a speaker at numerous domestic and international symposiums, conferences, and round tables on electromobility, including the International Congress on New Mobility in Poland, the 7th Danube Region Transport Days conference in Ljubljana, the 9th international meeting of the Slovenian e-Mobility Society, and many others.

MILOŠ KOSTIĆ

Serbia - MT Komex

Milos Kostic, owner and director of the company MT-KOMEX, graduated from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Belgrade, specializing in process engineering. Initially, Milos worked as a research associate on projects at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Over a three-year period, he gained exceptional expertise in energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy sources (RES) projects within the Network for Energy Efficiency in Serbia, focusing on measuring and calculating energy losses.

From 2003 to 2009, Milos served as a welding technologist and manager at MT-KOMEX in Belgrade. In 2009, he became involved with renewable energy sources when he started working as the deputy regional manager for the EBRD's WEBSEFF program. Subsequently, he worked as a coordinator on programs with KfW and GGF creditors, focusing on energy efficiency lines, where he was responsible for verification and detailed energy audits for dozens of companies. In 2011, he conceived the idea to develop the first solar power plant in Serbia.

The power plant was constructed in Kladovo and has been successfully operating since 2013.

Since 2017, Milos has been involved in the development of electromobility in Serbia, and in 2021, he founded the spin-off company Charge&GO. This company launched the first digital platform and application for charging electric vehicles with regional coverage and its own network of fast and ultra-fast chargers. Milos invested in a network of 64 fast and ultra-fast chargers in Serbia, with plans to expand the system to the region, reaching a total of 220 charging stations by 2025.


PROF. DR Miloš Stanković

Serbia -  Visionary and Innovator

Professor Dr. Miloš Stanković, born in Belgrade, holds a PhD in Economics, a PhD in Information Technologies and Systems, and a degree in Electrical Engineering. He has been active in scientific and research work for 23 years, primarily focusing on projects related to environmental protection and energy. Currently, he serves as a full professor and head of the Innovation Center at the Faculty of Business and Law in Belgrade, while also holding the position of a Council Member at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, specializing in new technologies and innovations. As recognition for his work, he has received over 100 international awards, including the prestigious "Energy Globe Award" and the title of Honorary Inventor of Europe in 2014.

Stanković has also distinguished himself as the director of the innovative startup company EWD Technology and as the chief engineer and leader in developing innovative products at the Swedish Innovatum Incubator in Trollhättan. His work encompasses a wide range of projects, including devices for destroying ragweed, fuel-efficient systems, and eco-exhaust systems aimed at reducing vehicle air pollution. Additionally, Stanković is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Order of "Alexander Nevsky" from the Russian Academy of Sciences, the WIPO Gold Medal from the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the City of Belgrade Award for Invention.

Beyond his research commitments, Stanković is also active in education, delivering lectures and presentations at numerous national and international conferences, fairs, universities, and institutes worldwide. His inventions hold significant potential for improving economic and social conditions, as confirmed by positive expert opinions and analyses from professionals in various fields.


DRAŠKO ĆIROVIĆ

Serbia - Škoda

An organizational management engineer and technical trainer in the automotive industry with 18 years of experience began his career in 2006. Over the years, he has gained extensive knowledge in various segments of the automotive industry, including technical support, service network organization, and employee training. Since 2019, he has specialized in electric vehicles, becoming one of the pioneers in implementing innovations in the field of electromobility in the market.

His key competencies include years of experience in diagnosing and resolving complex technical problems, particularly with electric vehicles, as well as leading and developing teams through training tailored to modern technologies. He actively advocates for the improvement of post-profit processes by organizing specialized training and creating standard operating procedures for working with electric vehicles, thereby contributing to the efficiency and quality of service in the service network.

In his activities, he has established technical support and implemented standards for maintaining electric vehicles, focusing on safety and innovation. Additionally, he works on introducing new technologies and tools into the daily operations of the service network, adapting business processes to the rapid changes in the electromobility market while establishing collaboration with partners and distributors.

His goal is to continuously enhance technical expertise and empower teams through ongoing education to prepare for the challenges of future mobility. He is committed to creating innovative solutions that will meet market demands and improve the customer experience.

Vlada Plemić

Serbia

Fire Protection Expert, Instructor, and Innovator in Rescue Operations

With over 35 years of experience in the emergency services sector, Vlada Plemić has played a key role in advancing fire protection and rescue systems in Serbia. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership positions within Fire and Rescue Units (FRU), including Deputy Chief of the Fire and Rescue Administration, Assistant Chief, and Head of the Unit Performance Control Department.

His expertise covers technical rescue operations in traffic accidents, wildfire suppression, and managing hazardous material incidents. As an instructor, he actively shares his knowledge with new generations of firefighters and rescuers through both basic and specialized courses, focusing on rescue tactics, working with new automotive technologies, and safety measures during technical interventions.

Plemić is the author of the professional book Technical Interventions in Traffic Accidents (2013) and holds numerous certifications in areas such as extinguishing electric vehicle fires with lithium batteries, tunnel rescue operations in road and railway transport, and wildfire suppression organization.

With decades of experience and dedication to developing new rescue methods, he is recognized as one of the leading experts in fire protection and emergency response in the region.

Lazar Krnjeta

Serbia

Financial Expert, Leader in Public Utility Services, and Certified Lecturer of the National Academy for Public Administration.

Lazar Krnjeta is the director of TTI Group d.o.o., a consulting firm in Belgrade specializing in public utility infrastructure, and the executive director of the Business Association of Public Utility Companies of Serbia (KOMDEL), representing over 100 public utility companies. As a certified lecturer of the National Academy for Public Administration of the Republic of Serbia, he actively delivers training and professional courses aimed at enhancing public policies and utility services.

His experience includes leading the development department and serving as financial director at JKP Gradska čistoća in Belgrade. He has collaborated on projects with international organizations such as GIZ and SKGO, participated in the European Movement in Serbia, and contributed to environmental initiatives through the "Ecology" working group.

Lazar Krnjeta has co-authored several professional publications and studies, including:

  • Public Utility Companies in the Republic of Serbia – Role and Characteristics (2015), co-authored with M. Filipović.
  • Unique Methodology for Determining the Cost of Utility Services (2013), published by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities.
  • Guide – Regional Centers for Waste Management in Serbia (2007), co-authored with R. Trifunović.

His works and research are regularly featured in scientific and professional journals. His expertise spans reforms in the utility sector, waste management, and developing optimal models for the transformation of public enterprises.

With extensive experience in local government, financial management, and strategic planning, Lazar Krnjeta remains committed to improving public utility systems and promoting sustainable solutions in the utility sector.

Veljko Milošević

Serbia

Veljko Milošević graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Belgrade. He completed professional training at the Office of the Protector of Citizens and in a renowned company specializing in the development of projects that utilize renewable energy sources.

He continued his career in the legal profession, focusing on environmental law and energy law. He is currently working at the law firm BDK Advokati.

Veljko has participated in numerous international projects and conferences on sustainable development and business, consumer rights, and access to information. He was also a panelist at the second preparatory meeting for the 31st OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum.

He attended the Legal Clinic for Environmental Law, with which he continues to actively collaborate. By supporting clients in the development of renewable energy projects and ensuring compliance with environmental legal standards, he has distinguished himself as one of the young leaders in the field of renewable energy.

He is currently completing his master's studies in environmental law, with a focus on corporate sustainability reporting and the issue of greenwashing.

PROF. DR MARKO ŠPILER

Serbia - CMN

Founder and director of the Center for Management (Center for Procurement Management and Institute for Public Management), President of the Chamber of Public Procurement of Serbia, Professor Dr. Marko Špiler is an international consultant, lecturer, and expert in the field of public procurement. He works as a professor of vocational studies at state institutions: the Higher Business School in Novi Sad, previously at the Academy of Technical and Artistic Studies in Belgrade, teaching the subject of Public Procurement Management, and as an Associate Professor at the non-state Faculty of Management in Novi Sad, leading the Master's program in Public Procurement Management.

Additionally, as a lecturer at several institutes and institutions, he has delivered over 300 lectures at scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, both domestically and internationally. As a consultant, he has successfully executed over 200 projects (ministries, municipal administrations, education sector, public enterprises) and international projects and proceedings as a consultant for multiple international organizations, UN, and banks.

He has delivered numerous international lectures and has authored 13 books, 2 monographs, and over 150 scientific and professional papers. He also serves as a professional collaborator with the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences.


UROŠ DELIĆ

Serbia - WWF Adria

Uroš Delić serves as the Corporate Partnerships Manager at WWF Adria, where he bridges the business sector with sustainability and environmental protection efforts to preserve the region’s natural heritage. He develops strategic partnerships that align corporate practices with WWF’s mission, driving sustainable transformation and guiding companies toward environmental protection and the adoption of practices that reduce their ecological footprint.

Uroš collaborates with businesses to co-create impactful projects, such as sustainable fishing practices, river ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience initiatives.

His work ensures that businesses become key contributors to WWF Adria’s goals, fostering a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship coexist. Through these efforts, Uroš strengthens the corporate sector’s role as a vital ally in biodiversity protection and planetary conservation.

BOJAN VOZAR

Serbia - EGIS

Bojan Vozar, a traffic engineer at EGIS doo, Belgrade, Serbia, has 17 years of professional experience in the field of traffic planning and organization, as well as the planning and construction of transportation infrastructure.

Throughout his career, Bojan has been directly involved in the planning and organization of freight transport by road and rail, as well as in the planning and construction of railway infrastructure systems and facilities, serving as a designer, consultant, and supervisory authority.

In addition to his direct involvement in traffic infrastructure planning and construction, Bojan has also managed various projects, from conceptual designs to project implementation, not only in the field of transportation but also in other industries.

Jovanka Dakić

Serbia

Jovanka Dakić (born in 1968) holds a degree in Engineering Technology and a master's degree in Environmental Protection Engineering from the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade. She is currently employed at JKP "Higijena" Pančevo as the Executive Director of the Waste Management and Environmental Protection Sector.

For over two decades, she has been actively engaged in establishing waste management systems, primarily in the City of Pančevo and the South Banat District in the Republic of Serbia. She has served as a coordinator and manager for multiple projects related to environmental protection and the management of various waste types and streams (municipal, packaging, biodegradable, construction and demolition waste, and special waste streams) in cooperation with local, provincial, and national authorities.

Dakić is a mentor to talented high school students at the Regional Talent Center "Mihajlo Pupin" Pančevo, where she works with students in the environmental protection department. She is also an active project leader within the "Karika Art and Science" citizens' association, with a strong focus on public engagement and cooperation with the local community.

She holds a license from the Serbian Chamber of Engineers as a responsible project designer for technological processes, is a certified advisor for the transport of hazardous materials, and a certified developer of construction and demolition waste management plans. Additionally, she is an expert in cleaner production, a project manager for sanitary landfill and recycling initiatives in Pančevo, and the author of numerous published professional papers. She has participated in national and international conferences and trade fairs.

Her professional focus is on the development of waste management systems, ranging from modifying local waste management strategies to implementing specific activities within JKP "Higijena" Pančevo, such as developing primary separation of solid municipal waste, establishing and managing sanitary landfills, and creating and operating secondary raw material processing centers.

Predrag Umičević

Serbia

Predrag Umičević holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade, specializing in mechanization. He further pursued postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Occupational Safety in Niš, focusing on underwater welding.

He began his professional career as the founder and owner of SZMR Metaling Design (1990–2004), a company specializing in the production of lattice metal structures. From 1996 to 2006, he served as the director and owner of Metaling PUT d.o.o., a company with over 30 employees, acting as the general representative for Serbia of globally renowned companies such as DECA (Italy), ABAC (Italy), Elektroda Jesenice (Slovenia), BOSCH (Germany), and UNIOR (Slovenia).

His company had significant contracts for performing specialized works for USS Serbia in Smederevo, successfully resolving dust suppression issues in key company plants (Steel Mill, Blast Furnace, and Agglomeration), leading to long-term engagement in these operations. In the period from 2005 to 2007, his parent company became the owner of d.o.o. Sartid Diving Works.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Umičević has also been active in the public sector. He served as a member of the Executive Board of the Smederevo Municipal Assembly for Entrepreneurship (2002–2003) and later as the President of the Executive Board of the Smederevo Municipal Assembly (2003–2004). In 2007, he became a Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, representing the Democratic Party parliamentary group. From 2008 to 2012, he held the position of Mayor of Smederevo.

Today, he is the owner and director of Composting Smederevo d.o.o., a registered operator for biodegradable waste treatment in Serbia, and Land Friend d.o.o., recognized as a leading company in the production of bio-stabilizers (composters), with registered operations in Serbia, Slovenia, and the Brčko District.

Danijel Hristov

Serbia -  Road Traffic Safety Agency of Serbia

Danijel Hristov, born in 1996 in Vranje. He began his primary education in Vranje and completed it in Belgrade, where he also graduated from the Fifth Belgrade Gymnasium in 2015. The same year, he enrolled at the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering at the University of Belgrade, graduating in 2019. In 2021, he successfully completed his master’s studies at the same faculty.

Immediately after completing his undergraduate studies, he started working at the Traffic Safety Agency, in the Vehicle Sector, where he still works today as a Senior Expert Associate.

As the project manager of "Electric Vehicle Safety," he contributed to the education of technical inspection controllers and the development of literature on proper handling of electric and hybrid vehicles.

He has participated in numerous panels and conferences on transport and traffic safety and is also one of the authors of a study on the analysis and improvement of the service campaign process in the Republic of Serbia.

Presenter

JELENA GAVRILOVIĆ

Serbia

Jelena Gavrilović, born on January 18, 1983, in Belgrade, has become one of the most recognizable faces on the Serbian film and television scene. Her artistic journey includes an impressive range of roles, spanning from dramatic to comedic, which have captured the hearts of audiences across Serbia and the region. Beyond her acting skills, Jelena is also distinguished by her vocal talent, enabling her to leave a mark in the music world as well. With a radiant smile that has become her trademark, Gavrilović is not only a talented actress but also a singer whose ability to evoke profound emotions in her audience lends her artistic works a unique depth and significance.

She completed her primary and secondary education in Lazarevac. Even during her high school years, Jelena demonstrated exceptional talent for acting and singing, which shaped her future artistic path. Motivated by her passion for the arts, after her third year of high school, she decided to turn her passion into a profession. She enrolled in acting studies at the prestigious Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, where she had the opportunity to learn from some of the most esteemed names in the field, such as Vida Ognjenović and Ljuboslav Majera. Jelena completed her formal education in 2005, graduating and formally validating her acting abilities, which opened the doors to a rich professional career both on stage and in cinema and television.

PANEL MODERATOR

MAJA VODENIČARSKI

Serbia - Niš News

After years of working in the media, the Director of City Marketing Center, Maja Vodeničarski, has also taken on the role of Editor-in-Chief of the Niške Vesti portal.

Although a graduate in chemistry, Vodeničarski has over two decades of experience in journalism.

She began her career as a morning news journalist at the former TV5 under the editorial leadership of Zoran Marjanović, better known as Zoza. She later developed her career in the newsrooms of City Radio, the regional television station Belle Amie, and TV Zona Plus, where she hosted her own shows.

Vodeničarski honed her managerial skills at the Cameleon Garment Factory in Svrljig. Upon returning to journalism, she once again embraced the pen.

PANEL MODERATOR

FILIP MITROVIĆ

Serbia

Filip Mitrović, with nearly two decades of experience in the automotive industry, is the founder of 360 Mobility, the first startup member of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce. 360 Mobility is engaged in the transformation of mobility by connecting it with green energy and energy storage, providing solutions for financing these innovations. 360 Mobility believes that by implementing such solutions, not only energy independence but also mobility independence can be achieved.

PROGRAM MODERATOR

Marija Jeremić

Serbia - Public Relations Advisor

Marija Jeremić from Zlatibor, a graduate economist and expert in public relations and marketing, has extensive experience as a host of cultural events and organizer of official protocols.