The educational program designed for young people who want to gain practical knowledge for developing a career in sustainability and corporate social responsibility – #SustainabilityStarter – kicked off on October 20 with the first webinar dedicated to the topic of sustainable careers. 

Neven Marinović, Executive Director of the Responsible Business Forum and Director of Smart Kolektiv, opened the program with a lecture “Sustainable Career: Why Sustainability Is Also Your Future.” Participants learned what sustainability means for young people, how it influences the labor market, and what messages come from global examples of companies that operate responsibly and with social impact. 

The next webinar, held on October 23 under the title “I Want to Do Something That Matters – Sustainable Business Models and Innovation,” was led by Svetlana Damnjanović from the ESG Knowledge Hub. Participants explored what sustainability in business truly means today – not as a trend, but as a mindset and a way of working. They also became more familiar with the concepts of CSR, ESG, and sustainable business models, and learned how companies can align their economic goals with social and environmental responsibility. The session also addressed risks such as greenwashing, emphasizing that ESG should not be seen merely as an obligation but as an opportunity for innovation, growth, and long-term value creation. 

The third webinar, led by Mina Radović and Milica Maslarević from Nestlé Serbia, focused on “How to Start a Career in Sustainability, CSR, and ESG” – one of the most in-demand fields today. The speakers shared personal experiences in career development and leading sustainability initiatives, presented the work of the Nestlé sustainability team, and discussed the company’s current projects and goals. Participants also learned more about the key skills needed for building a career in this field and discussed the differences between CSR and ESG approaches, as well as why sustainability today is no longer a question of “if,” but “how.” 

Throughout November, participants will attend three more sessions: 

  • Green Agenda: Sustainability in the Local Community
    Margareta Musić, Elixir Foundation
    November 6, 14:00–16:00 
  • How to Start a Sustainable Business – the Cosy2Wear Experience
    Neda Stanković, Smart Kolektiv & Sonja Nikolić Oljača, Cosy2Wear
    November 13, 14:00–16:00 
  • Why Companies Invest in People and Communities – and What That Means for Your Career Growth
    Jovana Važić, Bambi Koncern a.d. Požarevac
    November 14, 12:00–13:30 

In the final phase of the program, participants will take part in the #SustainabilityChallenge – a team project focused on developing innovative solutions for real company challenges, which they will present at the CSR & ESG Forum in December. 

Sustainability Starter is a program of the Responsible Business Forum, implemented for the fifth consecutive year (and the second time under this name). Over the years, it has brought together many young people who have gained essential knowledge and valuable contacts for their first professional steps. The program’s goal is to provide participants with a confident entry into the world of sustainable business – a field that increasingly shapes how companies operate and how societies evolve. Through the program, participants get first-hand insights into how corporations implement sustainability principles in practice and have the opportunity to co-create solutions that drive real change. 

This year, the program is especially designed to support participants on their career journey toward sustainability – whether they plan to start their professional development within companies or launch their own ventures that create social and environmental value.