Neven Marinović, Director of Smart Kolektiv, moderated a session at the Regional Conference CORE Days 2024, organised by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) from 28–29 October in Belgrade.
This year’s conference, under the slogan “Toward a Net Zero Future,” brought together experts and leaders from various sectors to discuss topics such as energy transition, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and fostering innovation in sustainable technologies. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in achieving a sustainable future.
Neven Marinović moderated a panel discussion focused on corporate social responsibility and the challenges of the labour market amidst the transition to a green and digital economy, with a special emphasis on preserving social fairness. Panelists included Naida Nišić (Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Montenegro), Zoran Martinović (Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, Serbia), Lenche Kocevska (Ministry of Economy and Labour, North Macedonia), Branislav Nedimović (Mayor of Sremska Mitrovica), Jovan Protić (National Coordinator for Serbia, International Labour Organization), and Ivana Nedeljković (Delta Agrar).
The discussion addressed strategies to reduce unemployment and preserve existing jobs, including new employment forms. The panel also tackled the challenges of workforce import and examined measures ensuring that all employees are treated in alignment with ESG criteria. Regional initiatives aimed at providing the necessary upskilling during the digital transition and combating the informal economy—particularly through laws like the new Law on seasonal workers in agriculture —were also highlighted.
The session concluded with insights from the private sector, where company representatives reflected on how compliance with ESG principles, particularly in the “S” domain—social aspects—impacts their operations.
The overarching theme of the conference revolved around driving the green transition and sustainable business practices, as well as the opportunities and challenges local companies face in reducing carbon emissions within their supply chains.
Speakers at the opening ceremony included Edward Ferguson, British Ambassador to Serbia; Anne-Charlotte Malm, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden; Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation; and Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED.
The conference was organised by NALED and members of the Core partnership, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
