Interview • Hanadi Džabić
Impressions from the previous BGC 2022 conference? I had an extraordinary and inspiring experience at the BGC 2022conference. I am honored…
22 – 23. November 2023
From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Jove Ilića 154, new building, Belgrade
Balkans Go Circular is a unique platform in the region that familiarizes us with new regulations and directives. Here, companies from the Balkans can accurately and effectively get prepared for the future market challenges. We analyze market opportunities in detail, identify key challenges and offer solutions immediately. See you at Balkans Go Circular 2023, welcome.
If you want to follow the Balkans Go Circular 2023 online, register by clicking the button.
for Circular Transition.
1and the EU Market's Green Requirements.
2for a Circular Economy.
3Circular Power for the Future.
4BALKANS GO CIRCULAR 2023
For the third time we have the honor to organize the regional conference Balkans Go Circular. Our goal is to gather in one place all relevant circular economy actors from our region: from competent ministers and representatives of institutions, through the business sector and innovators, all the way to university professors, students and media representatives.
The conference program has been carefully designed to respond to the key challenges in this field, combining the valuable experience of large companies with the agility of small businesses and innovative solutions of the most promising students.
Impressions from the previous BGC 2022 conference? I had an extraordinary and inspiring experience at the BGC 2022conference. I am honored…
Impressions from the previous BGC 2022 conference? This small team did for the promotion of the circular economy in the…
I am extremely pleased to have been a part of the Balkans Go Circular conference and to have met great people involved in the circular economy in the Balkans. I am glad that the conference gathered a significant number of people and initiated a conversation between experts, professors, and businessmen, which is the essential beginning of the transition towards circularity in the Balkans.
Francesca Montevecchi
I congratulate the team for successfully organizing this conference for the second time. Balkans Go Circular is a fantastic initiative that connects experts, decision makers and representatives of the business sector from the Balkans and beyond. We agreed that informing about regional development, as well as encouraging cooperation and joint action of interested parties are key aspects to focus on.
Harald Friedl
We are glad to have been part of this well-attended conference. The hybrid format was particularly effective in reaching regional and European audiences. We look forward to future cooperation, as the EBRD remains committed to supporting the implementation of the circular economy.
Aleksandra Miladinović
During the Balkans Go Circular conference, we gained a wealth of knowledge and I am especially glad that prominent speakers from Serbia, Europe and beyond joined us at this conference. We have laid the groundwork for future Balkans Go Circular conferences, with the hope that each year its impact will continue to expand.
Milan Veselinov
The Balkans Go Circular conference is an excellently organized event that drew the attention of a large audience this year. This is an indication to all of us that interest in he circular economy in the Balkans is growing.
Ignacio Chanza
It was a real pleasure to participate in the Balkans Go Circular, we are proud to have recognized the importance of this initiative and supported it.
Dr. Kirsten DunlopBALKANS GO CIRCULAR 2023
Tokom Balkans Go Circular 2023:
Adviser on Circular Economy, European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment
William Neale is an advisor for circular economy at the European Commission (Directorate-General for the Environment). His work primarily focuses on the circular economy in relation to climate, digital technologies, employment, and European financing, with special responsibilities concerning the Sustainable Products Regulation for eco-design, the Digital Product Passport, and the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.
Mr. Neale previously worked for 11 years as a member of the Cabinet (office) of European Commissioners for science and research, and for environment, fisheries, and maritime affairs. He began his career in public service, working for 7 years in the Directorate-General of the European Commission for Enterprise and Industry, responsible for the social economy and coordination of SME programs.
Prior to this, he spent 13 years in the private sector in international banking, retail, social entrepreneurship, and consulting. He graduated from the University of Manchester (UK) with a degree specializing in Economics and History, and holds a Master of Arts in Economics (M.A. Econ) also from the University of Manchester.
Director of the Department for Sustainable Development • NALED
Slobodan completed his undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Economics, University of Belgrade, majoring in "Finance, Banking, and Insurance." He successfully defended his Master's thesis on "Permissible Forms of State Aid in the Competition Law of Serbia and the European Union" at the Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade in 2012. He has undergone additional training through seminars on trade and challenges in developing countries, held in Beijing in 2011, and on sustainable development in Venice in 2013. Since 2010, he has been a member of the NALED team, serving as a project manager and associate for economic analyses. He has coordinated and participated in the implementation of numerous projects on public finance, fiscal policy, environmental protection, and public policies at the local and national levels. He is a co-author and contributor to a large number of studies and analyses in the field of regulatory reform and the assessment of the business environment prepared by the NALED regulatory reform team, including the Grey Book, the Regulatory Index of Serbia, Quarterly Reports on the Status of Regulatory Reform, etc.
Full Professor and Managing Director of BBICC
Vesna Damnjanović graduated, obtained her master's degree, and PhD at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, where she is employed as a full professor at the Department of Marketing Management and Public Relations. She also completed a specialization: Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing at the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the United Kingdom. She is the head of the Center for Business Case Studies at FON and the director of the global case study competition: Business Belgrade International Case Competition. She mentors students of the FON Case Study Club together with Prof. Dr. Nataša Petrović, who won first place in the world at the prestigious LSE Global Circular Challenge 2021 for innovation in sustainable wardrobe.
Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade
INSTITUTION: University of Belgrade - Faculty of Organizational Sciences
TITLE: Professor
AREAS OF PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC INTEREST: ecological management, sustainable development, circular economy, ecological risk management, ecological marketing
EDUCATION: Earned a master's and doctorate degree in the field of ecological management, a subject she has been studying and teaching for over 27 years since the beginning of her university career.
PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY: In addition to the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Organizational Sciences, she is also engaged in studies at the University of Belgrade and has previously worked at the Faculty of Agriculture, as well as on doctoral academic studies at the Military Academy of the University of Defence and on master's studies at the Faculty of Administration, University of Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia. She is the head of the master's academic studies in Circular Economy at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences and the president of the Program Council of the master's academic studies in Business Performance Management at the University of Belgrade.
She participated in two TEMPUS projects (LeanEA and ConCur) and two Erasmus programs (ISSES and Circle U. European University). She was also the project leader of VIBE – Venture Initiative for the Balkan Europe, The South East Europe program.
She is the founder and head of the Center for Ecological Management and Sustainable Development at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences and a member of the international program Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP) at Haw Hamburg, Germany.
She mentored students from the Faculty of Organizational Sciences who participated and won the Global Circular Challenge 2021 in circular economy for the textile industry and the European Ethics Bowl 2021.
She has published over 165 scientific and professional publications and presented numerous papers at international and national scientific conferences.
President of Alijanse za cirkularna pakovanja
Nenad Đurđević was born in 1968 in Kruševac. He is married to Ana, his schoolmate and an architect. They have a son, Aleksej. After completing his studies in management, he found his first job at the company "Beomedicina," working in import/export. He then began a corporate career in the beverage industry - first at the spirit & wine giant “Allied Domecq“ / now “Pernod Ricard”, in various commercial positions. With the lifetime achievement award for contribution to the Scotch whisky industry “The Keepers of the Quaich,” he left this industry and moved to the aluminum beverage packaging industry – Ball Corporation, at the end of 2005. From 2006 until now, he has been engaged in the development of the aluminum can market through the commercialization of sustainability, passing through many positions and geographies – AMEA, Dubai, Russia STAN’s. Always socially active for the right causes, he is one of the founders of the Serbian Managers Association, the Alliance for Circular Packaging, etc.
Western Balkan Regional Coordinator for Policy Dialog and Stakeholders Relations, SME Finance Development, EBRD
Aleksandra Miladinovic has over 15 years of professional experience with focus on SME development and growth through advisory, supporting local economy in close cooperation with different donors and stakeholders. Since 2019, Aleksandra has been managing EBRD advisory team and activities in Serbia, supporting and promoting innovation, use of advanced technologies, sustainable business models and regional cooperation. Aleksandra coordinates activities in the
Western Balkans in her capacity of WB Regional Coordinator, Policy Dialog and stakeholders relations and has extensive experience and overview of the Western Balkans.
Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro
Milena Rmuš is a Secretary of Coordinating Board for Energy Efficiency and Environment Protection in the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro. With diverse background in economics, environmental studies and policy analysis she is actively involved in enhancing dialog with national institutions, business and international organization in process of implementation of Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Additionally, she is involved in numerous projects and initiatives with focus to green transition in Montenegro and promotion of circular economy.
Principal Climate Strategy Delivery for Western Balkans, EBRD
In her current position, Milena is involved in delivery of sustainable and green economy solutions in the Western Balkans. During 20 years of professional engagement, she gained deep understanding of private sector business strategy development and implementation, turnarounds, M&A, as well as policy development.
Founder and Director of CirEkon
M.Sc. in Industrial Ecology, Milan Veselinov, has been professionally involved in circular economy in Serbia ever since he returned from the Netherlands with the goal of helping responsible companies transition to better business practices and creating a positive and acceptable environment for such operations. He views the circular economy as the most logical model to achieve higher profits by delivering better products while preserving resources, society, and the environment. This field is both his professional interest and area of expertise.
Milan has worked on numerous European Union projects, as well as regional and local research and projects, in strategic, research, and business environments. He founded CirEkon, a company entirely dedicated and specialized in the transition to a responsible circular economy. He is a member of the global Circle Economy Club, the European Expert Group, the World Organization of Professionals in Industrial Ecology, and the European Network of Trainers and Coaches committed to combating climate change. Through the creation of the Academy for Circular Economy, he aims to introduce the business world in Serbia to the concept in the highest quality manner. By constantly improving services related to circular economy, he seeks to implement circularity in urban management and company operations for the benefit of the business system, society, and nature. In this regard, he has created various training formats and implementation frameworks for circularity in cities and business systems at the European level.
Milan is the ideator and leader of the Balkan Peninsula cooperation platform in the field of circular economy - Circular Economy Balkan Beacons, and the regional conference Balkans Go Circular, which modernly brings the practice of circular economy applicable to the Balkan Peninsula. He completed his master's studies in Industrial Ecology at the joint program of the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, Leiden University, Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, and Karl Franzens University in Graz, Austria.
Director of Business Sustainability at Bosis
Marija Pantelić is the Director of Sustainability at the family-owned company Bosis, a regional leader in the production of printed and laminated cardboard packaging. Passionate about responsible and sustainable business models and circularity, she is considered an ambassador for SMEs in Serbia in this field. Currently, she is pursuing her doctoral studies in business sustainability. Her life goal is to prove that responsible and sustainable business practices are not only feasible for SMEs but can also serve as a key driver of business growth and success. Marija advocates for purpose-driven business, supported by a strong organizational culture, and the production of soulful products that add unique value to all partners, as well as consumers. These products have a positive impact on society and the planet, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. In 2022, Marija received the Ernst & Young Award for Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year, along with many other national awards in the field of responsible and sustainable business.
Founder of Ekofungi
A fungal genetics expert with two decades of global experience in developing mushroom cultivation using waste materials. Recipient of the "Flower of Success 2014" award for the most successful women in entrepreneurship in Serbia. Co-founder of AgroNet NGO, with ten years of experience in project management.
Head of the Group for Transnational European Union Programs, Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia
Ivana Davidović is the head of the Group for Transnational European Union Programs at the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia. Her work is focused on European territorial cooperation and financing. Previously, she worked for over 10 years in international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, OSCE, and the European Commission in the field of sustainable development. She graduated from the University of Belgrade (Faculty of Economics) and holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the University of London in the field of international development.
UNDP BiH
Ismar Ćeremida has over 20 years of experience in corporate and investment banking and private sector development. Since 2009, Ismar has been working for UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina, combining his expertise in business development with systemic thinking and transformation processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is currently the Sustainable Growth Sector Leader and actively participates in changing the economy through programs on innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, digital economy, and circularity. Ismar earned an MBA in Circular Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom.
Circular Activist | Speaker | Entrepreneur | Mentor | Advisor
Harald Friedl practiced circular economy, sustainability and business for over 10 years and is now an active innovator who drives growth and circularity in his clients companies. Not simply a theory guy, Harald teaches what he knows from experience and is passionate about sharing his expertise with today’s most dynamic business leaders.
An international expert in strategic planning specializing in ecological and energy security, and circular economy
A graduate engineer with a master's degree in Electrical Engineering, and an international expert in strategic planning in the fields of environmental, ecological, economic, and energy security, renewable energy sources, and circular economy, possessing a good understanding of economic and geopolitical processes in Serbia, the region, Europe, and the world.
With significant analytical knowledge and the ability to strategically assess, this individual is adept at the correct application and monitoring of local and regional projects and initiatives. Over 25 years of executive experience in the private sector and more than fifteen years in responsible and managerial roles in the non-governmental sector and international multilateral political organizations have enabled him to acquire extensive experience and the capability to manage complex processes. He is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Western Balkans Consulting Global.
Co-Chair of UNEP Environment International Resource Panel
Dr. Janez Potočnik graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. He served as the director of the Institute for Macroeconomic Analysis and Development in Ljubljana. He was appointed as the head of the negotiating team for Slovenia's accession to the European Union and held the position of Minister in charge of European Affairs.
In 2004, he joined the European Commission as the Commissioner responsible for science and research, and in 2010, he became the Commissioner for the Environment. After his term, he was appointed as the co-chair of the UNEP's International Resource Panel for the Environment. He is also a partner at SYSTEMIQ.
Coordinator of service activities, Economic Chamber of Nort Macedonia
Independent advisor for monitoring legal and other regulations in the field of economy and legal consulting in the Center for monitoring legislation and consultations within the Directorate of Associations and Regional Chambers in the Professional Service of the Economic Chamber of Macedonia. Analysis and ongoing monitoring of legislation relevant to the business sector, preparation of information and expert opinions on legal issues in the field of economy, ongoing activities for the Association of service activities, associations and groups and other forms of organization and operation within the association.
Change Management Manager in the Corporate Business Division, Banca Intesa Beograd
Graduated from the Faculty of Economics in Belgrade, majoring in Management, and continued her master's studies in Business Communication at the same faculty. She began her professional career at Banca Intesa Beograd in 2008 in the Small and Medium Enterprises Sector. She later became the Director for Business with Italian Economic Entities within the Large Corporate Business Sector. She gained international experience from 2014 to 2018 during her tenure at the Banca Intesa headquarters in Milan, initially in the SME sector and then in Corporate Marketing, where she participated in various projects for the development and enhancement of the business of Intesa Sanpaolo Group banks.
Upon returning to Serbia, she took on the significant role of Change Management Manager in the Corporate Business Division. She is one of the key figures in implementing the ESG business strategy within the Corporate Business Division. She speaks English and Italian.
Member of the Executive Board/Director of the Product Management and Sales Department, Intesa Leasing
Bojan Erak was born in Novi Sad in 1981. After graduating from the "Jovan Jovanović Zmaj" High School, he enrolled in the Faculty for Entrepreneurial Management at the University of Braća Karić in Novi Sad. He began his career in the automotive industry at an authorized Ford and Mazda dealership immediately after completing his internship during his third year of college. After graduating, he joined VB leasing in 2005, where he became familiar with leasing from the early stages of the leasing industry's development. He successfully led the regional center in Novi Sad, and in 2013, he took over as the Director of the Direct Sales sector.
During this time, he continued his education with specialist studies at the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, and international MBA studies at United Business Institutes – Brussels Belgium, focusing on leadership and project management.
Since 2015, he has been part of the Intesa Leasing team, initially as a regional director in RC Vojvodina, and from 2023 as the Director of the Product Management and Sales Sector. In June of the same year, he became a member of the Executive Board of Intesa Leasing.
Bojan is married and a father of two. In his free time, he engages in motorcycling, skiing, snowboarding, sailing, and humanitarian activities. He enjoys reading and continuously educating himself in the business field.
Project Coordinator, UNDP Srbija
Ana is a licensed architect and urban planning professional form Serbia, with M.Sc. degree in International Cooperation and Urban Development (Technical University Darmstadt, Germany) and MA in Development Economics and International Cooperation (University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Italy). She worked in Spain, Cyprus, Italy and Serbia, in the fields of project design and management, research and development actions, strategic planning and policy-making, and acceleration of innovations, related to climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, nature-based solutions and circular economy.
Advisor for Programs and Projects, Innovation Fund
Aleksandra Todorović, a graduate economist, has been a long-term professional associate at the Innovation Fund. This year, she took on the role of an advisor for programs and projects, preparing documentation for the evaluation process within the Early Development Program, the Co-Financing of Innovations Program, and the Science and Industry Cooperation Program. She is also responsible for overseeing the work of technical reviewers and expert committees in relation to assessing projects that apply for grants from the Innovation Fund, as well as preparing documentation related to environmental protection projects.
Director of SME Hub
Aleksandar Goračinov is the director of SME HUB, a public-private partnership project between the Swiss Government and the Serbian company ICT Hub. Before joining SME HUB, Aleksandar successfully served as the Executive Director for Commercial Affairs in a leading Swiss-Serbian company specialized in the recycling of hazardous industrial waste. Throughout his sixteen-year career, he has honed his professional skills to lead a series of successful entrepreneurial and managerial ventures, including working for "Elektroporcelan AD," the largest manufacturer of electrical equipment in the Western Balkans, where he was the Director of Sales and Marketing. He also served as an advisor to the State Secretary in the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure for one year.
Aleksandar holds an MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales and is a member of the Serbian Association of Managers.
During the two days of the program we will go through three panels, a masterclass, a circular challenge, a presentation of the most successful circular business practices and speeches by prominent experts. Choose a date and learn more about the program of this years Balkans Go Circular 2023.
Prof. dr Vesna Damnjanović
Milan Veselinov
Ms Aleksandra Miladinović
William Neale
The introductory lectures are intended as a brief expert insight into the European and Balkan markets. We present the most important trends and current requirements of the new marketplace and we explain why the circular economy is so important for the future
business of the company.
Dr Janez Potočnik
Harald Friedl
This year, Balkans Go Circular 2023 offers support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that aspire to circular business practices. As part of a special program section, representatives of these enterprises will have an exceptional opportunity for direct interaction with representatives of funds and banks and experts in the field of circular business.
"Tačka podrške za MSP" represents the central part of this innovative approach, providing representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises with comprehensive information about support aimed at transitioning to circular business. Through brief consultations, participants will gain direct knowledge about various financing models tailored to their business, with the possibility of connecting with available resources.
"Tačka podrške za MSP" is conceived as a place for exchanging information, with the aim of providing additional strength to small and medium-sized enterprises to begin their journey towards circular business.
We invite all ambitious entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises to take advantage of this unique opportunity to obtain key information and resources. Step on the path of circularity with the support of Balkans Go Circular 2023. Let the transformation of your business towards circularity begin today.
See you at Balkans Go Circular 2023
Green Challenge – #CEllenge will take place on December 21st from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM in the new building of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade (reading room, ground floor). We invite all interested students of undergraduate or master’s academic studies to apply individually or in teams. Each team can have a maximum of 5 members. Teams will create innovative solutions for real market challenges posed by companies during the competition.
Preparatory session for the Green Challenge #CEllenge
After the completion of registrations and team formation, on December 18th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, a briefing will be held for all participants at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences. During this session, teams will be introduced to the basics of the circular economy and the competition rules. On the same day, teams will meet their mentors and be assigned challenges.
Prize for the best solution
Teams that devise and present the best solutions will win a prize of €1000 each. You can send your individual or team applications to
Application for #CEllenge
Good luck!
CEllenge and this conference are not just events; they are powerful agents of change. By hosting this challenge at the University of Belgrade, we send a clear message that education is crucial in establishing the circular economy as a standard. Without integrating this vital area into the academic framework, whether as a course, module, or even an entire program in ndergraduate and master’s studies, we risk not fully utilizing the potential of the circular economy in our region.
The conference Balkans Go Circular 2023 and the gathering of businessmen and scientists SPIN ’23 join forces this year in a unique collaboration organized by the Faculty of Organizational Sciences of the University of Belgrade, the Center for Operational Management, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce. This synergy aims to present scientific and professional perspectives on the one hand, and to directly engage the economy on the other. The focus is on “Digital and green development of the economy”, which provides a complete insight into the potentials and challenges of the circular economy from multiple aspects.
This approach enables a holistic understanding and practical application of the circular economy, making from this gathering a real opportunity for anyone who wants to be at the forefront of sustainable development in the region.
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Despite the fact that I consider myself to be an expert on the circular economy in the construction sector, this conference was a huge learning experience for me. We discussed from different points of view, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. I am glad that there were also students in the audience, because it is essential to pass on knowledge to the younger generations, who will be the bearers of certain processes in the future.
Dr. Anna-Vera Deinhammer Director for Circular Cities & Regions, Circular Economy Forum Austria