Sustainable Development Forum 2025
30 Oct 2025
08:30 -18:15
31 Oct 2025
08:30 -15:35
Times are shown in local time
Open to: All
Crowne Plaza Belgrade
Vladimira Popovica 10 Beograd
Belgrade
11070
Serbia
Go to events page
Category: Conferences
Join us in Belgrade, Serbia
Organised by the Global Forum for Sustainable Development and supported by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Cambridge Judge Business School, Belgrade will host the international conference Sustainable Development Forum 2025: Competitiveness in Turbulent Times, taking place on 30-31 October 2025. The event will bring together leading experts, distinguished academics, diplomats and representatives of international institutions, banks and companies investing in sustainability.
The forum will address a range of current and pressing topics, including trade in times of global uncertainty and how countries can safeguard their economic stability. Discussions will also focus on the energy paradox, striking the balance between decarbonisation, energy security and competitiveness. One of the central themes will be the role of artificial intelligence in driving sustainable innovation, as well as the risks it poses. Special attention will be given to food systems, food security, equity and sustainability.
A particularly significant panel will be the discussion between the 3 chief negotiators of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), David Donoghue, Csaba Kőrösi and Macharia Kamau. These diplomats played a key role in shaping the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs.
The conference will also feature Professor Jeffrey Sachs, one of the world’s foremost experts on sustainable development. Other confirmed speakers include:
- Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia
- Jorge Laguna-Celis, Director of the One Planet Network at UNEP
- Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and former President of the Royal Society
- Michael Pollitt, Professor of Business Economics at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
- Lucia Reich, Director of the El-Erian Institute for Behavioural Economics and Policy at Cambridge Judge Business School
- Khaled Soufani, Director of the Circular Economy Centre at Cambridge Judge Business School
- Tracey Horn, Director of Communications and Marketing at Cambridge Judge Business School
The forum will include fireside chats, initiative showcases and networking sessions, offering a unique opportunity for the exchange of ideas between public, private and academic sectors.
Sustainable development forum 2025 places Belgrade at the heart of the global conversation on green transition and sustainability, while also offering domestic companies the opportunity to present their solutions to the international community and establish new partnerships.
Agenda
08:30-09:00
Registration
09:00-09:20
Official opening
Speakers:
- Kosta Živanović – President, Sustainable Development Forum
- Mihailo Vesović – Vice President, Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- H.E. Charlotte Sammelin – Swedish Ambassador to Serbia
- Ms Matilde Mordt – UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia
09:20-10:00
Keynote speech 1 – Ambassadors’ insights: Europe’s leadership in a changing global order
Description: As the world undergoes profound economic and geopolitical shifts, Europe is challenged to redefine its role in shaping the new global order. This high-level panel will bring together ambassadors from the EU and key European states to discuss how Europe can boost competitiveness, advance the green and digital transitions, and balance strategic partnerships with core values, offering insights into Europe’s potential as both a stabilizing force and a driver of sustainable growth in turbulent times.
Speakers:
- H.E. Andreas von Beckerath – Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Serbia
- H.E. Luca Gori – Ambassador of Italy to Serbia
- H.E. Edward Ferguson – British Ambassador to Serbia
- H.E. Anke Konrad – Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Serbia (TBC)
Moderator: TBC
10:00-10:20
Keynote speech 2 – People, planet and profit: the impact of circular economy on sustainability
Speaker: Professor Khaled Soufani – Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
10:20-10:40
Short coffee break
10:40-11:20
Session 1 – Strategic Europe: regional unity and trade resilience in a fragmented world (SDGs 8 and 9)
Description: As Europe confronts geopolitical instability, economic fragmentation and the challenges of the green transition, regional cooperation and trade resilience are becoming central to its global competitiveness. This session will explore how the UK, EU, Western Balkans and neighbouring regions can align industrial strategies, navigate shifting trade dynamics and leverage joint strengths in innovation, digital platforms and resource value chains. From supply chain realignment to inclusive tech-enabled trade, the discussion will highlight how more innovative collaboration within Europe and across strategic trade corridors can secure prosperity in turbulent times.
Note: Each session consists of individual presentations followed by a discussion afterwards.
Speakers:
- Damien Sorrell – Head of Regional Representation to the Western Balkans, European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Frank Liu – Founder & Chairman, INTCO
- Pasquale De Micco – Head of the European Integration Section, EU Commission.
- Richard Ali – Director, Corporate Affairs, Strategy and Stakeholder Relations, Tetra Pak
Moderator: TBC
11:20-12:00
Session 2 – Smart transitions: Circular economy as a regional opportunity (SDGs 8, 12, 17)
Description: Countries are facing growing pressure to shift away from a linear take-make-dispose model and embrace more sustainable, circular approaches. This panel will explore how the region can turn challenges like waste, energy dependency and fragmented infrastructure into opportunities for green growth, innovation and stronger regional ties. Speakers will share practical examples from across the Balkans, from circular construction and local repair economies to industrial reuse and cross-border collaboration. The goal is clear. Create a more resilient, resource-smart region that can thrive in a changing Europe.
Speakers:
- Jorge Laguna Celis – Director at UNEP, One Planet Network
- Nataša Gladovič – Director of Sustainability Management, Atlantic Grupa
- Tijana Koprivica – Chief Business Sustainability Officer, Delta Holding
- Radman Šelmić – Advisor to the President for Green and Circular economy, Serbian Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: TBC
12:00-13:00
Session 3 – Feeding the future: resilience, security and the next agricultural revolution (SDGs 2,3 and 8)
Hosted by Tetra Pak
Description: Food is becoming one of the world’s most strategic assets, caught at the intersection of climate change, geopolitics and demographic shifts. As demand rises and supply chains strain under environmental and political pressure, traditional agricultural models are being tested. This panel explores how countries can secure food systems that are sustainable, scalable and resilient, balancing innovation with public trust and local needs with global trade realities.
Note: Each session consists of individual presentations followed by discussion afterwards.
Keynote speech 2
Professor Lucia Reisch – El-Erian Institute, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Follow-up discussion – speakers:
- Professor Lucia Reisch – El-Erian Institute, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
- Marjana Davidović – Country Manager Nestlé Adriatic Hub South (Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia)
- Jovan Bugarčić – Marketing Director, AD IMLEK
- Alin Visan – Legal Department Director, Maspex Romania
Moderator: Andrea Radonjić – Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs Eastern Europe, Tetra Pak
13:00-14:00
Lunch break
14:00-15:00
Session 4 – The energy paradox: can we compete, decarbonise and stay secure? (SDG 7)
Description: Energy is no longer just an enabler of growth. It’s a central axis of global competition. As countries and companies place big bets on renewables, nuclear, or LNG, they face complex trade-offs between cost, reliability and strategic risk. This session explores whether it’s genuinely possible to decarbonise without sacrificing energy security or competitiveness and whether current transition strategies are built on realistic assumptions.
Note: Each session consists of individual presentations followed by discussion afterwards.
Keynote speech 3
Professor Michael Pollitt – Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Follow-up discussion – Serbian private sector perspective
Speakers:
- Maja Turković – Executive Vice President, CWP Europe
- Miloš Vuksanović – Director, Schneider Electric for Serbia and Montenegro
- Vladimir Milanović – Director, Masdar Taaleri Generation
- Miloš Colić – Founder and CEO, New Energy Solutions
Moderator: Professor Michael Pollitt – Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
15:00-16:00
Session 5 (Afternoon tea dialogue) – Fathers of the SDGs: world after 2030
Description: As the global community approaches the final stretch of the 2030 agenda, this high-level session will bring together lead negotiators of the Sustainable Development Goals to reflect on what has been achieved and what lies ahead. The session will explore the evolution of global priorities beyond 2030, assess the effectiveness of the SDG framework and propose directions for the next phase of international cooperation in an increasingly complex and turbulent world.
Speakers:
- H.E. Ambassador David Donoghue
- H.E. Ambassador Csaba Kőrösi
- H.E. Ambassador Macharia Kamau
Moderator: H.E. Ambassador Dragan Županjevac
16:00-16:15
Summary of day 1
08:30-9:00
Registration
09:00-09:30
Keynote speech 4
Speaker: Lord Martin Rees – University of Cambridge
09:30-09:45
Introduction to the financial sector segment/session 6 – skills and strategies for banking in the age of transformation
Speaker: Slađana Andrian Sredojević – Special Advisor for International Cooperation, Head of Training Centre, Association of Banks of Serbia
09:45-10:30
A fireside chat – Banking the future: finance, circularity and resilience in an unstable world
In an age of turbulence, from climate shocks and war to inflation and systemic inequality the financial sector must evolve to be not just stable, but circular, regenerative and future-ready. This session brings together global leaders in competition policy, development finance and circular innovation to explore how banking can actively shape the next economy.
From carbon pricing to green lending, SME support to resource-efficient infrastructure, they’ll explore how new financial frameworks, partnerships and circular economy principles can help Europe and the Western Balkans navigate the coming decade.
Speakers:
- Aleksandra Vukosavljević – Director for Financial Institutions Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, EBRD
- Ana Drasković – Vice-President, Country Manager South Eastern Europe, VISA
- Patrizia Ciurlia – Senior Project Manager, European Investment Bank
- Michele Castoro –President of the Management Board Intesa Sanpaolo Banka BiH (TBC)
Moderator: Sandra Lazarević – Head of PR and Marketing Communications Department, Banca Intesa
10:30-11:00
Coffee break
11:00-12:00
Session 7 – Green Jobs for Youth project presentation (SDGs 4,8, 9 and 10)
Description: As demand for green skills surges, youth face structural barriers to employment, uneven access to training and limited opportunities to lead. This session presents the Green Jobs for Youth Pact, an UN-backed initiative to create one million green jobs. Beyond jobs, the initiative advocates for education, capacity building and policy change, working with governments and the private sector to equip young people with future-ready skills. Only then can we hope to close the green skills gap and put youth at the centre of a just transition.
Speakers:
- Jorge Laguna Celis – Director at UNEP, One Planet Network
- Tracey Horn – Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
- Sergio Andrés Iriarte Quezada – Youth Employment Specialist, International Labour Organisation (ILO)
- Jovan Protić – National Coordinator, International Labour Organisation (ILO)
- Tomislav Knežević – Team leader, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Moderator: Stefan Anđelković – Vice President, Sustainable Development Forum
12:00-13:00
Nordic excellence: resilience, innovation and trust in a changing world (SDGs 5, 8, 9, 11 and 13)
Description: Long admired for their social cohesion, innovation ecosystems and green leadership, Nordic countries consistently rank among the most competitive and resilient in the world. This panel examines what distinguishes the Nordic model from agile public-private cooperation and strong institutional trust and how these factors contribute to forward-looking education, energy and welfare strategies. What lessons can others draw from the Nordic approach to balancing prosperity, sustainability and social equity in a time of global disruption?
Speakers:
- Maja Vujaskovic Djureinovic –Communication Director, IKEA South East Europe
- Bojana Milašinović – Managing Director, TOMRA Collection
- Boban Joksić – CEO, BBD GROUP DOO
- Milan Jevremovic – Business Manager, ABB
Moderator: Iva Petrović, CEO Nordic Business Alliance in Serbia
13:00-14:00
Finger food break
14:00-15:00
Session 8 – AI for a greener future: short-term innovation vs. long-term sustainability (SDGs 7, 9, 12, 13 and 17)
Description: As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, its role in driving sustainability is both promising and problematic. This panel examines how AI can facilitate greener practices in the private sector while also addressing its increasing energy and resource footprint. With a focus on long-term impact, speakers will debate how to ensure that AI becomes part of the solution, not a new layer of the problem.
Keynote speech 6: Maria Clara Rada – Brazilian Ambassador to Serbia
Follow up discussion
Speakers:
- Maria Clara Rada- Brazilian Ambassador to Serbia
- Tarry Singh – Founder and CEO, Deepkapha AI
- Katarina Urosević – Chief Of Staff, HTEC; Group (TBC)
- World Bank Group High Level Representative (TBC)
Moderator: Marija Novakovic – Programme Director, Data Science Conference
15:00-15:20
Keynote speech 6 – The future of development after the SDGs: From targets to systems change
Description: As 2030 approaches, uneven progress on the Sustainable Development Goals calls for a deeper, system-wide transformation. In this closing keynote, Professor Sachs will reflect on 2 decades of global goal-setting and present a roadmap for the future outlining how finance, energy, governance and digital cooperation must evolve to meet the needs of people and the planet beyond 2030.
Speaker: Professor Jeffrey Sachs – University of Columbia
15:20-15:35
Closing remarks
Registration
* This registration link is to an independent website which is not under our control, and we are not responsible for and have not checked or approved the data protection or privacy policies.
For all further enquiries (including sponsorship opportunities, panel participation, or bulk ticket purchases), please contact us at office@sustainabledevforum.org.