CorD Magazine, January 2022 no. 207

AMBASSADOR OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE STARO SAJMIŠTE MEMORIAL CENTRE IN BELGRADE

H.E. SANJIV KOHLI

AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO SERBIA

TIME-TESTED RELATIONSHIP

Be Soft Like Cotton And Solid Like Steel

www.cordmagazine.com

Dialogue Is Needed In BiH; OHR Is Outdated

KRINKA VIDAKOVIĆ PETROV

JANUARY 2022/ ISSUE NO. 207

H.E. ALEXANDER BOTSAN-KHARCHENKO

interviews opinions news comments events COMMENT

Project Of New Optimism FOCUS

Between The Periphery And Great Advances

Exclusive

BRANKO MILUTINOVIĆ 783002 771451 9

What Keeps Me Awake

ISSN1451-7833

CEO, NORDEUS

CONTENTS CURRENT TOPIC

06 NADA POPOVIĆ PERIŠIĆ

43 ANA KREŠIĆ

Comment PROJECT OF NEW OPTIMISM

EBRD ACTING LEAD ECONOMIST, WESTERN BALKANS ASKING QUESTIONS IS THE ANSWER

08 BRANKO MILUTINOVIĆ CEO, NORDEUS WHAT KEEPS ME AWAKE

24 PROFESSOR DEJAN ŠOŠKIĆ

PhD, Faculty of Economics, University of Belgrade CHANGING THE REGION FROM THE GROUND UP

44 HOW GREAT ARTISTS DEPICT WINTER Art

14 H.E. ALEXANDER BOTSAN-KHARCHENKO

50 KRINKA VIDAKOVIĆ PETROV

AMBASSADOR OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA DIALOGUE IS NEEDED IN BIH; OHR IS OUTDATED

Acting Director of the Staro Sajmište Memorial Centre in Belgrade BE SOFT LIKE COTTON AND SOLID LIKE STEEL

27 BUSINESS DIALOGUE 40 TRAVIS KALANICK

UBER’S CO-FOUNDER 16 WEIRD THINGS ABOUT TRAVIS KALANICK

18 GLOBAL DIARY

56 CHILL OUT

20 BETWEEN THE PERIPHERY AND GREAT ADVANCES @CORD_MAGAZINE @CORDMAGAZINE

58 ALPINE FUN FASHION

Focus ARE WE READY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIONS TO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES IN SERBIA?

60 CULTURE CALENDAR 62 FACES & PLACES

CORD MAGAZINE CORDMAGAZINE

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs ART DIRECTOR: Branislav Ninković b.ninkovic@aim.rs CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Maja Vukadinović,

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Comment

Project Of New Optimism

BY NADA POPOVIĆ PERIŠIĆ PH.D., professor emeritus

T

he question I now ask myself is whether, during this year’s pandemic and the implementation of preventative measures, we even recognised the space for those new responsibilities. I would say yes. Yes! That’s the idea of adapting to new living conditions and the need to again ask the question of what kind of world we want to live in in the future, and what kind of relationship we will have towards nature and our natural environment.

It has become clear to us – or at least it seems so to me – that nature cannot be separated from culture and the two must think in unison. This isn’t just about defending nature, but creating it.

And our adaptation would thus have to imply not only adapting nature to suit us, but also adapting ourselves to her.

The year that we are about to leave behind opened the question of ecology or, as Felix Guattari would put it, some kind of ethical-political articulation of the three ecological registers: the ecology of the environment, the ecology of social relations and the ecology of human subjectivity.

We are obviously living in a period during which our planet has experienced intense technical and scientific transformations that have resulted in an environmental imbalance that threatens human life.

At the same time, in a world that’s dominated by media and information, individual and collective human life has been seriously brought into question.

The consumption of mass media has endangered

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When I last year tried to imagine what this year would look like, I’d hoped that we would have emerged from the general crisis of the pandemic and that we’d have the time and space to pose questions and reconsider the meaning and humanising of our lives. Nobody can lead a meaningful life by themselves; people are responsible for one another. I’d though the new year that was then ahead of us could be a year for considering and constructing that new responsibility. family life, while the standardisation of behaviour has led to relations with others being reduced to the most superficial expressions.

In a society where antisocial individualism dominates, it is difficult to secure the conditions required for applying democracy, for joint action and for jointly shaping the world around us. On the one hand, that’s because this requires the existence of a nation that has an awareness of community and is able to develop some political concept of its own future, while on the other hand, it is because antisocial individualism strives to eradicate the questionability of self with the idea of one’s own presence in the world, which is a basic condition required for democratic debate to exist.

The development of technology, the information revolution, could provide people with much more free time in the future. Whether that time will be a period of increased unemployment, anxiety, marginalisation, loneliness and neurosis, or a period of culture, creativity, a quest to rediscover nature and environmental invention, enriching lifestyles and sensibilities, will depend entirely on us. For me, this creates space for new hope; for optimism based on reflections of holistic ways of being in a group, for considerations about a new articulating of relations between subjectivity and the body versus mass media uniformity and “telematic” manipulations of public opinion through advertisements, surveys – i.e., for some form of the art of living.

For something like that to emerge, it is es-

sential for us to have a new culture of action that must precede a new political doctrine. The first step. We need to desire joy, because joy doesn’t exist if we don’t desire it. We need intelligence as a delight and a weapon; the kind of intelligence that excludes conflict and requires a different economy of disagreement. Education that requires genuine reform, against futile knowledge, against hard work, against boredom. Education that justifies itself in the shaping of a critical thinking and qualified student, and not in the satisfying of the needs of the labour market, not in knowledge that’s meant to turn us into good workers and not into creative people. And above all, work on language. Pleasure in language. The importance of the selected word, thoughtful, construed and elegant sentences, cultivating a sensibility for nuance.

That’s the project of new optimism. A project that would reject the notion that egotism is morally acceptable, reject the notion that the accumulating of capital and economic growth are commendable social goals. A project that sets out with the assumption that production should be based on needs and not on the generating of private profit.

A project that implies increased economic equality and includes global solidarity. Such a project would be a magnet for political energy. It would imply new social practises, new aesthetic practises, new practices of the self in relation to the other, the different, the strange; in short, a new subjectivity and respect for nature and life.

Interview Exclusive BRANKO MILUTINOVIĆ CEO, NORDEUS

What Keeps Me

Awake

With the arrival of Fourth Industrial Revolution, here in Serbia we gained our first ever chance to compete equally on the world market of digital products and services, and to thus create great value, from Serbia to the world.

What’s been keeping me awake for a long time is how youngsters can be provided with support even earlier, through education, in order for them to have the best possible chance of success in the digital economy 8

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T

he future is bright - says Nordeus CEO Branko Milutinović speaking in this interview, which we conducted towards the end of the not overly optimistic year of 2021. But this wasn’t his answer to the question of what the partnership with American company Take Two means for Nordeus, nor what the future of gaming in Serbia will be like following this acquisition.

This conversation saw us address a much more important topic: how Serbia can utilise the opportunity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to fundamentally shift its position on the

ECOSYSTEM

I think the winning combination is to observe education, local communities and the business world as a single ecosystem that we build together, just like in nature

map of developed countries, relying on talented individuals in both worlds – those of the “newer” and “traditional” economies. We find ourselves facing two conflicting stories: one suggesting that your decision to sell Nordeus sends a signal to other Serbian gaming companies that this is no longer an area in which it is possible to work miracles from a small country; and the opposite – that gaming is one of the few areas in which it is possible for small teams operating far from Silicon Valley to succeed, precisely because it is not based on expensive industrial equipment and decades of accumulated knowledge. What is the truth of the matter?

The gaming industry is undeniably pulling the entire entertainment industry into the future.

Mobile games, where Nordeus competes, generate more revenue than the world’s entire film and music industries combined. And many other digital industries are largely attempting to understand how we succeed in creating such enticing experiences and worlds, which become part of human’s everyday existence. And that’s without mentioning the metaverse, which is very popular today and has already existed in video games for some time and is evolving year-on-year. We should be proud of all the Serbian gaming companies that have placed our country on the global map of one of the most innovative, profitable, but also most competitive industries. Best testifying to how far we’ve advanced is the fact that two companies that are probably the most successful technology companies founded in Serbia belong to the gaming industry. The future is bright, both because of where the global gaming industry is going and because we’ve built an incredible foundation to keep growing as an ecosystem that feeds itself on tech expertise, artistic expression and creative problem solving - all of which we are very strong at as a nation. Hence this industry presents a serious opportunity for young people from Serbia, but also for our country generally. How do you see the future and the contribution of this partnership with TakeTwo, in terms of its significance for Nordeus and the community?

VISION

POTENTIAL

TakeTwo is probably the most innovative and creative group of companies in the gaming industry worldwide. We are proud that one team from Serbia has become a partner, working sideby-side with the people behind some of the best games in the world: GTA, Civilization, Bioshock, NBA2K. We feel it as a real partnership, as a symbiosis in which both sides see numerous opportunities for growth. TakeTwo didn’t have football in its portfolio, and it has been recording growth for a long time already. The mobile games segment is also increasingly developing, which represents one of their strategic focuses.

With Nordeus, the world’s most successful mobile football game is now part of this company’s further strategic growth.

Apart from the obvious significance for the economy and the community of the acquisition itself, these kinds of acquisitions also serve to significantly strengthen the local gaming industry.

One of the world’s largest and most innovative gaming companies in the world is now a member of the Serbian Gaming Association, which we co-founded to help develop the ecosystem, and this only fortifies Serbia’s position on the global gaming map. Viewed more broadly, this sends an important signal to other global investors to take our country’s investment potential more seriously, given that this was first done by a company that appears on the S&P 500 list of America’s most successful companies.

Our vision is to form a platform for children and young adults to create and learn through experience, with the support of professional mentors, educators and the professional community

The best companies win through teamwork, and what are companies if not organisations? What are states if not large organisations? As such, we need to do the same if our country is to win On the other side, this is a real opportunity for Nordeus to invest more in new products and technologies, hire more top experts, but also provide our young people with the best possible chance to launch their careers alongside world experts, whether they are software engineers, artists, data scientists, designers, marketers or psychologists. With the support of our partners, we have a better chance of penetrating some of the world’s largest and challenging markets, such as that of China.

I’m particularly proud of the fact that we’ve unlocked new opportunities to support children and young people in Serbia through the activities of our Foundation, in order for us to help them have the best possible chance of success in the digital economy.

The gaming industry is undeniably pulling the entire entertainment industry into the future.

Therefore it presents a serious opportunity for young people from Serbia, but also for our country generally

You are some kind of Novak Đoković type figure for the gaming community: a man who raised the optimism of many, shows a fighting spirit and represents a source of the knowledge of how to succeed. Many believe that you and your team members can be even more important to this community after having exited it, in the roles of business angels and start-up advisors.

How do you see yourself today?

Things haven’t changed a lot for us. We haven’t “exited” Nordeus, we work together with the teams on a daily basis and make plans for the future. That future also includes supporting the community, and has done so for as long as Nordeus has existed. When we launched the company, we had no one with whom to consult or discuss any topic related to starting or developing an innovative global business. Today’s world is even more complex, and the importance of support holds even more weight.The competition is fearless, global in the true sense of the word, and the benchmark for success has shifted significantly. Recognising the kind of opportunity our country has in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we do everything in our power to help develop the local gaming industry, the digital and start-up ecosystem and the business environment as a whole. Our gaming scene today consists of more than 120 teams and companies, which number more than 2,000 people and contribute significantly to exports of products and services from Serbia. Year after year, the Startup Genome report recognises the gaming industry as the sector of Serbian industry with the greatest growth potential, which has drawn the attention of the state and the education system. Due

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Interview Exclusive best acquainted with the problems faced by every founder. Apart from their considerable knowhow and experience, they can also bring contacts, opening up their networks to new founders and thus enabling them to leapfrog numerous steps, accelerating the development of the entire ecosystem.

You can just imagine all the positive effects of this kind of collaboration and networking. What can someone who’s not from that world do to support the development of the start-up ecosystem?

to its interdisciplinary nature, this industry has the potential to generate top talents and projects for the creative industries of the country and even beyond.

When it comes to talented people and their influx, we didn’t have a single educational programme in the gaming field until just a few years ago. Thanks to the Digital Serbia Initiative (DSI), of which we are co-founders, we today have a master’s degree programme in the field of game development at state faculties in Belgrade and Kragujevac, while we also provide younger children – through the programmes of Nordeus Hub – with the possibility of gaining a free education in the field of game development and connecting with top domestic and foreign experts.

I’m proud that the DSI is showing a great capacity to initiate positive change in order to strengthen existing digital businesses in our country and develop new ones, to create a better-quality environment and connect the economy and education, and that it represents an example of what we can do together. We are certain that, regardless of whether we belong to more traditional industries or more modern ones, we can help each other a lot and ensure that our country and our children emerge as winners of this global race. What can be brought to Serbia by people like you and others who had their first exit (3Lateral and others) and have now amassed rich experience that they can transfer to the country’s start-up community?

We have a unique situation today in which two generations are coming together: those who have traversed the path of building a global business

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Services and products in the “new economy” are often based on knowledge from traditional domains, which means that we’re all part of the start-up world from scratch, like the people from Nordeus and 3Lateral; and the new generation that is just embarking on that kind of endeavour. The development and work of start-ups is specific, and the previous generation used its work to “educate” a range of people who are today ready to help new start-ups achieve worldwide success. We had to develop an understanding of everything by ourselves, to discover experts in our environment or seek experts that we don’t have here around the world, for example experts for game design or product management. The new generation now has someone to understand and to pass on their knowhow and experience, while there are now also many more of the required experts here, among us.

I’m also proud of the fact that the founders who launched their companies ten years ago, without any systemic support or understanding from their surroundings, are now very active and interested in providing support, and they are

Start-ups are nothing more than new companies that are attempting to solve some a problem or address a need by creating a new product or service.

With the arrival of Fourth Industrial Revolution, here in Serbia we gained our first ever chance to compete equally on the world market of digital products and services, and to thus create great value, from Serbia to the world. And that’s actually going really well for us. These services and products are often based on knowledge from traditional domains, so I would say that we are all actually part of the start-up world.

At the same time, the start-up ecosystem is just part of the overall ecosystem known as the Republic of Serbia, so we’re all interconnected and we must try more to ensure that all of those, mostly young, people who are launching new businesses and ideas feel as though they are part of something that has a future – where they want their children to grow up one day. For example, preserving our environment, clean air and water represents the foundation for the high quality of life and health of the nation, and thereby also the foundation of its future. When they are threatened, that directly prevents us from reaching our potential directly, prevents us from bringing foreign experts to the country (who struggle to grasp how it’s possible that smoking indoors is still allowed in Serbia), but unfortunately also compels our local experts to consider where they want to live and the kind of environment in which they want their children to grow up.

That’s why these topics must not be politicised, but rather we must all work together to solve them, transparently. That additional level of concern and uncertainty drains the energy levels of people who need focus and lots of energy if they are to prove victorious – from Serbia and for Serbia – on the world market and thus help our economic, cultural and all other forms of growth. The Digital Serbia Initiative recently launched a series of activities that relate to business angels, or individuals who are prepared to invest in start-ups. What renders this type of investment specific?

The vast majority of domestic start-ups are bootstrapped, which means that they launched their

operations with their own funding. A challenge often comes with the scaleup. The smart investments brought by business angels primarily mean mentoring and sharing knowledge, experience and contacts with the start-up in which they invest, and only then money. In this way, individuals who have available capital to invest can learn as much by working with start-ups as they can help them with their funding. It isn’t crucial to be familiar with the industry in which a start-up operates to become a business angel, because launching this kind of initiative implies the participation of people from various fields who can together provide support and identify the best investment opportunities. It is also important to recognise the potential and trust the team behind the service or product. In that context, the concept needn’t

The arrival of Take Two, a company that appears on the S&P 500 list of America’s most successful companies, represents a significant signal for other global investors to take our country’s investment potential more seriously necessarily be new, but an excellent team will be capable of turning that concept into a product that will successfully differentiate itself on the market.

One such example is the recent investment in the Tapni team. As in any form of partnership, there can no quality environment for growth if you don’t have belief in each other. What do you think of Serbia’s start-up community today? What is the main challenge it is facing: creating strong production for new start-ups, a lack of money, or a lack of knowhow in the areas of business and marketing?

The situation is far better today than it was 10 or more years ago, when we started. Initiatives are emerging, people are networking and an understanding of how we can help each other, to create even greater value together, is being built. The state has also recognised this need and done a lot to facilitate business. All of this can, and should be much better. One of the challenges that we’ve already mentioned is connecting with people from business to invest and work with start-ups, in order

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Interview Exclusive This is a multidisciplinary process that connects science and art and encompasses creative, team and project work, the development of communication skills, solving complex problems, the development of digital skills and much more. This naturally encourages inquisitiveness, a love of research, and the connecting and applying of knowledge. We’re proud that we’ve so far seen great interest among children, schools, teachers and professors. They are open to the suggestions we provide and value our support. Also supporting this claim is the fact that more than 600 young people from all over Serbia applied for our previous free educational programme in the field of game development.

for us to provide young people with a tailwind, but also to advance together. It is always necessary to work on business knowhow, which leads to the packaging of great ideas and solutions in successful products that are competitive globally. We already have a significant knowledge and experience base in the country. We need to utilise that to the best of our ability, to connect better locally and learn as much as possible from each other, in order for successful teams from Niš or Subotica not to be a result of chance, but rather a result of the strategic joint work of education, business, the state and the entire community. Everyone expects you to invest in startups. We recently saw a newspaper article explaining that the owners of one Slovenian exit have decided to invest in agriculture in Vojvodina. What interests you as an investor?

Together with other companies and organisations, we have spent several years working to ensure that it isn’t only individuals and their good will that support start-ups. No more Nordeus or 3Lateral types can emerge by accident. A system is required for a truly successful community in which successful start-ups don’t depend on circumstance and individuals, which is what we’re engaged on through the DSI. What has been keeping me awake for a long time already is how to help new generations even earlier, because – generally speaking – only a small number of them will decide to establish their own companies, even in an ideal situation. Education is the thing that can make a difference and increase the chances of our children succeeding in the economy of the 21st century, regardless of whether they will establish their own companies or find employment in one. It is a key factor determining how much value they, as individuals, will bring to our community. We believe that there are many more innovators, creatives, scientists and critical thinkers among them. That’s actually why we launched the Nordeus Foundation, the focus of which is investing in education. We want to support a much larger number of children and young people in this way, as opposed to investing in individual start-ups or companies.

Your Foundation is very active and directed towards raising human capital both within and beyond the IT community. How successful have your efforts been to date and what challenges are posed by the introducing new elements to the education system?

The foundation was established with the aim of helping children to acquire skills and knowhow that are required and competitive for the digital economy, which doesn’t always necessarily have to occur through the education system. We are aware that the education system is extremely complex and robust, with changes happening at their own

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When it comes to higher, secondary or primary education systems, which is it the most important to change in order to reflect the dramatic shifts in demand for knowledge and skills?

Preserving our environment, clean air and water represents the foundation for the high quality of life and health of the nation, and thereby also the foundation of its future… That’s why these topics must not be politicised, but rather we must all work together to solve them, transparently pace. We focused on extracurricular activities and projects that give children a chance to gain new knowledge, try their hand at creative work, teamwork and project work, discover their passions and talents and find ways to make them relevant for the 21st century. Game development provides an extremely good model of the educational process through which knowledge and skills that can be applicable to any work are acquired.

I think the winning combination is to observe education, local communities and the business world as a single ecosystem that we build together, just like in nature. That isn’t difficult, because our culture is based on togetherness, on the sharing of both good and bad with our families, neighbours and local community. There are many existing teams or individuals who make great products or services. But the real magic happens when we unite and support one another. That’s how I envision the community of companies in Serbia that share ideas, collaborate and network in order to accelerate not only their own development, but also the development of others. The best companies win through teamwork, and what are companies if not organisations? What are states if not large organisations? As such, we need to do the same if our country is to win. Through the DSI, and now also through the Nordeus Foundation, we are uniting and helping to advance the business environment that supports the development of the digital economy, but we are also investing a lot in education. Great strides have been taken in primary education, where coding has become part of the curriculum for every student, starting from the age of 12 and continuing through secondary education, via more than 50 specialised IT departments in secondary grammar schools or technical high schools.

Similarly, we are also working to better connect higher education with the business world. An example of this is support for colleges to make game development part of their curriculum, at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

Our vision is to form a platform for children and young adults to create and learn through experience, through which they can also connect, create together and learn from each other, with the support of professional mentors, educators and the professional community.

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Interview Exclusive H.E. ALEXANDER BOTSAN-KHARCHENKO

AMBASSADOR OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Dialogue Is Needed In BiH OHR Is Outdated One does not need a chemist’s scales to understand that it was not the Bosnian-Serbs leadership that sparked the crisis situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, much less Serbia or Russia, but above all those international officials who by their very definition should have been responsible for overcoming existing problems ~ Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko 14

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By Ljubica Gojgić

ENERGY

It is the stability and predictability of delivering energy that defines economic resilience, the competitive capacity of enterprises, and the wellbeing of millions of people

KOSOVO DIALOGUE

We agree that the reason for the stalled dialogue between Belgrade and Priština is the unwillingness of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo to hold serious talks

SECURITY

We have proposed drafts of international legal documents for further negotiation in relevant formats

D

ismissing accusations that Russia and Serbia, with the support of the Serbian member of the B-H presidency, have contributed to the institutional crisis in that country, Russian Ambassador Alexander BotsanKharchenko reiterates in this interview for CorD Magazine that the time has come for dialogue to be led by the representatives of the three peoples of Bosnia-Herzegovina, while the Office of the High representative should be closed.

Your Excellency, how would you evaluate the recent meeting between the presidents of the Russian Federation and Serbia in Sochi?

The summit in Sochi on 25th November took place in a traditionally friendly and trust-based atmosphere. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić thoroughly discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

The Russian side reaffirmed its principled support of Belgrade’s position on the Kosovo settlement.

We consistently stand for the elaboration of a viable compromise solution in the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština on a solid foundation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

The leaders made arrangements regarding a variety of important matters, as well as outlining plans for new joint projects in the spheres of construction and the large-scale modernisation of energy and transport infrastructure, science and technology cooperation, cultural exchanges, increasing media presence.

As a follow-up, on 10th December the prime ministers of the two countries, Mikhail Mishustin and Ana Brnabić, conducted talks in Moscow on the margins of the Made in Russia International Export Forum, where Serbia was a partner country. Have preparations begun for President Putin’s visit to Serbia, given that it has been announced that he has accepted the invitation to visit our country in May?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has an open invitation to visit Belgrade. The timing and other details are to be confirmed through diplomatic channels. We are grateful to our Serbian friends for their determination to advance our bilateral strategic partnership and creative suggestions

The new gas transportation system using gas from the TurkStream was launched on 1st January, and in October Serbia became a transit country. The cross-country gas pipeline today contributes to the development of Serbian economic potential and the rise of citizens’ income on its further development. We fully share this approach. Following the meeting of the two presidents, it was announced that Serbia will buy Russian gas at a price of 270 dollars per 1,000 cubic metres over the next six months. Some analysts see the

preferential price of Russian gas for Serbia as being political and not economic.

What would you say to that?

At the summit, it was decided to extend the existing long-term gas supply contract with Serbia for half a year, therefore the price will remain the same for the most challenging winter period.

It is expected that, in the meantime, economic operators will reach a constructive and mutually beneficial solution concerning the modalities of further cooperation. The issue of energy in the EU is a par excellence political issue, as shown by the problems of certifying the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that delivers Russian gas directly to Germany. What will its fate be, given Western comments that Moscow is using the pipeline to strengthen its influence within the EU?

I would rather say that the EU unscrupulously politicises a par excellence commercial issue of energy supply. The risks of such politicisation are substantial. It is the stability and predictability of delivering energy that defines economic resilience, the competitive capacity of enterprises, and the wellbeing of millions of people.

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Interview Exclusive We highly appreciate the exchanging of views with our partners in Belgrade on the Kosovo settlement and all aspects of the situation in the Serbian Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija.

We agree that the reason for the stalled dialogue between Belgrade and Priština is the unwillingness of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo to hold serious talks. We proceed from the premise that the Brussels dialogue, organised in accordance with the UN General Assembly Resolution, hasn’t fulfilled its potential. What is important is that the EU facilitators and other interested parties should underline that the Kosovo Albanian leaders must meet their earlier obligations, primarily those concerning the establishment of the Community of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo. Disregarding this obligation harms Priština itself, and we expect it to understand that fact as soon as possible.

This is clearly understood here, in Belgrade.

The new gas transportation system using gas from the TurkStream was launched on 1st January, and in October Serbia became a transit country. The cross-country gas pipeline today contributes to the development of Serbian economic potential and the rise of citizens’ income.

The earliest possible removal of administrative barriers hindering the launch of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline would have somewhat balanced the situation on the energy markets caused by a series of miscalculations in EU energy policy. The aim of this infrastructure project is to provide uninterrupted delivery of gas to EU consumers. As President Putin has emphasised continually, Russia fully honours its contractual obligations to its European partners, contributing greatly to the improvement of energy and environmental security of the continent. The renovated railway from Belgrade to Novi Sad should open to traffic in February. The demanding section from Stara Pazova to Novi Sad was built by Russian company RZD International. The Serbian President has proposed that the same company negotiate for work on the construction of the Valjevo-PribojVrbnica railway. Is there any interest in continuing the engagement of Russian companies on railway projects?

Certainly, Russian Railways is ready to participate in the further modernisation of Serbia’s rail infrastructure. A case in point is the Subotica–Horgoš– Hungarian border railway line and the technically complex Valjevo–Vrbnica–Montenegrin border railway line, as well as construction of the Integrated

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The earliest possible removal of administrative barriers hindering the launch of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline would have somewhat balanced the situation on the energy markets caused by a series of miscalculations in EU energy policy Traffic Control Centre, which is set to become the most advanced in the region. By the way, it will employ graduates of the Education Centre opened by this Russian company in 2020. Another notable project could be the construction of a new system of urban and suburban railways – the so-called Belgrade Diameters – in Serbia’s capital, modelled on a similar successful project in Moscow. The authorities in Belgrade regularly update you on the status of the dialogue with Priština, which has again reached a kind of stalemate. Do you believe that in the existing format – under the patronage of the EU and with the participation of Miroslav Lajčak – this process can be unblocked in the direction of creating the Community of Serbian Municipalities?

A section of the media commented on your presence at the facilities of the Serbian Army near the administrative border with Kosovo during the crisis that hit Serbian garrisons in September 2021.

What was the reason for that visit and how did you view the actions of Kosovo special units in the north of the province?

That visit to the garrisons was conducted by invitation of the Serbian side, within the framework of our intensive defence cooperation with Belgrade.

There is no hidden agenda: we intend to further assist in the modernisation of Serbian Armed Forces, execute joint exercises and other activities aimed at improving Serbian capacities to counter any threats to its security.

As for Priština’s attempts to destabilise the situation, including through raids of local police special forces in northern Kosovo, considerable post-conflict experience clearly indicates that such short-sighted moves only generate more tension.

We regret that those who make such decisions do not consider their possible grave implications.

For instance, in October, Pristina’s security forces used firearms, and it was only pure luck that no one was killed. We urge Priština to cease its irresponsible behaviour and resume normal dialogue with Belgrade. Does the recent decision on the lifting of border controls between Albania and Kosovo destabilise the region or contribute to strengthening regional cooperation?

We are sure that any steps that violate Serbian sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that exceed the powers of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo set forth in UN SC Resolution 1244, are extremely malicious and dangerous. This is especially true given that there are regional mechanisms that enable cooperation to

be promoted while fully acknowledging Belgrade’s legal rights. Without it, the activities of Tirana and Priština only heighten concerns about the Greater Albania plans that are damaging to the region, let alone about the risks of the uncontrolled spill-over of terrorism, smuggling and human trafficking.

We suppose close attention should be paid to this topic, including at the next UN SC meeting on situation in Kosovo and Metohija. You are very well acquainted with the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina. How would you comment on the voices emanating from Sarajevo that accuse Russia and Serbia of causing the country’s latest institutional crisis by supporting the Serb member of the presidency, Milorad Dodik?

One does not need chemist’s scales to understand that it was not the Bosnian Serb leadership that sparked the crisis situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, much less Serbia or Russia, but primarily those international officials who, by their very definition, should have been responsible for overcoming existing problems. It was the High Representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina Valentin Inzko who, before his voluntary resignation, flagrantly interfered in the country’s internal affairs. The situation was seriously exacerbated by

the West’s nomination of Christian Schmidt as the next High Representative, without a consensus in the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, in circumvention of the UN SC, without the approval of all parties in Bosnia0Herzegovina. We suppose that there is only one way to overcome these artificially created challenges: all parties in the country should again engage in a dialogue on how to settle all the problems and differences on their own. This will secure the implementation of the 1995 Dayton Agreement, ensure Bosnia-Herzegovina’s sovereignty and the broad powers of the two entities, as well as the equal rights of the three constituent peoples.The greatest obstacle to tackling the political crisis and stabilising the country is the outdated institution of the High Representative. The most urgent task is to shut it down. Late 2021 was marked by new tensions flaring between Russia and NATO with regard to Ukraine. Do you believe that, despite harsh words and threats of the use of weapons, disagreements will be resolved through continuing dialogue?

We consider the escalation of confrontation unacceptable and have always advocated the establishment of a serious dialogue with the U.S.

and other Western countries on Euro-Atlantic security issues. Such consultations should be based on the principle of equal and indivisible security enshrined, inter alia, in the 1999 Charter of European Security signed by all NATO countries. We plan to soon propose drafts of international legal documents for further negotiation in relevant formats. As President Putin has noted, they envisage the formalising of long-term binding guarantees ruling out the eventuality of NATO’s eastward expansion and deployment of offensive weapons systems alongside Russia’s western border.

Concerning Ukraine, I would underline that Russia is not a party to the intra-Ukrainian conflict.

We pursue the full implementation of the 2015 Minsk agreements, to which (as all our partners recognise) there is no alternative. We point out that Kiev, with the acquiescence of the West – just as is the case with Priština and the Brussels agreements – sabotages the fulfilment of earlier obligations and continues dangerous provocations on the line of contact in Donbass.

We maintain close international contacts on the aforementioned issues. Just recently, President Putin held in-depth talks with U.S. President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron.

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GLOBAL DIARY

“The inherited disputes and unresolved issues between Montenegro and Serbia have lasted for at least 15 years. These problems cannot be solved over a two-day visit” – ZDRAVKO KRIVOKAPIĆ, PRIME MINISTER OF MONTENEGRO

OLAF SCHOLZ FORMALLY SWORN IN AS GERMAN CHANCELLOR The new German parliament has elected Olaf Scholz as chancellor as Angela Merkel departs after 16 years at the helm of Europe’s largest economy. The German Bundestag elected Olaf Scholz as chancellor, as Angela Merkel bows out from the political stage. The morning vote by Germany’s lower legislative chamber — held by secret ballot and without debate — was seen as a formality.

President of the Bundestag Bärbel Bas opened the voting. Members of the parliament voted by 395 of 707 votes cast for Scholz to become Germany’s new head of government.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has decided to withdraw the Law on Expropriation from the parliamentary procedure, which was returned to the Serbian Parliament for reconsideration by the President of the Republic of

WIKILEAKS FOUNDER JULIAN ASSANGE TO BE EXTRADITED FROM BRITAIN TO THE UNITED STATES Julian Assange, the 50-year-old founder of Wikileaks, is a step closer to being extradited from Britain to the United States after the U.S. government won an appeal in London’s High Court. Judge Timothy Holroyde said that the court “allows the appeal.”

In the U.S., the Australian entrepreneur will face criminal charges, including breaking a spying law and conspiring to hack government computers. Holyrode said the U.S. has assured Britain that Assange’s detention will meet certain conditions. Assange, who was not permitted to attend the hearing in person, is wanted by U.S. authorities over the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified military documents and diplomatic cables in 2010 and 2011.

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Source: AFP/Getty Images

THE GOVERNMENT OF SERBIA WITHDREW THE LAW ON EXPROPRIATION

Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.

The government will analyse whether and to what extent amendments to the Law on Expropriation are necessary, and only if it is determined that the law needs to be changed, will do so with a broad public debate, involving the professional public, professional associations, business representatives and civil society.

“I think you’ll see it (inflation) change sooner, quicker, more rapidly than people think. Every other aspect of the economy is racing ahead” – JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

NEHAMMER SWORN IN AS AUSTRIA’S THIRD CHANCELLOR IN TWO MONTHS

Source: Loey Felipe / AP

Photo: DW

Austrian conservative Karl Nehammer was sworn in on Monday as Austria’s third chancellor in two months, succeeding career diplomat Alexander Schallenberg, who took office on 11 October. Nehammer, previously interior minister, takes over as head of the government days after senior members of his conservative People’s Party (OVP) picked him to succeed Sebastian Kurz as OVP leader. Kurz announced he was leaving politics, prompting his close ally Schallenberg to say he too would quit.

RUSSIA VETOES UN RESOLUTION LINKING CLIMATE CHANGE, SECURITY Russia vetoed a first-of-its-kind U.N. Security Council resolution casting climate change as a threat to international peace and security, a vote that sank a years-long effort to make global warming a more central consideration for the U.N.’s most powerful body. Spearheaded by Ireland and Niger, the proposal called for “incorporating information on the security implications of climate change” into the council’s strategies for managing conflicts and peacekeeping operations and political missions, at least sometimes. The measure also asked the U.N. secretary-general to make climate-related security risks “a central component” of conflict prevention efforts and to report on how to address those risks in specific hotspots.

NASA SPACECRAFT ‘TOUCHES’ THE SUN FOR THE FIRST TIME A NASA spacecraft has officially ‘touched’ the sun after it plunged through the unexplored solar atmosphere known as the corona, passing just eight million miles from the core of the star. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe battled temperatures of 2370F and radiation 500 times stronger than on Earth as it made its eighth approach to the celestial body, finally passing through its upper atmosphere.

The flight occurred in April, but scientists have only just been able to confirm the probe travelled through the corona after waiting months for the data to arrive back from the spacecraft.

New research gathered from the solar milestone, which cost NASA $1.5billion, has now been included in the Physical Review Letters.

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Focus

ARE WE READY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIONS TO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES IN SERBIA?

Between The Periphery

And Great Advances

Biotechnology, biomedicine, bioinformatics and biodiversity have gone from areas that were considered as lacking sufficient innovative capacity three years ago to be now considered disciplines that are expected to become drivers of Serbia’s future economic development. Dramatic global changes in healthcare have also contributed to this, with the mass introduction of a multidisciplinary approach and IT.

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he speed at which new vaccines were developed, and the selfless cooperation that accompanied exchanges of experience between researchers in medicine, biotechnology and related fields on a global level, have prompted great optimism about innovations that improve health being reached more quickly and researchers working beyond the major global centres of knowledge being included in that research. What does this mean for the wellbeing of people in general; and for the inclusion of Serbia’s

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scientific development and innovation capacities in global flows? Biomedicine, the Green Deal and bioeconomy are new topics that are propelling the scientific community forward and raising the question of where our place lies in the global growth of these sectors. Is there a place in that world of change for knowledge from Serbia? The short answer is “yes, but…” We spoke with our interlocutors about the kinds of capacities that we really have at our disposal and what we can do to accelerate our entry into this field of innovation.

IVANA KOSTIĆ

EXPERT ADVISOR OF THE INNOVATION FUND FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

TRUST AND TIME KEY FACTORS OF SUCCESS TWO OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FACING THE HEALTHCARE INNOVATION SECTOR ARE TIME AND THE PROCESS OF APPROVING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS: IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR SOLUTIONS TO REACH PATIENTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WITH MAXIMUM SAFETY, SECURITY AND HIGH EFFICIENCY.

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he Spanish flu pandemic occurred between 1918 and 1920. Doctors then didn’t yet know the causes of infection, while treatment was limited – the first vaccine only became available in the 1940s. In the 21st century, when we have sufficient knowledge and opportunities, when we are able to communicate instantly between one side of the world and the other, the COVID pandemic is still around. How far have we really come since 1918 and how do we progress from here?

It seems as though there’s a huge gap between the existence of technologies and the utilisation of their maximum potential.

On the one hand, existing solutions are unavailable to most of the world. On the other hand, huge distrust in existing medical information exists, even in developed countries.

The historical disaster of the Spanish flu led to the emergence of a focus on the importance of international cooperation.

It was then that the predecessor to today’s World Health Organization was founded. What do we take away from the current pandemic as a lesson learnt?

Health is a basic human right of the citizens of all countries.

However, realising this right is only possible through international cooperation, including with countries that lie beyond the main DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE global centres of knowledge and have no pretence to a monopoly VISIONARIES OF SERBIA PLATFORM CREATED A in the health business.

Two of the major challenges facing the healthcare innovation LARGE NUMBER OF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE sector are time and the process of approving innovative solutions: SOLUTIONS INTENDED FOR PATIENTS AND it is essential for solutions to reach patients as soon as possible, IMPERILLED DOCTORS with maximum safety, security and high efficiency.

During the period of the pandemic, the approval process has been accelerated due to the urgent nature of the situation, but how could we also achieve that in the future? Will an answer to this question come through digitalisation and working with other sciences through a multidisciplinary approach? We hope so.

Patients and citizens increasingly want to be included in deciding on their own course of treatment. It is essential to consider new ways of interacting and restoring trust through open dialogue and communication.

In our local Serbian community, the activities of the Health Tech Lab [Laboratorija zdravstvenih tehnologija] were focused on addressing the aforementioned challenges even before the pandemic.

And during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Visionaries of Serbia platform created a large number of software and hardware solutions intended for patients and imperilled doctors.

Testifying to the claim that an understanding for the importance of investing in biotechnology, research and digitalisation emerged during the pandemic are: (i) the establishment of a centre for genome sequencing at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering in Belgrade; (ii) the launch of e-health local portal and forming of a digitalisation strategy; (iii) the initiating of the new Bio4 biotechnology park in Serbia, which will accelerate the development of innovations in biomedical sciences in Serbia and will include related areas like maintaining healthy water, air and food.

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Focus

ARE WE READY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIONS TO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES IN SERBIA?

JASMINA NIKODINOVIĆ-RUNIĆ

SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR OF THE LABORATORY FOR MICROBIAL MOLECULAR GENETICS AND ECOLOGY (LMMGE) AND THE INSTITUTE OF MOLECULAR GENETICS AND GENETIC ENGINEERING (IMGGE), UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE

REMARKABLE SUCCESSES EXIST, BUT ARE RARE WHILE EUROPE HAS A GLOBALLY-RECOGNISED, HIGH-PERFORMING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH COMMUNITY THAT HAS TRANSLATED INTO INDUSTRIAL INNOVATIONS, REGIONS LIKE THE BALKANS (INCLUDING SERBIA) LAG BEHIND DUE TO A LACK OF BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

catalysis and process engineering offer a conceptual and technological framework to expedite the creation of new enzymes and pathways, or the modification of existing ones, for the optimal production of desired products. By enabling the design of microorganisms a la carte, one can envisage an increase in the range of compounds that can be produced in an environmentally-friendly way to meet a large number of human needs – from drugs to new materials – thus increasing efficiency and decreasing undesirable Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

While Europe has a globally-recognised, high-performing scientific research community that has translated into industrial innovations – particularly innovations supporting the Green Agenda – in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland, regions like the Balkans (including Serbia) lag behind due to a lack of public and private investment in fundamental and applied environmental research.

On the other hand, the Eco-Biotechnology and Drug Development Group from the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (University of Belgrade) is making remarkable progress on the biotechnological conversion of a variety of waste streams and by-products into next generation biopigments (biobased dyes), biotherapeutics and biopolymers, which are intended for high value added applications that create an environmental and economic value. As such, they are part of two pan-EU consortia working on the “BioICEP” (www.bioicep. eu) and recently approved “EcoPlastiC” projects that provide for the innovative biotechnological upcycling of plastic waste into valuable bioplastic materials that are proving to be part of the solution for the global problem of plastic pollution.

NENAD PAUNOVIĆ

DIRECTOR OF THE DELIVERY UNIT - TEAM FOR IT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

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limate change, the circular economy, sustainable mobility, food security, health and sustainable agriculture are key challenges that will shape the future of our society. With the Green Deal, the EU has set an ambitious strategy to achieve climate neutrality, transition to a circular economy and develop a more sustainable food system. Our food, cosmetics, clothing and other products and consumables across our lives need to become leaner THE ECO-BIOTECHNOLOGY and greener, and biotechnology solutions can contribute to respondAND DRUG DEVELOPMENT ing to this need.

GROUP FROM THE Although mostly imperceptiINSTITUTE OF MOLECULAR ble to us, microorganisms play GENETICS AND GENETIC key roles in carbon and nutrient cycling, human, animal and plant ENGINEERING (UNIVERSITY health, and failing to appreciate OF BELGRADE) IS MAKING the importance of microbial proREMARKABLE PROGRESS cesses fundamentally limits our understanding of Earth’s biosphere ON THE BIOTECHNOLOGICAL and our response to climate CONVERSION OF A VARIETY change, thus jeopardising efforts OF WASTE STREAMS AND to create an environmentally sustainable future. Microbes are BY-PRODUCTS also a source of various products with applications across all major industries, including the pharmaceutical, chemical, food, environmental and agricultural industries. Microbial diversity provides a massive pool of inimitable chemicals, which are today becoming a treasured source for innovative biotechnology.

Advanced molecular biotechnologies, incorporating the concepts and techniques of genetic engineering, molecular biology, systems and synthetic biology, evolutionary engineering, as well as green chemistry, bio-

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WE CREATE GLOBALLY RELEVANT SOLUTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC, SERBIA DEMONSTRATED ITS POTENTIAL NOT ONLY TO SUCCESSFULLY MONITOR INNOVATIONS COMING FROM MORE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, BUT ALSO TO CREATE SOLUTIONS ON ITS OWN THAT CAN BE AMONG THE BEST (AND WHY NOT SAY ‘THE BEST’) IN THE WORLD.

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he COVID-19 pandemic revealed the potential for global scientific cooperation at a level never before seen – the joint struggle for the health of humankind included doctors, pharmacists, biologists, geneticists, but also experts in the field of artificial intelligence and other ICT fields, as well as public services around the world that were extremely quick to adapt their regulatory environment to the emerging situation. This has resulted in the development of drugs accelerating significantly, also including new techniques for the development of biological treatments that have, and will have, applications

in the treatment of some of the most serious diseases that have tormented us for decades and even hundreds of years. All of these activities are also accompanied by unprecedented levels of investment in healthcare, as well as in the fields of biomedicine and biotechnology.

In such a global situation, it is becoming clear that the closer associating of biological and computer sciences will lead to great changes in the field of medicine, but also in the fields of agriculture, food, energy, the green economy and – as the new virus has shown us – in the field of national security.

During the pandemic, Serbia demonstrated its potential not only to successfully monitor innovations coming from more developed THE STATE HAS CLEARLY countries, but also to create solutions RECOGNISED THE IMPORon its own that TANCE OF THIS BIOTECH can be among – OR PERHAPS MORE the best (and why not say ‘the PROPERLY BIOECONOMIC best’) in the world.

– REVOLUTION OVER THE These include, for YEARS AND DECADES TO example, systems COME AND INITIATED MAJOR that have enabled exceptionally INVESTMENTS IN THIS AREA fast and impeccably organised vaccination and testing processes for COVID-19, which have been recognised worldwide and had a significant impact on improving the country’s international repute.

In parallel with this, but less publicly, local scientists are participating in international working groups to combat this disease, and our healthcare system has the latest drugs to emerge at its disposal (and is among the first in the world). The Sputnik V vaccine is already being produced in Serbia, while preparations are also underway to produce the Sinofarm vaccine, which only a small number of countries around the world can be boast of achieving.

The state has clearly recognised the importance of this biotech – or perhaps more properly bioeconomic – revolution over the years and decades to come and has, accordingly, initiated major investments in this area. The focal point of Serbia’s bioeconomy will be represented by the BIO4 Campus, construction of which will soon begin in Belgrade, with the aim of developing the fields of biomedicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics and biodiversity, and becoming one of the motors of the future economic development of Serbia, with its multidisciplinary orientation towards innovation. This and other examples of investments in this area show that Serbia has this time achieved timely recognition and is utilising new trends and global opportunities that are opening up to us. Just as we have utilised, and continue to utilise, digitalisation in the best possible way by developing our e-government, infrastructure, education and business environment for the knowledge economy, so we are now continuing with the ambition to compete with the best and develop innovations in Serbia that will be used worldwide. And these activities will provide enormous health and economic wellbeing gains for the citizens of Serbia.

ALEKSANDRA VIDAKOVIĆ LAZIĆ

COUNTRY MEDICAL DIRECTOR, ROCHE

RADICAL CHANGES ARE RESHAPING HEALTHCARE INNOVATIONS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY TECHNOLOGIES THAT RANGE FROM BLOCKCHAIN AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO BIG DATA ANALYTICS AND ADVANCED SENSORS

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he healthtech sector is currently one of the most dynamic in technology - aging populations, increasing patient demands and the rise of lifestyle diseases, coupled with pressure on the costs for delivering care, are forcing healthcare providers to innovate in order to improve the quality of their services and lower their prices.

Those innovations are made possible by technologies that range from blockchain and artificial intelligence to big data analytics and advanced sensors. IoT connectivity also plays a key role. And data is central, but not on its own. Up until three-to-five years ago, all that healthcare data was just sitting there. But it’s now being analysed and interpreted.

This is the most radical change happening in healthcare.

Healthcare organisations have seen an explosive rate SERBIA HAS STRONG of growth in health data.

POTENTIAL FOR Healthcare professionals are challenged to remain up to date with information and consider all relevant data for HEALTHCARE START-UPS each patient diagnosis and treatment decision. Fortunately, BASED ON ITS STRONG IT digitalisation increases not only the ability to collect, store SECTOR, WITH CLUSTERS and manage data, but also to connect individual data points for analysis.

OF START-UPS AROUND By managing the wealth of data on individuals and GAMING AND BLOCK their illnesses, new tools can help speed up the time to CHAIN TECHNOLOGY, treatment and improve the quality of patient care. The availability, standardisation and integration of data present AND THE FACT THAT several opportunities, but success requires proper and THE GOVERNMENT secure data management infrastructure. Clinical deciHAS PRIORITISED THE sion support software leverages analytics to transform DIGITALISATION OF THE large amounts of data into insights that can improve and personalise patient care, simplifying clinician navigation of HEALTHCARE SECTOR the increasing complexity of medical information. It allows clinicians to shift their focus to that which matters most: the patient.

We today have an unprecedented opportunity to personalise healthcare by capturing and analysing a inundation of data. The convergence of medicine and technology, combined with exponentially growing industry knowledge, clinical trial findings and real-world evidence, enable a deeper understanding of how to treat an individual.

Unlocking the insights contained in patient health, genomic and phenotypic data is of high value to all key stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem: patients, providers, payers, the commercial sector and the life sciences sector. Serbia has strong potential for healthcare start-ups based on its strong IT sector, with clusters of start-ups around gaming and block chain technology, and the fact that the government has prioritised the digitalisation of the healthcare sector. The officially announced five-year strategic plan and three-year action plan for the digitalisation of Serbian healthcare provides detailed definitions of the process of structuring, quality control, longitudinal integration, data anonymisation and sharing. Almost all healthcare institutions have information systems, while more than 85% of them share the same platform.

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Feature

THE SEE ECONOMY IN THE NEW GLOBAL REALITY

PROFESSOR DEJAN ŠOŠKIĆ, PHD, FACULTY OF ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE

Changing The Region From The Ground Up The world has been changing rapidly over recent years, under the influence of pandemics, climate change, the development of digitalisation and A.I., and the dynamics of geostrategic relations. Southeast Europe is suffering from specific consequences of these global changes and their impact, but these changes simultaneously represent new opportunities for the region and its future development.

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he political elites who want to effectively shape policies that will make this region a cohesive community have much to learn from citizens who punish them – through protest, emigration and other ways – for missing opportunities to make this a healthy, technologically advanced part of the world that’s well-connected in terms of global supply chains.

ECOLOGY Southeast Europe has become one of our continent’s most polluted regions. Poor environmental standards, decrepit and dirty industries, new foreign direct investments with their own poor environmental standards, decades of falling behind on waste collection and recycling systems, wastewater treatment, preventing air pollution and the use of toxic pesticides, but also a traditionally low level of environmental awareness, have led to ecological issues becoming one of the key factors in the poor living standards of the people of the region, but also one of the key reasons prompting them to emigrate.

Nonetheless, important changes in the consciousness of citizens are noticeable, particularly in Serbia. Environmental movements are becoming a key political factor capable of influencing the development of the society as a whole. Here, too, political elites are lagging behind when it comes to understanding the problem and seem not to realise that taxpayers’ money mustn’t be directed towards projects with questionable benefit and real values that are difficult to determine (national stadiums, gondola lifts, monuments etc.), but rather should be directed, immediately and without delay, towards environmental protection (filters for treating air pollution, systems for wastewater treatment, waste collection and recycling etc.) and should adhere to the highest EU standards and be implemented in close cooperation with EU institutions and companies that are global leaders in this domain. Also missing is active education and a higher level of regional cooperation in the area of environmental regulation.

It’s meaningless if people on one side of the border succeed in fending off polluters or foreign investors with dirty technologies, only for the same players to get a pass just a few kilome-

tres away, across a border. Thus, the regional harmonisation of environmental regulations, higher allocations for environmental projects across the entire region and a significantly higher level of regional cooperation in the implementation of environmental projects are required, along with work on the ground to improve environmental education and raise environmental awareness. And all this, of course, should be done in intensive cooperation with the EU, with European institutions and companies, as part of preparations for the region on the road to full EU membership.

MIGRATION Migration has, over recent years, represented a practically continuous process of population movements from the countries of the Middle East and Africa, via the region of Southeast Europe, to Western and Northern Europe. At the same time, there are also migrations from Southeast Europe towards more developed parts of the world. The region is confronted by

It’s meaningless if people on one side of the border succeed in fending off polluters or foreign investors with dirty technologies, only for the same players to get a pass just a few kilometres away, across a border. The regional harmonisation of environmental regulations, higher allocations for environmental projects across the entire region and a significantly higher level of regional cooperation in the implementation of environmental projects are required

insufficient natural population growth and the departures of educated workers with skills that are highly sought-after and better paid abroad.

The rapidly declining population, growth in the average age and falling numbers of working age citizens and their competencies represent a serious economic and developmental challenge for this entire region. There can be no economic growth without enough able-bodied and competent people. Positive demographic policies, i.e., higher budget allocations to stimulate natural growth, are a necessary but not nearly sufficient measure to alleviate this problem. Significantly more comprehensive and higher quality education is becoming a key issue of regional development. It should compensate for the departure of a proportion of the skilled section of the population, but also create the basis for the future growth of labour productivity. In parallel with this, the entire region must be regulated in terms of strengthening the rule of law and institutions while combating corruption, because these areas, among others, have become key regional weaknesses which – coupled with low wages and a spoiled environment – have a decisive impact on emigration from our region. Only a combining of demographic policies, significantly broader and better education and institutional development, together with a certain influx of migrants from abroad, can enable the SEE region to preserve its development opportunities in the future.

DIGITALISATION Under the conditions of the pandemic, digitalisation has accelerated and (already with the existing technology) changed the way business meetings unfold, discussions and conferences are held, teaching and education are delivered, documents are sent, contracts are concluded, orders and payments are made and trade is implemented, as well as many other activities. We have discovered that digitalisation can save time and reduce essentially unnecessary travel and, accordingly, also reduce risks and harmful emissions. Digitalisation also represents a regional development opportunity. This isn’t only an opportunity to affirm regional start-ups in this field, but also an opportunity to make positive changes in all

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Feature

THE SEE ECONOMY IN THE NEW GLOBAL REALITY

other segments of the economy. The simplification of procurement, marketing, sales and payments of products and services can come as a direct consequence of digitalisation, and is doing so already. Opportunities that didn’t previously exist are being created. Thus, for example, traditional agricultural and other activities in passive areas (agricultural produce, handicrafts, tourism etc.) that are today recognised as having ecological and organic values can much more easily find routes to higher prices, new customers and completely new perspectives under the conditions of digitalisation. Likewise, regional trade and transport can be made incomparably simpler, cheaper and faster with digital certificates, mobile applications and other technological solutions that may render waiting at borders, paying tolls and other related costs of time and money unnecessary. In order to ensure the greater and optimal use of the economic development potentials of digitalisation in the region, the need for high-quality education in this area again imposes itself as being crucial, as do greater investment in digital infrastructure, the regional standardisation and harmonisation of digital solutions, and the improvement of regional legislation to support digitalisation.

SUPPLY CHAINS The pandemic has revealed that global supply chains are more sensitive than previously understood. Whether some ship got stuck in the Suez Canal or ships ended up congested and waiting to unload at some ports, or empty containers were massed inadequately in some parts of the world, it all contributed to the solidifying conviction that suppliers should be closer and more reliable in order to avoid production standstills. Southeast Europe previously also had an opportunity to combine its relative proximity to the EU market and relatively low labour costs to become a natural destination for economic activity in areas where a product or service needs to be quickly made available on the EU market. Now, on the basis of the experience of the pandemic and the halts and interruptions that hit some supply chains, a new opportunity is emerging to relocate production operations previously based in the Far East to Southeast Europe. In other words, Southeast Europe is gaining a new development opportunity in the context of the future localising of

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supply chains among large EU companies. In order for this chance to become a reality, the level of education must be raised to a higher level, to improve the skills of the workforce, while the overall regional infrastructure also needs to be developed to provide faster links with the EU market. So, again, education and regional cooperation are key, albeit this time in the domain of building transport infrastructure.

In order for the region to take full advantage of the development potential of this opportunity, it is necessary for the countries of Southeast Europe to form a common regional market to a much greater extent, so that companies from the region that gain new export jobs in the EU can turn mostly to regional suppliers and can – by trading with each other and exporting to the EU – create greater economic development for the region as a whole. It could be said: a good job and the development and enrichment of our neighbour should bring us happiness, because we will thus be able to sell more to that neighbour tomorrow.

The inclusion of the region’s countries in international organisations that are predominantly present across the rest of Europe could contribute to Southeast Europe finally turning away from the path on which geostrategic interests clash to join the path on which dynamic economic development and cooperation unfold

GEOSTRATEGIC RELATIONS Southeast Europe has traditionally been a stage for conflicts of geostrategic interests that have mostly, throughout history and even today, brought suffering and proved detrimental to the local population. Divisions within the region still exist today when it comes to membership in international organisations. This division incumbers regional cooperation and economic development. In the case of EU membership, this division is already creating regional differences and inequalities, and will do so even more if it continues for an inordinate period, because huge funds are flowing from the EU to its member states in Southeast Europe. At the same time, the absence of membership in the same military alliance leads to additional arms expenditures and perpetuates some sources of regional tension. Perhaps some centres of geostrategic power benefit from this, but it isn’t good for the long-term development of Southeast Europe. The inclusion of the region’s countries in international organisations that are predominantly present across the rest of Europe could contribute to Southeast Europe finally turning away from the path on which geostrategic interests clash to join the path on which dynamic economic development and cooperation unfold.

Leaders’

MEETING POINT

MEDEJA LONČAR, BOGDAN GECIĆ, CEO of Siemens SerGecić Law’s Founding bia, Siemens Croatia Partner and Siemens Slovenia

DANILO PUŠONJA, General Manager at Marera Property Management

Gecić Law Named Top Legal Creating Technology With Firm In 150 Million-Strong Purpose SEE Market

FM Solutions Among The Guarantee Top 50 TFM Savings Providers

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ALEXIOS GKEGKIOS, General manager, Globe Williams SErbia, MBA, MSc, PRINCE 2

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LJUBOMIR ŽIVKOVIĆ, Director, the Avaco company

Avaco, Your Partner For All Time PAGE /37

DR S.BANKOVIĆ, DR V. MIRIĆ, DR I. RISTIĆ, CDEI

Do You Sleep Peacefully?

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MEDEJA LONČAR, CEO OF SIEMENS SERBIA, SIEMENS CROATIA AND SIEMENS SLOVENIA

Creating Technology With Purpose Siemens has been transforming the everyday for the better through innovation and technology for is 174 years. Now, during times that are shaped by digital transformation processes, Siemens will remain focused on transferring new technologies and new trends to the local society Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) recently ranked us number one for sustainability among industrial conglomerates, proving that we’re on the right track.

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personally embrace new challenges as a chance to learn, grow and further develop ~ says Medeja Lončar, who became CEO of Siemens Serbia in October 2021, adding to her current roles as CEO of both Siemens Slovenia and Siemens Croatia During your fifteen-year career in managerial positions at Siemens, what has been the main motivating factor driving you forward and what motivated you when taking on your new role in Serbia?

In this phase of life, “purpose” plays a crucial role when making decisions, and Siemens has always maintained a very long-term orientation towards sustainability, from both a planetary and an environmental perspective. We have such intelligent and passionate people that know how to innovate and develop technology, but knowing that this technology is doing something

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meaningful is extremely engaging for me.

When it comes to my role as CEO of Siemens Serbia, I relish this opportunity, which also comes with additional responsibility. I’m also delighted to have the chance to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained to date in my roles in order to contribute to the future success of Siemens Serbia.

You mentioned sustainability as one of the key points. Could you be more specific about what you’re doing as a company in terms of sustainability?

The way that we approach this topic is really in terms of the three dimensions of ESG environment, social, and governance. We believe that the contribution we are able to provide as a business is through our technology, through our innovation, and through the portfolios that we already have and that really help our customers transform. The Dow

Siemens recently announced its new DEGREE framework and sustainability targets. What can you tell us about this framework, and what does the name stand for?

Six years ago, we were one of the first companies to set targets to become carbon neutral by 2030. Guided by the good results achieved to date, we defined even more ambitious targets in June this year. With our DEGREE framework, we set strategic ambitions for the benefit of all our stakeholders: customers, suppliers, employees and societies generally.

Each letter in the DEGREE name represents an area where we are committed to giving ourselves clear targets.

D is perhaps the obvious one, standing for ‘decarbonisation’ and our commitment to making our operations net zero by 2030, expanding our initial target to a net zero supply chain by 2050. Apart from taking our own responsibilities as a company, we also have our portfolio to offer customers and societies assistance in decarbonising.

The E stands for ethics in two important senses: firstly, that would be the way we conduct ourselves and our expectations regarding business conduct; secondly, as a leader in the digital world, we also need to transpose these ethics to the digital world and really drive trust and cybersecurity as well.

G is governance, in reference to the way we really hardwire things into our manage-

ment systems when it comes to ESG and sustainability.

Then comes R, which stands for resource efficiency and the way we influence what we take from the natural environment. We want to advance recycling and circularity.

With our Eco Efficiency Programme, we have set the standard in designing ecocompatible products.

The last two Es in DEGREE really apply to our people. The first refers to equity, as in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while the last E is for employability, because in a world that’s changing so fast, and with digitalisation also disrupting the way we work and the type of work we do, we think that the greatest gift and biggest obligation we have as an employer is to equip people to be resilient – to embrace change, to view the world with positivity and confidence, but also to be relevant in terms of their professional skills. We have set targets according to which we want to be measured – digital learning hours for our people, access to mental health and assistance programmes – which is of immense importance to us.

Could you elaborate on some examples when it comes to your green portfolio?

I think we have some tangible cases to recount globally but also locally as we have already been working together with our customers and partners in Serbia to create an ecosystem that both intuitively responds to the needs of people and helps customers achieve their goals. Emobility is definitely on the rise in Serbia and we have several ongoing projects in the country which focuses on the providing of electric charging infrastructure. Renewables are simultaneously a great potential and a great challenge for Serbia, as we need to change how we produce and consume energy. And for this we require both current and future technologies to support the transformation process. Our main task is to therefore work together with customers and partners in Serbia to advance and support sustainable development. Our customers can rely on our team and our technology to create a more efficient, intelligent, caring and sustainable environment – for both present and future generations.

We aim to be an employer of choice and we foster diversity and inclusion How important a role does digitalisation play in this?

Digitalisation is really driving sustainability.

Crucial roles in the transformation to protect the climate will be played not just by technologies, like power generation and energy storage, but especially also by solutions that let us deal more efficiently and more prudently with our resources. Technologies like the IoT, the digital twin and artificial intelligence will be crucial to turning the climate around. Siemens has invested €10 billion in digital companies in the past 10 years, putting Siemens in the top 10 software companies in the world. For example, we are working with Mercedes-Benz on their Brownfield site in Berlin to make the site and its production operations completely free of emissions. They want this site to represent a blueprint for 30 of their factories around the world. When talking about transferring technologies and knowhow locally, we are really proud on several local showcases of implementation of our digital portfolio that enabled our customers such as Henkel Srbija, Imlek, Knjaz Miloš, Metalac Gornji Milanovac and others to be faster, more flexible, more efficient and more sustainable.

You mentioned being among the women leaders from our region that visited the Dubai Expo. With that in mind, the last point

that we’d like to address is the topic of our Empowered Women special edition. What are your thoughts on this important topic?

Yes, Dubai Expo is a memorable experience with so many inspiring visits, conversations and advanced technologies including integration of Siemens technologies across the Expo’s 137 buildings that turned the site into a truly smart city. During my visit, I had a chance to promote the importance of equality, females in technology and digitalisation on TV Dubai and to join the Roundtable on Female managers and digitalisation. I feel it is essential to accentuate and talk about the contributions and achievements of females to the engineering industry and ensure that those career opportunities are more available for the next generation of females. The analytics in the last few years shows that there is a growing presence of women in engineering. This trend is recognised in practise as well in Siemens Serbia, where apart from experienced female engineers in management positions, we also have young female engineers joining our team in significant number. This really helps us build a creative and diverse workforce required for more and more innovative engineering advancements to happen. We aim to be an employer of choice and we foster diversity and inclusion. Trust and empowerment also play an important part in our system, which is why we were one of the first companies to commit to a two- to three-day mobile working policy for 140,000 of our personnel in the ‘New Normal’.

My experience to date shows that fostering a culture based on trust, empowerment and diversity leads to greater results, a higher rate of innovation and increased creativity.

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LOCAL NEWS

“In the last five years, 793 tons of illegally grown tobacco were destroyed, while the number of illegal tobacco plantations was reduced by 90 per cent, which prevented potential damage to the budget of as much as 453 million euros” – GORAN PEKEZ, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS JAPAN TOBACCO INTERNATIONAL FOR THE WESTERN BALKANS

DUBRAVKA ĐEDOVIĆ NÈGRE, NEW MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KOMERCIJALNA BANKA

NELT GROUP EXCEEDS ONE BILLION EUROS IN REVENUE The consolidated revenue of the Nelt Group exceeded one billion euros in 2021. At the traditional annual meeting of the company’s top management with media representatives, the results achieved in the past were presented, and plans for the next year were announced.

Special attention was drawn to the announcement of the Nelt Group’s operations in Croatia and Slovenia through the establishment of Nelt Europe.

“Entering the European market for Nelt is a natural process of development. Nelt Europe will be the starting point in expanding the network of Nelt companies across Europe. Milena Vušak, a renowned professional with years of experience in the FMCG industry, has taken over the development of our business for Croatia and Slovenia with ambitious plans for the development and distribution of Nelt brands in these markets, “said Milos Jelić, CEO of Nelt Group.

Dubravka Đedović (Nègre) has been appointed, with the confirmation of the National Bank of Serbia, as a new member of the Executive Board of Komercijalna Banka for Economic Affairs and Investment Banking. Đedović (Nègre) joined Komercijalna Banka, a member of the NLB Group, from the position of Director of the Regional Office of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the Western Balkans. She brings to Komercijalna Banka rich international experience in financing large corporations, investments and projects in transport, energy, telecommunications, innovation, health and other industries, and experience in financing small and medium enterprises, which are a pillar of the national economy.

DELTA CITY PART OF THE MPC PROPERTIES NETWORK OF SHOPPING MALLS MPC Properties, a regional leader in real estate construction and management, has acquired Delta City Shopping Center, confirming its leadership position. This acquisition has further strengthened the MPC retail portfolio consisting of UŠĆE Shopping Center, the most visited shopping centre in the region, BEO Shopping Center, a new shopping destination that opened in June last year, Mercator Center Belgrade, the first modern shopping centre in Belgrade and Immo Outlet Center. a favourite of families around the centre.

DHL MARKS 30 YEARS OF BUSINESS IN SERBIA This year, DHL celebrates 30 years of business in Serbia to remain the first choice for many clients and business partners in our country and the basis for developing international trade.

The service improvement is based on the increase of the capacity for air transport of goods, with a daily transport Boeing 757 with a total of 28 tons.

This year, simple, fast and safe service began to be performed with electric vehicles to reduce the impact on the environment further. The plan is to deliver at least 70% of electric cars in four years. DHL aims to achieve zero-emission logistics by 2050 using state-of-theart solutions.

Director of DHL Serbia, Fionn Herriott, emphasised that the best practices from the global experience will continue to be applied in Serbia and that work will be done on setting up new services in 2022.

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BOGDAN GECIĆ, GECIĆ LAW’S FOUNDING PARTNER

Gecić Law Named Top Legal Firm In 150 Million-Strong SEE Market Founded in 2015 and led by a team that combines dynamism and experience at the frontline of the international legal profession, Gecić Law is truly the most innovative law firm in Southeast Europe and a member of the European legal elite

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ecić Law’s Founding Partner Bogdan Gecić says it is an incredible honour to be repeatedly singled out among the crème de la crème of the legal world, and to be the first to win a new category of award covering a fast-growing market of 150 million people, a remarkable new achievement for his team.

Gecić Law has been named Law firm of the Year in a dynamic regional market, winning the title in The Lawyer European Awards 2021 on 1st December. The award places the company among the “crème de la crème of the European legal market”, in The Lawyer’s words, and positions Gecić Law first in a highly competitive market encompassing Turkey and the entire Balkans.

This prestigious prize – awarded for the first time covering an expanded region – confirms Gecić Law’s reputation as the most innovative law firm in Southast Europe and a true member of the European legal elite.

Founded in 2015 and led by a team who combine dynamism and experience at the frontline of the international legal profession, Gecić Law’s ascent to the European top tier is a testament to its strengths – entrepreneurial spirit, high-level international expertise, and impeccable client service – recognised by a growing range of clients who are leaders in their respective fields.

Based in Belgrade but operating across

We are grateful to our fantastic team, which is constantly growing, developing and achieving new heights in the profession Southeast Europe and the European Union, Gecić Law was the only law firm in the Western Balkans to be shortlisted for the award, and was competing against giants in one of the world’s leading emerging markets, and with several long-established EU companies. The firm wins this latest award for a newly expanded region just a year after being anointed Law firm of the year: Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Gecić Law has also been shortlisted several times in the European competition or antitrust team of the year – Top Five category, where the firm competed neck and neck with

some of the best competition and antitrust teams from the whole of Europe.

“This latest award clearly demonstrates that renowned international legal experts and industry leaders recognise the strength of our pioneering work, and relentless efforts to provide top-notch service across markets and practice areas. It also underlines our fundamental values: meritocracy, innovation, integrity, and philanthropy. We were especially glad to see that the jury acknowledged our vision for the development not only of our firm but also the entire legal field in the region. We are at the forefront of redefining the role that a law firm plays in the emerging regional market. We are grateful to our fantastic team, which is constantly growing, developing, and achieving new heights in the profession. We also thank our clients who continuously trust us to demonstrate our commitment, expertise, and creativity in finding solutions to some of the most important challenges they face.”

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DANILO PUŠONJA, GENERAL MANAGER AT MARERA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

FM Solutions Guarantee Savings Marera Property Management is a company that has proven itself on the Serbian market through successful projects for the development of office, industrial and retail space for investor Marera Properties, for which it created a portfolio of commercial real estate

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xplaining the secret of their business success, Marera Property Management GM Danilo Pušonja emphasises, among other things, the “tailor-made” offer that they’ve created for every client, in order to best respond to clients’ demands. And in forming such offers they take into consideration the class and purpose of the facility, the industry, the daily business routine etc.

Marera Property Management is certainly one of the fastest growing companies on our market, if not the fastest. What does that look like in figures?

The company was founded three years ago and thus far we have developed and are currently managing more than 200,000 square meters of real estate portfolio of commercial properties across office, industrial and retail segments. In Facility Management, we perform maintenance works on more than 500,000 square metres for more than 300 clients.

When it comes to the services that we provide, they encompass the entire life cycle of a property – from financial analysis, due diligence, valuation, project design and feasibility studies, to project management in the preparatory and construction phases and, last but not least, maintaining the building in the phase of exploitation, thereby optimising the property’s value and extending its lifespan.

In short, our services are based on the turnkey principle, while taking care to respect the given deadlines and budget. That’s ac-

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tually our market diversification and what makes us unique, and what has ultimately resulted in the business successes we’re recording today.

Also testifying to this are the financial results, which clearly indicate that - compared to the previous year - we’ve almost doubled our revenues in terms of our facility management services alone. Growth of a similar percentage has followed in terms of the surface area of the properties that we service, while the number of clients that have contributed to that growth has more than doubled.

Your company offers integrated facility management solutions for modern and functional facilities in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. What does that include?

The services that come under the facility management segment include hygienic and technical maintenance, reception and security services, maintenance of green areas and the removal of snow deposits during the winter. This is an area that is rapidly gaining importance on the domestic market, and ever more companies are noticing the advantages of this kind of approach to facility maintenance, thanks primarily to the multinational companies for which this is commonplace.

There are numerous advantages to applying FM solutions, and I would highlight in particular the fact that service providers are the only point of contact for everything related to the functionality of the facility.

This reduces the time and resources that companies spend significantly, as well as suggesting clear lines of responsibility and obligation. At the end of the day, this kind of approach - when viewed over the long run brings savings and has a positive impact on the financial results of the companies that decide to engage experts in providing facility management services.

In which way do you create your offer? What guides your efforts to satisfy your clients’ specific needs?

We view each client separately, i.e., we strive to create a “tailor-made” offer in order

for us to best respond to the demands of each client individually. Some of the key parameters we consider include: the class and purpose of the facility, the industry or field in which the client operates, and the number of employees required for us to determine the daily routine of operations.

On the basis of information gathered by our team on the ground and with the help of the client, the needs are defined and an offer is created that best corresponds to the needs of the client.

Such an approach has certainly contributed to us building a strong list of references of clients for whom we provide hygiene maintenance services, which includes prominent names from the FMCG industry, such as Jaffa, Frikom, Nestle, Polimark and Somboled, as well as the Credit Agricole branch network and the Embassy of France in Belgrade. So, we have a diverse list of references that encompasses clients from different industries, with a special emphasis on the FMCG industry, which I would say is the most demanding sector, on the basis of my decades of experience in managing companies in this field.

What are the standout projects in the domain of property management that your company is currently engaged in?

Our most prominent client and the company for which we provide comprehensive services in terms of project management is Marera Properties – a company that has its own real estate portfolio that encompasses commercial facilities from the office, retail and industrial segments.

Among the projects completed, I would highlight the comprehensive reconstruction of the Kalemegdan Business Centre on the premises of the former Beko factory in Lower Dorćol, a building that was abandoned and dilapidated until recently and is today a multifunctional business space where more than 2,000 people work. A project that’s current now is the reconstruction of the Palace of Belgrade, a former symbol of the city which, once re-opened on 1st January 2022, will have regained its former glory and again shifted the boundaries through the applying of the latest architectural and technological solutions, as was the case during the period of its construction.

The renovation of BIGZ is currently in the initial phase, while works on its comprehensive reconstruction will be completed by 1st January 2023 I would also mention BIGZ – another project to reconstruct a building that is a cultural and historical monument of the City of Belgrade that has special emotional significance for each of us individually. The renovation of BIGZ is currently in the initial phase, while works on its comprehensive reconstruction, perhaps the largest ever in our area, will be completed by 1st January 2023.

To conclude, from your personal perspective - and considering that you come from the FMCG sector, where you spent a long time working in management – how do you view the real estate industry and what are your expectations for the period ahead?

What represented a challenge for me when transitioning from the FMCG sector to real estate was the fact that it is one of our market’s fastest growing industries and that it probably has the greatest potential for further growth and development. The complexity and importance of the projects we work on, the development of the facility management industry on the local market, the introduction of new standards and innovations – together these all represent a challenge, but also rich and significant experience of working in the industry that I’ve chosen.

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“We have a special responsibility towards the Western Balkans, we need to pursue a policy of re-engagement, but also investments to support the economic integration of the region” – EMMANUEL MACRON, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE

REGIONAL NEWS

EU COUNCIL AGREES CROATIA HAS FULFILLED ALL CRITERIA TO JOIN THE BORDERLESS SCHENGEN AREA The Council of the European Union has agreed that Croatia now meets all the criteria to join the borderless Schengen Area. In a meeting held on 9 December, the Council concluded Croatia had fulfilled the requirements for applying the Schengen acquis as a whole, which is a precondition for the country to be able to join the Schengen Zone.

The latter now counts 26 members, 22 of which are also European Union Member Countries. Croatia is one of the last four EU countries that are still not part of the Schengen Area, alongside Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus.

Croatia had declared its readiness to start the Schengen evaluation in July 2015, which took place between 2016 and 2020.

WESTERN BALKAN PARTNERS, GEORGIA AND ISRAEL BECOME ASSOCIATED TO HORIZON EUROPE The Commission has signed agreements for closer cooperation in research and innovation with the Western Balkans – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – as well as with Georgia and Israel. For 2021-2027, they have been granted association status to Horizon Europe, Europe’s €95.5 billion research and innovation programme. Researchers, innovators and research entities established in these countries can now participate under the same conditions as entities from the EU Member States.

Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “I am very pleased that we have moved forward with our association agreements with many more partners. Association to Horizon Europe is of mutual benefit, for the EU and our partners

SERBIAN BANK POŠTANSKA ŠTEDIONICA BOUGHT KOMERCIJALNA BANKA IN BANJA LUKA For 22 million euros, Serbia returned a part of Komercijalna Banka under its auspices, which it sold to the Slovenian NLB group last year. Today’s transaction on the Banja Luka Stock Exchange, in which the Poštanska Štedionica Bank, owned by the Republic of Serbia, bought all the shares of Komercijalna Banka from this city.

The Poštanska Štedionica Bank from Belgrade is the owner of Komercijalna Banka Banja Luka after the purchase and sale transaction was successfully finalised on the Banja Luka Stock Exchange, Komercijalna Banka in Banja Luka announced. According to the Banja Luka Stock Exchange, the subject of purchase and sale in the so-called block transaction was 60,000 shares for 717.14 convertible marks, which gives a total value of 43 million signatures, or about 22 million euros.

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ALEXIOS GKEGKIOS, GENERAL MANAGER, GLOBE WILLIAMS SERBIA, MBA, MSc, PRINCE 2

Among The Top 50 TFM Providers

world class service provider in the demanding arena of Integrated Facilities Management.

Arduous and continuous efforts exerted on all fronts, the selection and support of great team members at all levels, a forward-thinking approach and never looking back to attitudes that can set the company back – this has all given GWI an edge and driven this modest company to become the multinational organisation that it is today, one that’s already recognised as being among the top 50 TFM

Globe Williams International has 8,000 customers in 32 countries, 25,000 employees and an annual turnover of more than half a billion euros. In Serbia, GW is implementing the global experiences of its parent company, utilising the ideas and wealth of knowledge at their fingertips

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he restructuring of the company’s management and the mobilising of a new CEO with professional accreditation and extended managerial and field experience, combined with the allocating of new management roles to talented and ambitious local young professionals, has been key to Globe Williams’ success in Serbia.

What stands behind the Globe Williams International name, apart from dedication, lots of work, planning etc.?

Since its inception, the vision of Globe Williams International has been to become a

First and foremost, our clients gain the professional support of a globally-accredited company at any given moment that they may need it providers worldwide and that has already received awards and acknowledgements from the most prestigious global companies, like Drees & Sommers, CEO Magazine and others.

Globe Williams isn’t the only facility management company in Serbia, but it is number one. What sets you apart from the competition?

There are a few notable reasons for this achievement on Serbia’s fast-growing FM market. The complete restructuring of the company’s management two years ago, with the mobilising of a new CEO who has vast experience and professional qualifications in the corporate world, coupled with the allocating of new management roles to talented and ambitious local young professionals, has elevated the company to new heights and notable profitability. However, such results would never have been achieved if we hadn’t paid close attention to our clients’ needs and gone out of our way to offer them what we

promote the most: an unparalleled 24/7 service and, more specifically in times of need, dedicated and well-trained staff, cutting-edge equipment and technological advances, as well as commitment to the company’s mission and loyalty. Moreover, also setting us apart is our implementation of the global experiences of our parent company and the ideas that are at our fingertips, as well as the wealth of knowledge that can be accessed from our 500-strong senior management team and can assist our clients by being made available on the ground in a matter of hours.

What do your clients gain by hiring you?

Does professional maintenance and servicing extend the life and value of facilities, reduce costs and save time?

First and foremost, our clients gain the professional support of a globally-accredited company at any given moment that they may need it, as well as continuous feedback on assigned tasks and activities, value added service provision that allows them to focus on and expand their core business – with all remaining support services successfully delivered by Globe Williams Srbija. Global research has not only suggested, but actually proven that the proper executing of professional facility services extends the lifespan of buildings and premises, whilst providing an abundance of free time for the client’s own personnel to deal with other activities rather than micromanaging outsourced tasks and services. Finally, all studies and real-life experiences have shown that prompt and proactive maintenance cycles reduce site maintenance costs significantly, prolong the life of equipment and, most importantly, ensure safe working environments with added attention paid to environmentally sustainable solutions. Some of our satisfied international clients in Serbia include Actavis, Alumil , Astir Textiles, Coopertire, Galenika, Grundfos, Hertz, Inditex, Pfizer, Zepter and many others.

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“CEOs must use record profit margins to increase worker pay, and inflation worsens [as] this new Covid surges” – MARC PERRONE, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE US UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS

WORLD NEWS

US INFLATION HITS HIGHEST LEVEL FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS American shoppers, especially those on low incomes, have felt the pinch of higher prices, with annual inflation at rates not seen for 40 years. The latest figures show prices rose 6.8% in the year to November.

Prices for American consumers are rising at their fastest annual rate since June 1982. But the impact is felt more amongst those on the lowest incomes, with the least room to manage. Rising inflation is also putting pressure on President Biden as he tries to pass his $1.9tn (£1.4tn) social spending bill.

Some economists blame the president’s previous spending programmes, designed to offer support amid the Covid pandemic, for exacerbating price increases.

NEW EIB SURVEY SHOWS POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN BANK LENDING IN CENTRAL, EASTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE The European Investment Bank (EIB) published the autumn 2021 edition of its CESEE bank lending survey. The report investigates the strategies of international banks active in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe (CESEE) and the market conditions assessed by the banks operating there. The autumn 2021 release of the survey shows a positive outlook for the banking systems in the CESEE region, albeit with lingering pockets of uncertainty and some downside risks. Despite the potent effects of the pandemic, demand for credit has rebounded, and supply conditions for financing have started to ease slowly. Demand for loans is robust among households and revives in the firms’ fixed investment segment. Supply conditions for credit are relaxing, but primarily for families rather than businesses, with conditions still tight for smaller companies in particular.

JAPANESE START-UP DESIGNED A WIND TURBINE THAT CAN WORK IN TYPHOONS As governments and companies globally rush to install as much renewable energy capacity as possible to cut carbon emissions, areas often not suitable for solar arrays or wind farms are opening up for development with advances in technology. In Japan, a start-up called Challenergy has designed a wind turbine that works in cyclonic conditions, which typically shut down most wind installations, turning them into a potential energy source. While renewables, in general, are the fastest-growing source of electricity generation globally, most new renewables capacity has been powered by the sun in Japan. In recent years, the government started trying to promote wind, especially offshore wind. But with Japan experiencing on average 26 typhoons and tropical storms a year, the path to wind power development is generally viewed as harsh.

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LJUBOMIR ŽIVKOVIĆ, DIRECTOR, THE AVACO COMPANY

Avaco, Your Partner For All Time Avaco is the largest Serbian company that has been successfully renting cars for almost two decades.

It keeps a wide range of vehicles and high class luxury cars, so it can satisfy even the most demanding customers, even those who want a helicopter

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e are very committed to our clients, we are available 24 hours a day for anyone who wants to rent a vehicle. We provide advice or support abroad if there is any problem on the road, even during the night, at 2 or 3 am - says Živković.

Your slogan is “When it’s hard and when it’s easy, call Avaco”. How would you judge the last two decades, how is your business going?

Our slogan really makes sense because our clients rent vehicles on weekends, for private and business trips, for vacations. Lately, we have been doing long-term leases, especially for companies. Given the shortage of new cars, we have met the needs of business people and we have a really large fleet of quality vehicles. We have clients who rent vehicles on an annual basis, because our fleet is extremely large. We plan to do more long-term leases in the future because we have a large number of enquiries and requests for this type of cooperation. Individuals also use our services while waiting for purchased or ordered vehicles. So it is really a mixture of services.

It is important to point out that we sell used vehicles and that it is possible to pay for them in installments, without going to the bank. Last year proved to be extremely difficult, but we managed to stay financially solid. This period exposed the bad, but also the good sides of doing business in our industry. Unfortunately, many colleagues and competitors did not survive, such as companies that had vehicles solely for leasing.

They simply did not have enough revenue.

Everything we own and everything we do proves that we are a serious partner and that anyone who does business with us can rely on us with confidence As a result, our company has acquired new clients. So, when we take everything into account, our slogan is very justified.

You keep up with European standards, can you tell us where we are in relation to the global automotive industry?

For almost 20 years, ever since we have been on the market, Avaco has been trying to ensure that our offers are up to world standards. You have to follow the trends from the world, from America, Europe ...

When it comes to the fleet, we are not far behind, because we have a wide range of vehicles and luxury cars. I mean high class vehicles that can meet the needs of even the most demanding customers. Besides vehicles, we are able to offer helicopters to customers who want this type of service.

All this proves that we are a serious partner and that anyone who does business with us can rely on us with confidence.

We look at business success financially, not according to the number of clients. If I had to analyse the 2019-2021 period, the first six months of this year were bad, but July and August were much better than in 2019, and then after the summer there was a drop in demand when tourists left Belgrade and Serbia. That is why we will work more on long-term rental for companies and try to compensate for our losses.

What’s your view of the crisis starting in China? What do you expect to see?

The crisis in China has led to big problems in the automobile industry all over the world, even in our country, because spare parts for most brands are produced in China. Only Korea and Japan do not depend on China in this way.

This collapse will surely last from two to five years. The overall market is jeopardised and we will see what the outcome will be. www.avacorentacar.rs

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dr S.Banković, dr V. Mirić, dr I. Ristić

Do You Sleep Peacefully?

Peaceful and high-quality sleep is essential to ensuring that we are able to function well during the day, for productivity and performing our daily obligations, for the health of brain and heart, for strengthening the immune system, but also for a fresh and beautiful appearance. That’s why you mustn’t let anything disturb your sleep!

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n order for you to have the strength required for all your work and private obligations, a beautiful smile that’s captivating and disarming, but also high-quality and revitalising sleep, be sure that your New Year’s resolutions include regular dental check-ups.

Enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep doesn’t depend solely on how tired you are, whether your day was stressful, whether your bed is comfortable or whether you bought a new, warm blanket. Breathing calmly and moderately while sleeping, without snoring, has a significant impact on quality of sleep. Studies have shown that snoring and mouth breathing during sleep contribute to reducing oxygen intake to insufficient levels, preventing the brain from nourishing itself and resting during the night, which is why we often wake up feeling more tired than we were when we went to bed.

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A hectic lifestyle prevents many people from allocating time for themselves and their oral health, which is why some people cover hidden problems in their mouths for extended periods Mouth breathing is linked directly to improper growth of the teeth and jaws.

Failure to recognise and correct this issue on time can result in numerous structural changes. A gummy smile, overlapping teeth, chronic gingivitis, but also the loss of the sense of smell, are just some of the problems that can be caused by mouth breathing. People who breathe through the

mouth have their quality of life diminished by frequent tonsillitis, halitosis and snoring, while the aesthetics of their smile are also ruined.

Despite the fact that snoring is very common, studies have shown that it is more commonplace among men and people who are overweight. Sleeping on your back additionally contributes to the position of the lower jaw and tongue falling back, which worsens snoring.

Fortunately, a solution to this problem exists and is represented in the development of individual devices intended to expand the upper respiratory tract and allow the unobstructed flow of air. Wearing this light, comfortable and convenient device either greatly reduces or completely eliminates snoring.

The modern lifestyle – especially for businesspeople – can often be boiled down to processing large flows of information throughout the day; an unwavering desire to achieve more, the constant setting of new goals and tasks that are sometimes difficult to achieve, appended by private obligations and concerns, all of which leaves us without any opportunity to rest during the day. And when that constant stress spills over into the night with the same degree of intensity, it often manifests as the clenching, gnashing or grinding of teeth.

Nocturnal grinding causes tension in

the muscles of the face, head and neck, while waking up brings relief by stopping the anguish. For people who suffer from grinding, waking up only brings fatigue and tension headaches, due to the orofacial muscles having been active throughout the night. Long-term grinding results in the visible wearing of enamel, which results in the increased sensitivity of teeth. Grinding can also lead to a reduction in the height of the premaxilla jaw bones and pain in the jaw joints.

A hectic lifestyle prevents many people from allocating time for themselves and their oral health, while some people even

People who breathe through the mouth have their quality of life diminished by frequent tonsillitis, halitosis and snoring, while the aesthetics of their smile are also ruined cover hidden problems in their mouths for extended periods, ignoring the discomfort of oversensitive teeth. This problem sometimes worsens, developing from a sensation of discomfort to severe nighttime pain that disrupts a peaceful night’s sleep. The exhaustion and sleeplessness that occur after a night spent struggling with toothache are an additional cause of irritation and stress that only worsen with each passing day.

The lack of one or more teeth also presents a specific problem, as food that’s poorly processed in the mouth has a negative impact on the digestive system, causing stomach ache and loss of appetite. A significant percentage of people also feel compelled to brush their teeth as soon as they rise in the morning, in order to prevent their partner from experiencing the unpleasant morning bad breath that results from gum disease.

Whether by coincidence or not, many people desiring a break and a good night’s sleep book a room in top hotel with a pool and a king-sized bed for their annual leave,

but they also bring their unpleasant toothache with them. However, relief from toothache and the discomfort that comes from an oral cavity can only be achieved in one way: by visiting the dentist, with regular check-ups and the high-quality restoration of not just one tooth, but rather detailed dedication to the entire orofacial system.

The advantage of contemporary dental practises lies in the fact that diagnostics and treatment utilise modern digital diagnostic tools, both for diagnosing tooth decay/cavities and for the virtual planning

of orofacial system rehabilitation. The patient is thus able to properly perceive their problem, check out the future appearance of their smile prior to any major reconstruction, and enter into the implementation of agreed treatment plans without any fear or apprehension.

Considering that we are entering a new year and new beginnings, be sure to include two mandatory regular dental check-ups in your annual planner. Let this be your first step towards tranquil, high-quality and restful sleep.

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39

Enterpreneur TRAVIS KALANICK UBER’S CO-FOUNDER

16 Weird Things About

arcpublishing.com

Travis Kalanick The frugal billionaire recently inked a deal for a $36.4 million penthouse in New York City

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N

nbcnews.com

o matter what you think of Travis Kalanick, there’s no debating the success of the company he built.

Users of Uber have hailed more than a billion rides in more than 600 cities across the globe since Kalanick co-founded the San Francisco-based company in 2009.

Uber’s success has netted Kalanick a fortune that’s at least $1.4 billion, after he sold about 29 percent of his shares. The company was most recently valued at $48 billion.

Uber has changed the transportation industry, dragging it into the world of smartphones kicking and screaming.

Kalanick’s time as CEO of Uber was marred by controversy, including an investigation into rampant sexual harassment at the company that ended in his recent resignation. Still, Uber’s success is the envy of the startup world.

GOV. TRAVIS?

Remember when seemingly everyone ran for governor of California? Kalanick almost entered that fray. In 2003, he took a registration form to run and even registered travis4gov.com, which positioned him as an independent candidate.

WII TENNIS WIZ

In his spare time, Kalanick used to passionately play Wii Sports Tennis, and investor Chris Sacca once claimed that Kalanick was ranked the second best player in the world.

FIRST BUSINESS

When he was 18, Kalanick and a partner started an SAT prep business, New Way Academy. Kalanick apparently scored 1580 on his SATs.

EARLY LIFE

Kalanick grew up in Los Angeles and ran track and played football. He got interested in entrepreneurship early on, selling knives doorto-door for cutlery company Cutco.

FAMILY BACKGROUND

Kalanick may have taken inspiration for his career from both of his parents. His father, Don, was an engineer, while his mother, Bonnie, who died in a boating accident, worked in retail advertising for the Los Angeles Daily News.

His brother, Cory, is a firefighter, and he also

FILE SHARING

Kalanick grew up in Los Angeles and ran track and played football.

He got interested in entrepreneurship early on, selling knives door-to-door for cutlery company Cutco has two half sisters, one of whom works at beauty company Rodan + Fields.

THE DROPOUT

He became interested in computers in his youth and learned to code by the time he was in middle school. He would later attend the University of California, Los Angeles, to study computer engineering, only to drop out in 1998 to pursue entrepreneurship.

His first two companies involved file sharing. Scour, a service that allowed users to share media files, was founded in 1998 and filed for bankruptcy in 2000 after facing a $250 billion copyright infringement lawsuit.

At one point, the 13 employees of Scour reportedly shared an apartment, which strained the electrical system.

SKIRTING THE IRS

Kalanick’s second company, Red Swoosh, opened four months after Scour shuttered in 2000. To save money while operating the company, Kalanick moved back to his parents’ house before relocating to Thailand in 2006.

The company once withheld income taxes from employee paychecks -- which is illegal -- but Kalanick was able to raise money from investors to pay the tax bill. Red Swoosh was sold to Akamai in 2007 for about $19 million.

Kalanick became a millionaire.

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Enterpreneur ft.com

THE “JAM PAD”

The house Kalanick bought after selling Red Swoosh became known as the “jam pad,” because many young entrepreneurs visited to discuss ideas.

Gary Vaynerchuk and Box co-founder Aaron Levie were among those who crashed on Kalanick’s couch.

The house even had its own Twitter account.

BRASH AND ABRASIVE

Kalanick is known for his aggressive and abrasive leadership style and brashness when it comes to skirting the law. He once posted a cease-and-desist letter to Instagram and captioned it, “Charming greeting card from a taxi cartel representative.”

THE WORKAHOLIC

Kalanick is also known for being somewhat of a workaholic. On at least one occasion, he was seen working on a spreadsheet on a laptop at a strip club.

HOT TUB KALANICK

Kalanick apparently has a superhuman ability to stay submerged in hot water for long periods of time. “Travis can spend eight to 10 hours in a hot tub,” Chris Sacca once said. “I’ve never seen a human with that kind of staying power in a hot tub.”

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INAPPROPRIATE LEADERSHIP

Kalanick is also known for being somewhat of a workaholic. On at least one occasion, he was seen working on a spreadsheet on a laptop at a strip club THE 14 VALUES

The Uber co-founder is a big fan of Amazon. He took inspiration from its 14 leadership principles to create 14 values for the ride-hailing company. Of course, those include the maligned “Always Be Hustlin’,” “Meritocracy,”“Toe-Stepping” and “Principled Confrontation.”

SEX RULES LETTER

In a 2013 letter to employees about an upcoming party in Miami, Kalanick laid out rules for employees to have sex with each other. He ended that part of the letter with, “Yes, that means that Travis will be celibate on this trip. #CEOLife #FML.”

Kalanick made a lot of bad decisions as CEO, but one of the most egregious happened in 2014, when he accompanied Uber Senior VP of business Emil Michael and several other employees to a Korean escort bar. The incident was later reported to Uber’s human resources department.

THE FRUGAL BILLIONAIRE

Despite his wealth, Kalanick is known for being frugal. A former employee of Kalanick’s at Red Swoosh remembers one time when they went out to lunch: Kalanick “forgot his wallet.” He’s also proudly admitted to flying coach and staying at cheap hotels. For years, he rode an old motorcycle to work, even in pouring rain. Of course, he rides in Ubers, too, as seen in the now infamous video of him yelling at a driver released earlier this year.

Still, it seems, he does make big purchases.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Kalanick recently closed a deal on “a glamorous New York City penthouse for about $36.4 million.” The 6,655 square-foot apartment has four bedrooms, a private elevator and a rooftop terrace with a private heated pool and outdoor kitchen. www.entrepreneur.com

PROFILE

Asking Questions Is The Answer I enrolled to study economics and management thinking that I wanted to be a manager. But I realised very early on that I had a strong preference for economics. What appealed to me the most about economics was trying to strike a fine balance between using rigorous research methods and taking into account all the complexities of human behaviour – a factor which, in one way or another, influences everything around us.

ANA KREŠIĆ, EBRD ACTING LEAD ECONOMIST, WESTERN BALKANS

D

uring my first job at the EBRD, I quickly realised that my character is poorly suited to an academic setting that’s devoted to answering lifelong research questions.

These days my job more resembles that of a simultaneous translator: I stand between rigorous economic research, policymakers and various businesses, attempting to ensure that we all understand one another.

In other words, I apply economic principles while taking into consideration countryspecific nuances to current developments in the Western Balkan region, in an effort to analyse economic trends and support the EBRD’s investments and policy dialogue (I joined the Belgrade team in September 2021, after spending a number of years in Kyiv and Tbilisi, covering the Eastern Europe and Caucasus region).

My experiences to date would never have been possible without circumstances that were very much beyond my control. I was very fortunate to have access to exciting opportunities, to be able to pursue my interests, to build my skills and to live and work in supportive personal and professional environments. Enjoying the kind of privileged

access to opportunities that I do, I find it highly motivating to work for an international organisation that prides itself on its mission of ‘investing in changing lives’. One of the core principles of all our investments and policy engagements is, ultimately, to promote the equality of opportunities.

Not all of this has been luck – some of it has come as a result of being curious. That

Indeed, curiosity has always been my main driver, alongside bursts of stubborn determination. My grandma still jokes about my childhood stubbornness over the most random things. After being asked why I was so focused on a particular subject, my reply apparently was ‘I have to’ might mean curiosity about a new topic, country or nation. I have so far lived in eight capitals or major cities in the wider European area, four while working for the EBRD. Indeed, curiosity has always been my main driver, alongside bursts of stubborn determination.

My grandma still jokes about my childhood stubbornness over the most random things.

After being asked why I was so focused on a particular subject, my reply apparently was ‘I have to’. This combination of curiosity and occasional stubbornness doesn’t always make for balance. It can often lead to long evenings and weekends spent in front of the computer screen trying to navigate a new situation that I’ve so optimistically thrown myself into. But more often than not, the satisfaction of learning and understanding a new topic pays for itself many times over.

Feedback and constructive criticism from good mentors represent other key pieces of the puzzle. When I joined the EBRD as an intern, my first task was to support a team of economists in producing a paper. I was fresh out of a master’s degree and keen to showcase the skills I’d acquired. Once I produced my first draft, one colleague who also worked on some chapters sat down with me to review, comment and fit the pieces together. Over the course of nearly two full working days, we examined both of our drafts sentence by sentence. The lessons I took away from this joint review were numerous and enduring. In addition to being an exercise in modesty as we uncovered (and addressed) my mistakes one by one, I also realised the importance of asking questions, giving feedback and enabling open discussions. Unsurprisingly, these tend to be among the defining characteristics of good managers and mentors – and I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by some outstanding examples.

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Art

Art History

WINTER SCENE ON A FROZEN CANAL BY HENDRICK AVERCAMP (1620)

How Great Artists

Depict Winter 44

January

HUNTERS IN THE SNOW BY PIETER BRUEGEL THE ELDER (1565)

FOUR SEASONS: WINTER BY FRANCOIS BOUCHER (1755)

INTER SCENE ON A FROZEN CANAL BY HENDRICK W AVERCAMP (1620) He’s not as famous as Rembrandt or Vermeer, but no painter of the Dutch Golden Age – which corresponded with one of the coldest periods of the last millennium – depicted the frozen Low Countries with the frequency and sensitivity of Avercamp. Born deaf and mute, he learned to skate as a child and became a specialist in winter scenes, which collectors bought as paintings and prints. Like most of

his winter landscapes, this one makes brilliant use of one-point perspective: in the foreground we see fashionable skaters and masked revellers on horse-drawn sleighs, while other sliders, some adept and some less so, extend out to the horizon.

UNTERS IN THE SNOW BY PIETER BRUEGEL THE H ELDER (1565) Winter scenes, technically more challenging than summer ones, were relatively rare

in western art until the early Renaissance.

One of six panels representing the seasons (though only five survive), Bruegel’s vastly detailed masterpiece marks a major shift from symbolic representation of the seasons, the previous European tradition, to an exclusively secular scene. It is a fine winter day, and townsfolk are skating and playing hockey, but the hunt has not gone well. The hounds look exhausted, and the hunters have just a single fox among them.

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Art

Art History

THE SEA OF ICE BY CASPAR DAVID FRIEDRICH (1824)

F OUR SEASONS: WINTER

BY FRANCOIS BOUCHER (1755) This allegory of the cold months typifies the Rococo style of the 18th Century: instead of depicting nature or even agricultural labour, Boucher gives us a flirty duo sliding along in a golden sledge. (The female figure’s outfit, despite the fur, is definitely not weatherappropriate.) The painting was executed for Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV’s official mistress, and its irregular shape suggests that

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it probably hung above a door in one of her many residences.

T HE SEA OF ICE BY CASPAR DAVID FRIEDRICH (1824) German painting’s great romantic, Friedrich here depicts the shipwreck of the HMS Griper, a British vessel on an expedition to the North Pole. The iceberg totally dwarfs the ship; it is a gravestone as much as an obstacle. As so often in Friedrich’s art, nature here is at once sublimely beautiful and totally indifferent to human life.

WINTER LANDSCAPE

BY WASSILY KANDINSKY (1911) Early in his career Kandinsky developed a theory of colours that ascribed synesthetic, nearly mystical powers to certain combinations of tones. In this depiction of a snow-blanketed country landscape, one of his last figurative compositions before turning entirely to abstraction, the yellow sky hums with effects of green and white, the path to the small house in the centre glows pink, and the hillside is a riot of improvised coloured daubs.

By author

WINTER LANDSCAPE BY WASSILY KANDINSKY (1911)

THE FOREST IN WINTER AT SUNSET BY THÉODORE ROUSSEAU (1846–47)

T HE DRUM BRIDGE AND YUHI HILL AT MEGURO BY HIROSHIGE (1857) One of the images from One Hundred Views of Edo, his wildly popular series of ukiyo-e prints, this image depicts a rare stone bridge in the city we now call Tokyo. Captured at an oblique angle, the bridge seems dwarfed under the snow-filled sky, and the passersby, shrouded under bamboo hats, get lost in the landscape. Hiroshige’s winter scenes are perhaps his most sensitive; under snow, even the big city feels impermanent.

THE DRUM BRIDGE AND YUHI HILL AT MEGURO BY HIROSHIGE (1857)

T HE FOREST IN WINTER AT SUNSET BY THÉODORE ROUSSEAU (1846–47) After endless rejections at the Paris Salon, Rousseau became one of the leading figures of the Barbizon school, a collection of mid 19th Century painters who depicted the forest of Fontainebleau. There he invested landscape painting with an ecological obligation. This massive painting, unfinished at his death, is less concerned with the exact appearance of the bare oaks of the forest than

with our place in nature, and the emotions that nature inspires.

S NOW STORM: HANNIBAL AND HIS ARMY CROSSING THE ALPS BY JMW TURNER (1812) The Carthaginian general is nowhere to be seen in this churning, nightmarish depiction of bedraggled invaders attacked by local forces in Val d’Aosta and buffeted by an awesome, almost apocalyptic storm. The giant, wavelike black cloud and the avalanche on the Alp at

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Art

Art History

right express Turner’s vision of sublime nature, but this painting, realised when Napoleon was invading the same region, was also a political statement.

WINTER LANDSCAPE BY EDVARD MUNCH (1915) Painted in the depth of the Norwegian winter, Munch’s placid snowscape is less angst-ridden than his more famous images of vampires or screamers. Yet the unexpectedly colourful ridges of the snow-covered mountains – rivulets of green, blue, and pink – make even this relatively tranquil image hum with the

emotion and excitement that characterise his best work.

THE MAGPIE BY CLAUDE MONET (1868-69) Monet was a master of the winter scene – he painted more than 100 of them, and when Edouard Manet saw the Impressionist’s snowscapes he abandoned any effort to make his own. This is Monet’s largest winter painting, depicting a single black bird on a fence in Etretat – but what’s most thrilling about the work is the shadows on the snow, done not in black but in a conventionshocking blue. www.bbc.com

WINTER LANDSCAPE BY EDVARD MUNCH (1915)

SNOW STORM: HANNIBAL AND HIS ARMY CROSSING THE ALPS BY JMW TURNER (1812)

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THE MAGPIE BY CLAUDE MONET (1868-69)

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My life

Krinka Vidaković Petrov, Acting Director of the Staro Sajmište Memorial Centre in Belgrade

BE SOFT LIKE COTTON AND SOLID LIKE STEEL The new director of the Staro Sajmište [Old Fairgrounds] Memorial Centre is a professor, scientist and ambassador, whose special interests include Hispanic studies and Judaism. Her father was a respected Yugoslav diplomat, which is how she came to live in Cairo, Chicago and Havana, and it was also thanks to him that she got to meet Che Guevara. Her husband, who died recently, was prominent writer and professor Aleksandar Saša Petrov. Her ancestry encompasses various professions, but they were patriots above all. The life motto of this diligent and competent woman is that it isn’t enough to only look to the future, because that future is unbearably easy and false if the past isn’t incorporated into it.

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By Radmila Stanković

H

er name is very rare and unusual, which is precisely what her mother wanted when choosing it for her daughter. The Krinon and the lily are the same flower, but Lily is a common girl’s name, unlike Krinka.

In her later years, she learned that the word krinon comes from the Greek language. However, whenever she spent time in the western parts of the former Yugoslavia, she would be asked her if it is her real name, because they found it strange that someone could be given such an “ugly” name.

They didn’t associate it with the Serbian or Greek name of the flower, but with the word krinku meaning “cover” or mask, from which the verb raskrinkati [unmask/uncover] is derived. So, it is a rare name that was interpreted differently in the former Serbo-Croatian language depending on regional dialect.

Krinka’s father hailed from Užice and her mother was from Kragujevac. They met as secondary school pupils, and the love that lit them up back then lasted for the rest of their lives. Krinka and her brother were born in the first years after World War II, into the baby boomer generation.

They grew up in a happy family and during a time when hopes for a better future overcame the traumas of the recent war. Although she was born in Belgrade, in the apartment where the family continued to live later, the earliest memories of CorD’s interlocutor are linked to Chicago, where her father served as a diplomat: “Those are not memories of a shining American metropolis, but of our family home and surroundings, nursery, my first school days, other kids from the neighbourhood. There were American children of various origins, which back then – at 4 or 5 years old – I didn’t even notice. One ritual that was repeated in nursery ended up ingrained in my memory, and it was thanks to that ritual that I learned to differentiate between the left and right sides of the body. Every morning, the children would stand and turn towards the American flag in the corner of the room, place their right hand on their heart and recite something, which wasn’t clear to me. But that’s how I learnt to distinguish left from right. At home we spoke only Serbian, and that revealed something important in my childish consciousness: that we are all the same in that we have our heart is on the left side, but that we are different in many other ways. Young children either don’t notice differences or overcome

Various parameters of otherness – gender, social, political, cultural – increasingly manifested themselves later during my adolescence and maturing, and later in life. I’ve learnt that ‘otherness’ has two faces: it’s a negative in the eyes of some, but in essence it can be a secret positive.” them easily. I didn’t comprehend clearly at the time the fact that Serbian and English are two different languages, and we children understood each other, probably more with body language than spoken language. But it was not easy for my brother, who’s three years my senior, because he immediately started first grade of elementary school. He had to learn English quickly, but also to defend himself from those who perceived him as some “other”.

Nevertheless, that feeling of being ‘the other’ also came to me later, and it accompanied me through life like a weird travel companion. Various parameters of otherness – gender, social, political, cultural – increasingly manifested themselves later during my adolescence and maturing, and later in life. I’ve learnt that ‘otherness’ has two faces: it’s a negative in the eyes of some, but in essence it can be a secret positive.”

She grew up in a loving and attentive environment, and her parents passed on different character traits to her during her upbringing.

Her mother taught tenderness, creativity, sacrifice and beauty. She was a professor of French and Krinka followed in her footsteps as a student, discovering the charms of language, literature and culture. She was later led on that path by her husband, Aleksandar Petrov, who she says taught her to navigate literary waters and discover new landscapes not charted on maps: “My father rarely said anything to me, which is why I remember the few simple pieces of advice he gave me, and which come from the treasure trove of traditional wisdom. First, that a person can gain a lot and lose even more - due to wars, natural disasters and various misfortunes, and we can never know if and when they’ll hit us. He believed that the most valuable thing is what I

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My life

Krinka Vidaković Petrov, Acting Director of the Staro Sajmište Memorial Centre in Belgrade

KRINKA’S PARENTS WITH FRIENDS IN HAVANA

carry in myself and what I carry on me like a snail carries its home - health, intelligence, knowledge, love, spiritual strength - which I need to strive to preserve in all circumstances, not only good ones, but also those fraught temptations. Secondly, he told me that a person must be able to be soft like cotton, but also solid like steel, and that he must be able to adequately endure situations in which he might find himself, symbolically speaking, the situation of a “stableboy”, as well as a situation in which he may “reign supreme”. In other words, one should resist the temptations of powerlessness, but also of power. And thirdly, that roots are important, because one doesn’t live only in the present, but rather also as part of both the past and the future.”

Her value system was instilled in her early in her childhood through family stories told by her parents. She had two grandmothers, one in Užice and the other in Kragujevac. Her father’s mother, from Užice, came from the Tankosić family and was related to Voja Tankosić (1880-1915), a major in the Serbian army who died during the First World War. Krinka’s great-grandfather, Veljko Tankosić, was a priest, but in accordance with the time in which he lived, he was also something of

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Roots are important, because one doesn’t live only in the present, but rather also as part of both the past and the future a hajduk, something of a politician, and always a patriot. When the Austrians attacked Serbia by crossing the Drina, he and several of his friends killed some Austrian soldiers. After that became known, her great-grandfather fled to Montenegro. However, after Montenegro capitulated to the Austrians, he was arrested and deported to the Jindřichovice POW camp in the Czech Republic. He was already an old man by then, exhausted and ill, but the Austrians transported him back to Užice nonetheless, just to lead him tied up through the city and hang him publicly at Užice’s Dovarje cemetery. And they published a photograph in the newspaper: “My grandmother, then a girl, had been present for that horrible deed. She later kept that photo

on the wall of her room in Užice for the rest of her life, where we, her grandchildren, observed it, not understanding the horror it represented.

But we later learnt a lot from the story of our great-grandfather Veljko Tankosić.

“I grew up in various social surroundings (in Chicago, Cairo, Havana), but those were always places limited by time and essential transience.

Our family home represented that which was constant. We were returned ‘home’ to Belgrade and in Belgrade we were ‘living at home’.”

Krinka’s father, Boško Vidaković, was Yugoslav ambassador to Cuba from 1961-1964, and her memories from that country are a special story: “Cuba was something fantastic and unforgettable. We arrived there soon after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. For the first few months, my brother and I studied Spanish at the only private school then operating in the country.

All educational institutions – from primary to university – were closed because it was the “Year of Alphabetisation”, when all teachers and professors headed to the most remote villages to bring literacy to the people. The schools later started working again and I attended a high school that worked according to a new, Soviet programme.

For the few foreign students, the school organised Spanish language classes every day after regular classes ended. Among us few were one American and several Russians, the children of experts sent by the Soviets as technical assistance to Cuba.

Among my best friends, besides the Cubans who I recall fondly, was a Yugoslav girl (who soon returned to Belgrade with her parents and later became a famous painter) and a Dolores, whose father had fled Spain as a child after the Civil War, become an engineer in Moscow and married a Russian woman, and later moved to Havana with his family.

That was the second year after the revolution, then the time of the most dangerous crisis of the Cold War - the Cuban Missile Crisis.The majority of embassy staff members and their families were evacuated due to the nuclear threat, but my mother decided that we should all stay together, and what will be will be. My father played an important role for Yugoslavia during that crisis, but that’s another story. For this story, it’s interesting to note that he’d already met Guevara back in Cairo, when Che was visiting “friendly” countries for the (secret) procurement of arms. No one yet knew who Che Guevara was at that time, and during his visit to Egypt no one took much interest in him, except my father, who realised that he was a very interesting character who represented a new, revolutionary, but not yet quite clearly and publicly determined, government in Cuba. My father had very interesting conversations in Cairo with Che, and suggested that Yugoslavia be included among the ‘friendly’ countries of his tour. That’s how Che Guevara arrived in Belgrade, although that wasn’t originally planned. Thanks to all that, my father already had an established relationship with Guevara upon arrival in Havana, and he came to our house to talk with him. That’s also how I had the opportunity to meet him - from my high school girl’s perspective.

I remembered the Cuban crisis while I was serving in Israel, when the country was in a formal a state of war due to the invasion of Iraq (2003).

Back then all the responsibility had been on my father, but now it was on me. It was certainly much, much more difficult for him, and knowing that helped me, together with my excellent team at the embassy, to overcome all the challenges we faced.”

Krinka’s pre-university education including school in Chicago (in English), then one year in Belgrade, then in Cairo at an American school,

WITH HUSBAND SAŠA

Saša and I were happy people, we traversed lovers’ lanes together, followed creative visions together, discovered new worlds, shared a desire to discover something new, to take the harder but more gratifying routes then again one year in Belgrade, then high school in Havana (in Spanish). That required a little more effort than it would have had she only attended schools in Belgrade, not only because of the different languages, but also because of different curricula: “The most interesting was the high school in Havana, because I was learning in Spanish, but according to the Soviet school curriculum, albeit modified with ‘additions’ specific to the Cuban revolution. In Havana we also had one compulsory subject called the Plenum, which consisted of pupils discussing a wide range of topics – from whether there’s a God to the exporting of the revolution to Latin America.

“I was a good pupil, but nothing exceptional.

In primary school I’d been fascinated by astronomy.

And although I found the natural sciences easier in high school, it was then that I became interested in philosophy and revolution (so I wouldn’t have to be in Cuba!) and that opened up a whole new world to me. But I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to study by the time I finished high school, other that I knew it wouldn’t be medicine or dentistry.”

She completed English language and literature and Spanish language studies in Belgrade, and earned her doctorate from the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb with an interesting dissertation entitled ‘Oral Tradition and the Written Word of Sephardim in Yugoslavia’. And what motivated her to opt for this topic?

“I enrolled in postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade in 1969. The very next year, I took a job as an intern at the Institute of Literature and Art. My project manager at the Institute was an exceptional man: Dr Žarko Vidović. He always spoke about interesting things and told me, among other things, about his life in Sarajevo before the war, his imprisonment in Jasenovac and subsequent torment at a camp in Norway. But woven into these stories were his friends who were Spanish Jews (Sephardi) from pre-war Sarajevo and later Jasenovac. I found this topic fascinating, especially when my friend and colleague at the Institute, Dr Simha KabiljoŠutić, who is of Sephardic origin, told me even more about all of that. Their stories motivated

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My life

Krinka Vidaković Petrov, Acting Director of the Staro Sajmište Memorial Centre in Belgrade

me to register to do my doctoral dissertation on Sephardic culture. It seemed to me that it was a small diamond hidden in the dirt and that my mission would be to extract and study it. And That’s how it was. The diamond shone, but only after ten years of arduous work. Of course, I wanted to register the same topic at the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade, but the then Spanish department had no time for me or my topic. The only alternative was to go to Zagreb and apply for a doctorate there. And so, I headed to Zagreb, for the first time in my life, not knowing anyone, to register this topic with Professor August Kovačec. The second time I went to Zagreb was to defend my doctoral thesis. When Sarajevo-based publisher Svjetlost published my book in 1986, it introduced the Jewish topic to our public in a big way. The book had three editions in Yugoslavia and one in Paris, in French. I’m particularly pleased that, twenty

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years later, this study inspired and encouraged a young generation of Hispanic studies colleagues to deal with Sephardim.”

Hispanic studies and Judaism are two important areas of Krinka’s scientific and translation work. The place of the Spanish and Jewish cultures in Serbia is a special topic that has no place in this story, just like the topic of why there is no department of Jewish studies in Belgrade. She says that this is an issue for the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade. She doesn’t know the answer, but she read recently read that a department for Jewish studies has opened at the faculty in Kragujevac.

Krinka was married to recently deceased writer and scientist Aleksandar Petrov for many years.

“Saša and I were happy people, we traversed lovers’ lanes together, followed creative visions together, discovered new worlds, but I must say that Saša taught me a lot when I started dealing

with scientific work and literary translations. He was my best professor. We later supported each other in everything - life, work, creativity. We shared a desire to discover something new, to walk untrodden paths, to take the harder but more gratifying routes, which required more courage, strength, effort. And we didn’t regret that. Saša’s Dr Haos [Dr Chaos] book of stories and poetry book Erosova sveska [Eros’s Notebook] (which was released simultaneously in Belgrade in Serbian and in Moscow in Russian) have just been published. His new study on erotica in Serbian and world literature, will be published soon by Andrićgrad. For me, Saša was, and will remain, a reliable guiding star and my true spiritual home, as he wrote in one poem: “I choose a house according to the windows. / Branches to strike the glass at dawn, / shaft opening, / the scent of morning to wake me. And at night through the

windows / for the stars to descend to my eyes / when I raise my eyes to the sky / and seek my mother among the stars”.

This diligent and capable woman was the ambassador of the then FR Yugoslavia, i.e., Serbia and Montenegro, to Israel from 2001 to 2006.

And if she were to write her memoirs about that period, what would she write about as being the most difficult thing for a female diplomat in such a specific country as Israel?

“Israel isn’t a place where diplomatic service is easy or routine, but it is a challenging place that provides greater opportunities to express yourself professionally. I’d been to Israel before that, but exclusively for research purposes and international conferences. When I arrived as an ambassador, terrorism was in full swing. That is generally a country where things are never entirely peaceful, where it is occasionally very turbulent, where security is an issue raised to such a level of intensity that isn’t seen in many other countries. During the time of the invasion of Iraq it was in a state of war. That was the hardest thing professionally.

In the middle of this situation, I was with a fellow ambassador having a very serious discussion about what to do, and my mobile phone rang as we were leaving the restaurant. The ambassador impatiently asked me if I’d received news about the invasion of Iraq, because he - like all of my colleagues - was obsessed with this issue. And I answered him with a smile and confirmation that I hadn’t, but that my friend asked me about a recipe. We laughed heartily. That couldn’t happen to a male ambassador, who can only address one issue, while women are accustomed to working on multiple fronts at all times and viewing things from multiple perspectives. The most ordinary recipe reminds you of a reality that’s more complicated than politics. But Israel is much more than that.

It is an extremely interesting country. Jerusalem is a place that’s home to the main holy sites of three world religions, but also a place of constant conflicts, a place where you walk through the past on cobblestone streets, and when you raise your gaze, you’ll see the future of new technologies. There human destinies move in the broad range of these complex coordinates. Although I’d been acquainted with Israel from before, that diplomatic experience – right there and right at that time – enriched me with new experiences. I returned from Israel to Belgrade much richer in spiritual terms, and I’d made a lot of friends there.

PRESENTING HER CREDENTIALS IN JERUSALEM

In Havana we also had one compulsory subject called the Plenum, which consisted of pupils discussing a wide range of topics – from whether there’s a God to the exporting of the revolution to Latin America Krinka was appointment acting director of the Staro Sajmište Memorial Centre in Belgrade at the beginning of November. This appointed also serves to prove that the state is determined, after adopting the Law on this memorial centre,

to finally also resolve its destiny. What is the significance of this memorial centre and its future?

“This appointment was a surprise for me, but primarily a great honour, as well as a great challenge. I consider it good that the hour has finally come to move from words to deeds and to start implementing this project, which is of key importance to the culture of remembrance in Serbia, as well as to the city of Belgrade, at the heart of which this centre is located. The first step was the adoption of the Law on the Staro sajmište Memorial Centre. The road ahead of me is a long one, filled with problems of various kinds, but every step we take will be a significant step forward. I intentionally say “we” because this is a project that cannot advance without cooperation among various interested participants, and above all the founder of this cultural institution, the Republic of Serbia. I believe this will be the case if we all clearly recognise the priorities of each stage of work and always keep in mind that joint action unfolds over the long run, and that we must be persistent and enduring. This project is extremely important because it will enable ours and subsequent generations of Serbs, Jews, Roma and all others to comprehend that the horrors that symbolically and historically represent the site of the “Old Fairground” were real and even more horrific than we can imagine today. it isn’t enough to only look to the future, because that future is unbearably easy and false if the past isn’t incorporated into it. Memorial centres on the sites of former concentration camps already exist in many other countries. And as far as we’re concerned, that isn’t just about repaying a debt to the victims, but making a fundamental contribution to our future.”

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CHILL OUT Max Verstappen Snatches F1 World Championship From Title Rival Lewis Hamilton Max Verstappen claimed an astonishing first F1 world championship title by overtaking rival Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of a hugely controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen became the first Dutch champion in history and the first Red Bull driver to win a title since Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

Verstappen’s title snapped a run of four straight championships for Hamilton, still searching for a record eighth championship.

The race’s finish was an unbelievable end to one of the most dramatic F1 seasons ever.

Twitter Bans Sharing ‘Private’ Images And Videos Without Consent Twitter has expanded its private information policy to include media, banning users from sharing photos or videos of a private individual without their permission. The company notes that tweeting such images can violate someone’s privacy and potentially lead to harm against them.

In a blog post, the Twitter Safety team wrote that although anyone can be impacted by private media being shared, it “can have a disproportionate effect on women, activists, dissidents and members of minority communities.” If someone reports a photo or video that violates the policy, Twitter will remove the media and take action based on its enforcement options.

Eton ‘Bans Netflix from filming The Crown at the College’ Netflix was barred from using Eton College as a filming location for The Crown after the streaming giant was accused of publishing a ‘sinister’ tweet about the Royal Family, it has been revealed. The £14,000-a-term all-boys school in Windsor, Berkshire, said it wanted nothing to do with the hit series, which chronicles the lives of the British monarchy throughout the 20th century. It comes after senior palace sources reacted with anger in December last year after Netflix posted a tweet inviting viewers to watch a documentary on Princess Diana. They claimed it would provide ‘answers’ to criticism of its flagship drama. Critics had said The Crown’s account of the breakdown of Prince Charles’s marriage to the Princess of Wales was ‘distorted and at times downright inaccurate’.

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Damon Albarn Says He Was Put Off Pursuing A Political Career After Meeting Tony Blair Damon Albarn has revealed that he once considered pursuing a political career but was put off after a meeting with Tony Blair. The Blur and Gorillaz frontman recalled a conversation he had with the politician – which took place “before he became Prime Minister” in 1997 – and it left him “terrified”.

“Politics is such a murky business. I would be lying if I said I hadn’t considered it when I was younger,” he told the Metro newspaper’s Guilty Pleasures column (via Contact Music). “I even went and had a strategic meeting with Tony Blair before he became Prime Minister, but that terrified me so much.

[I thought] ‘I don’t know if this is for me at all. I’m not a politician; I am a musician.’ ” He continued, “I picked up on something kind of odd about him that I didn’t understand. I was a bit scared of him if I’m honest with you.”

Elon Musk Named Time Magazine’s 2021 Person Of The Year Elon Musk has been named Time magazine’s 2021 Person of the Year. After a year of selling off his possessions and moving to Texas, the world’s richest man has bestowed the honour, launching rockets into space, inventing new driverless cars, sharing his Asperger’s diagnosis while hosting Saturday Night Live, and influencing the stock market with these tweets. Musk spoke with Time Magazine and discussed his ‘semi-separated’ status with Grimes, slammed vaccine mandates as an ‘erosion of freedom’ and shared his plans to fly Noah’s ark spaceship packed full of animals to Mars as he works to colonise the planet. One reason Musk moved to Texas was his disapproval of California’s strict COVID mandates.

FBI Document Says the Feds Can Get Your WhatsApp Data An internal FBI document has revealed how much data it can legally obtain from messaging apps.

It turns out that iMessage and WhatsApp were the most permissive in this regard. Signal and Telegram are two high-profile apps that don’t give much data. There are loads of messaging apps on the market today, and many of these services make a big deal about their security and privacy policies.

Rolling Stone and Property of the People obtained an FBI document detailing the bureau’s information from various messaging apps with a warrant or subpoena. And it turns out that WhatsApp and iMessage provide the most information.

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Alpine Fun

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1. Bogner - Eur 200 | 2. Maison Francis Kurkdjian - Eur 595 | 3. Oakley - Eur 150 | 4. Rossignol - Eur 210 | 5. Bogner - Eur 421 | 6. Arcteryx - Eur 92 7. Perfect Moment - Eur 670 | 8. Norrona - Eur 699 | 9. Moncler - Eur 1,252 | 10. Aesop - Eur 15 | 11. Garmin - Eur 638 | 12. Hotronic - Eur 230 13. Dr Barbara Sturm - Eur 98

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14. Perfect Moment - Eur 611 | 15. Perfect Moment - Eur 522 | 16. Perfect Moment - Eur 290 | 17. Celine - Eur 640 | 18. Bottega Veneta - Eur 265 19. Adidas by Stella McCartney - Eur 172 | 20. Moncler - Eur 550 | 21. Balmain - Eur 995 | 22. Goldbergh - Eur 209 | 23. Goldbergh - Eur 829 24. Chloe - Eur 531 | 25. Mocler - Eur 590 | 26. Tom Ford - Eur 44 | 27. Moncler - Eur230 | 28. Tom Ford - Eur 65

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Culture

calendar Phantom Of The Opera

24 December – Terazije Theatre – 19.30 You’ve probably heard of the musical Phantom of the Opera. Namely, this is the novel of the same name by the French writer Gaston Leroy, which dates from 1910. He gained his planetary popularity through colorful film, and mostly theatrical adaptations - a silent horror film from 1925 and a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Andrew Lloyd Webber) from 1986.

The novel was created as a consequence of real, historical events in the opera world, covering the period of the 19th century. The plot begins at the moment of the greatest success of the opera artist Kristin, while at the same time parallel events take place in the main Opera - the appearance of a phantom who communicates with the art world through letters. He also becomes obsessed with Christ’s voice and appearance. Interested?

Video installation “Patrizio” by Massimo Ricciardo Until 6 January – Italian Culture Institute

The Italian Cultural Institute of Belgrade participates in the seventeenth edition of the Contemporary Day, the great event promoted by AMACI - Association of Italian Contemporary Art Museums - with the support of the Directorate General for Contemporary Creativity of the Ministry of Culture, dedicated to art of our time and its audience. By virtue of the collaboration initiated in recent editions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Embassies, Consulates and Italian Cultural Institutes abroad also organize events aimed at narrating and enhancing the vitality of contemporary art in Italy. In this context, the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade presents the video installation “Patrizio” by Massimo Ricciardo, a work selected within the Cantica21 project.

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Gala Concert Of The Children’s Philharmonic “Magic Of Music” 29 January – Kombank Hall – 19.30

To the all true fans of classical music, we invite you to the traditional Gala Concert of the Children’s Philharmonic Orchestra, which will be held on January 29, 2022, in Kombank Hall in Belgrade. The repertoire will traditionally include eternal, timeless pieces of classical music, popular opera arias, and contemporary music tracks under the baton of professor Ljubiša Jovanović. In addition to the impressive Children’s Philharmonic orchestra, we are pleased to announce the Choir and Orchestra of the Mathematical Gymnasium as a special guest.

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

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Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: (Book 1: Chaos Rising) Timothy Zahn 1295 rsd

New York Times Bestseller Discover Thrawn’s origins within the Chiss Ascendancy in the first book in an epic new Star Wars trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn. Beyond the edge of the galaxy lies the Unknown Regions: chaotic, uncharted, and near impassable, with hidden secrets and dangers in equal measure. And nestled within its swirling chaos is the Ascendancy, home to the enigmatic Chiss and the Nine Ruling Families that lead them. The peace of the Ascendancy, a beacon of calm and stability, is shattered after a daring attack on the Chiss capital that leaves no trace of the enemy. Baffled, the Ascendancy dispatches one of its brightest young military officers to root out the unseen assailants.

A recruit born of no title, but adopted into the powerful family of the Mitth and given the name Thrawn.

A History of What Comes Next

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Germany, 1945. Mia, a nineteen-year-old girl, is sent by the OSS to find Wernher von Braun. Her mission: stop the Russians getting hold of Germany - and the world’s - foremost rocket scientist. Von Braun is suspicious. And so he should be. For Mia is no ordinary girl. She only looks human. And helping the Allies win the Second World War is but one part of her plan. Because there’s an even darker conflict on Earth. A secret struggle thousands of years old. It has engulfed and taken generations of Mia’s people.

‘You shouldn’t be here. It’s too late...’ These were Richard Pryce’s last words, overheard moments before the celeb divorce lawyer was bludgeoned to death with a GBP3,000 bottle of wine. Strange circumstances pile up.

Pryce was teetotal, so why this bottle? Why those words?

Why did the killer paint a number on his wall? And, most importantly, which of the man’s many, many enemies did the deed? Baffled, the police are forced to bring in Private Investigator Daniel Hawthorne and his sidekick, the author Anthony, who’s really getting rather good at this murder investigation business.

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Anthony knows they must be exposed - even at the risk of death...

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A small-town newspaper columnist with old-fashioned views of the modern world. A World War II veteran grappling with his emotional and physical scars. A second-rate actor plunged into sudden stardom and a whirlwind press junket. Four friends travelling to the moon in a rocket ship built in the backyard. These are just some of the stories that Tom Hanks captures with great affection, humour and insight - the human condition in all its foibles.

The second novel in world renowned film-maker, Ingmar Bergman’s trilogy of novels plotting the fractious marriage of his parents Over the course of one summer, eight-yearold Pu Bergman makes the terrible realisation that his father and mother are no longer in love. Surrounded by the quiet idyll of the Swedish countryside, with its ponds, its rivers and woods, the daily chaos of the family’s ramshackle summer home threatens to bring to a close the bright, brilliant haze of Pu’s childhood world. Based upon film-maker Ingmar Bergman’s own family life, Sunday’s Children is the second part in Bergman’s loose trilogy of books that started with The Best Intentions, and closes with Private Confessions.

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&FACES PLACES 2/12/2021

The Embassy Of Israel Traditionally Donates Donuts For Hanukkah

With the desire to share the joy of the holiday with the citizens of Serbia on the occasion of Hanukkah, the Embassy of Israel donates more than 10,000 doughnuts to all those who receive hot meals during the cold December days in the Red Kitchen kitchens.

The famous dessert, which is eaten for the Jewish holiday of freedom and light, will be distributed in 11 cities in Serbia. “We hope that this holiday gesture of the Embassy of Israel will bring the light of Hanukkah to numerous homes throughout Serbia, in Subotica, Pozarevac, Nis, Cacak, Kragujevac, Smederevo, Arandjelovac, Sombor, Sabac, Stara Pazova and Novi Sad,” said Israeli Ambassador H.E. Jahel Vilan.

3/12/2021

25 Years Of Diplomatic Relations Between Kazakhstan And Serbia An exhibition of photographs dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Serbia was held in the Central Historical Hall of the City Assembly.

The Embassy of Kazakhstan, headed by Ambassador H.E. Madi Atamkulov, was the event’s host.

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SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

4/12/2021

15 Years Of The Croatian Business Club Marked The 15th anniversary of the Croatian Business Club in Serbia was marked at the Hilton Hotel in Belgrade, with more than 150 guests from the business sectors of Serbia and Croatia and representatives of state and public institutions as mixed chambers, business clubs and associations.

On this occasion, Marija Radulović, President of the Croatian Business Club, presented special thanks to the first President of the Club, Mr Krunoslav Bešvir, Mr Mirko Vincetić, founder, and honorary member Ms Svjetlana Božinović. Nexe, Končar, Podravka and Pre-Print supported the anniversary celebration.

7/12/2021

IWC Monthly Coffee Morning The International Women’s Club or Belgrade held its December coffee morning at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on December 1st 2021. It was attended by a large number of members and some guests. We were treated to a choir of children from the British International School singing Christmas carols to usher in the season’s spirit. President Sonia Shehryar addressed the gathering, making announcements, welcoming new members, sharing her holiday best wishes, and presenting the results of our recent fundraising event Chic for Charity.

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&FACES PLACES 10/12/2021

Valuable Collection Of The Matica Srpska Gallery Presented Thanks to the application of modern technologies, Sava Shumanovic’s sketchbook and an album with graphics and drawings by Serbian and Russian artists from the 18th and 19th centuries have been digitised in the form of “FlipBook” applications, while some of the most representative works of the rich art collection transferred to virtual reality. This project is symbolically called “DigitArt”, including exhibits that have not been publicly presented so far.

Thanks to the valuable equipment that OTP Bank Serbia donated to the Matica Srpska Gallery and the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad expert support, the project was realised.

10/12/2021

Meeting Of Members Of The Embassies Of Germany And France While the new German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, introduced herself to her colleague Jean-Yves Le Drian.

The German and French embassies teams met in Belgrade for a joint lunch. The Ambassador of Germany, Thomas Schieb, presented the new Federal Government of Germany, and the Ambassador of France, Pierre Koshar, spoke about the upcoming presidency of France of the EU Council. This meeting was held to introduce the Day of German-French Friendship, which is celebrated on 22 January.

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SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

10/12/2021

Reception Marking The Occasion Of The 75th Anniversary Of UNICEF On the 75th anniversary of the existence and work of UNICEF, a formal reception was organised in Belgrade, which was attended by Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, who said that the organisation should and must exist as long as it is humanity. The celebration of the jubilee of UNICEF belongs to those for whom that organisation was created, and those are the children who are, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić pointed out. The government is fully committed to protecting the child’s rights and creating opportunities for every child in Serbia to have an equal chance for a happy childhood filled with love, play and learning.

The reception was attended by the Minister of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, Darija Kisić Tepavčević, the US Ambassador, Anthony Godfrey, and the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković.

15/12/2021

JBAS New Year’s Cocktail Japanese Business Alliance (JBAS) gathered its member companies at the year-end cocktail. The event held at the Hyatt Regency Belgrade celebrated JBAS achievements in 2021 while welcoming the new opportunities of 2022.

Ambassador of Japan to Serbia H.E. Katsumata Takahiko attended the event, and with the President of the JBAS, Goran Pekez welcomed the guests. alliance international media, publisher of CorD Magazine, a JBAS member for many years, and publisher of the traditional annual publication promoting Serbia and Japan bilateral relations, business relations in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan and JBAS.

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SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

&FACES PLACES

15/12/2021

USAID Marks 20 Years Of Partnership With Serbia The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) marks twenty years of partnership with Serbia, with the slogan “Together we create”. On the occasion of this important jubilee, the exhibition entitled #20Years of Partnership - Together We Create presented some of the partnerships achieved over the past two decades throughout Serbia, with the announcement of further friendly cooperation. The multimedia exhibition was held at the Yugoslav Cinematheque. The opening ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ivica Dačić, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić. At the same time, the gathering hosts were H.E. US Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey and USAID Mission Director Susan Fritz.

16/12/2021

FIC Serbia Expects Further Growth With The New Elected Management The Foreign Investors Council (FIC) held the regular annual session of the Assembly, electing the new Board of Directors, adopting the Annual and Financial Reports for 2021. For the third time this year, the “Committee of the Year Award” was rewarded to the FIC Telecommunications & Digital Economy Committee as the most active committee in 2021.

The new FIC Board of Directors consists of the following officials: Telenor d.o.o. CEO Mike Michel, A1 Serbia & A1 Slovenia d.o.o. CEO Dejan Turk, Belgrade airport d.o.o. CEO Francois Berisot, Country Managing Partner for Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Central Cluster Tax Leader Ernst & Young d.o.o. Ivan Rakic, G4S Secure Solutions d.o.o. Managing Director Dawid Sold, Hemofarm and STADA Balkans Cluster President & CEO Ronald Seeliger, JT International Corporate Affairs and Communications Director for Adriatica region Goran Pekez, Nestlé Adriatic Hub South (Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia) Country Manager Marjana Davidovic, Raiffeisen Banka a.d. Beograd Chairman of the Managing Board Zoran Petrovic, Roche Serbia and Montenegro General Manager Ana Govedarica and SGS Beograd, SGS Adriatica, SGS Slovenia & SGS Bosnia and Herzegovina Managing Director Marinko Ukropina. As a reminder, The FIC Board of Directors has two permanent institutional members, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), represented by Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Director for the Western Balkans and Head of Serbia, and Alessandro Bragonzi, Head of the EIB Representation for the Western Balkans.

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2022

INTERVIEW H.E. SANJIV KOHLI, AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO SERBIA

TIME-TESTED RELATIONSHIP As India’s Ambassador to Serbia, it will be my sincere endeavour to add more substance and ambition to this important relationship. I would personally like to increase our focus on trade and commercial exchanges, as well as on peopleto-people contacts ~ Sanjiv Kohli

T

he start of H.E. Sanjiv Kohli’s ambassadorial posting to Serbia was marked by the formal remembrance of two important historical events. First, in August last year, he ceremoniously raised the flag of India at the embassy in Belgrade to mark the 75th anniversary of independence.

Then, in October, he attended the summit commemorating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement, which had connected India and the then Yugoslavia in a special way. Speaking in this interview for CorD Magazine, Ambassador Kohli says that in this new century, “both countries attach high priority to further expanding and upgrading the existing level of our partnership”.

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India 2021

ANNIVERSARY

KOSOVO

NAM

Given India’s great diversity, the country’s journey towards development, prosperity and stability is truly an inspiring accomplishment for all Indians, particularly the youth

Our position on Kosovo has been and still is consistent and that is that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country must be respected

India remains steadfast in its belief that the global commons must truly remain a shared resource of humanity, governed by open and collaborative international institutions

Your Excellency, speaking of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence how important is remembrance of that period of the struggle for liberation from British imperial rule to today’s generations of Indian citizens, especially the younger ones, and how is the collective memory of that period preserved?

It is indeed an honour for me to serve in Serbia, a longstanding friend of India. The celebrations commemorating 75 years of our Independence are being held in all world capitals. Given India’s great diversity, the country’s journey towards development, prosperity and stabiity is truly an inspring accomplishment for all Indians, in particuluar the youth. Contemporary India’s pride in its electoral democracy is very visible.

Given the goodwill and mutual respect that our leadership and people have for each other, these celebrations acquire a special resonance in Serbia. We have been conducting a series of cultural events and interacting with a cross-section of people in Belgrade and other major cities. These include friends of India, academic and literary institutions and young students. We are looking forward to conducting some other major events demonstrating India’s cultural and civilizational heritage. This is also an occasion for us to convey our gratitude to the Government and people of Serbia for their friendship.

challenges of tomorrow. India remains steadfast in its belief that the global commons must truly remain a shared resource of humanity, governed by open and collaborative international institutions.

We remain locked in the period marked by the struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit both Serbia and India hard, while at the same time creating new opportunities for cooperation between pharmaceutical companies. Are Indian companies still interested in investing in Serbia?

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly made all nations of the world much more aware of risks and vulnerabilities. But together there is also a wider appreciation today of the importance of global cooperation. Both India and Serbia have helped many other nations in their fight against this pandemic through supply of vaccines, pharmaceutical products and protective gear. As far as India is concerned, we have supplied more than 70 million doses of domestically produced COVID-19 vaccines to over 90 countries. Health care and pharmaceuticals are an area of significant promise in our bilateral engagement. We are seeking to facilitate enhanced interaction between business organizations on both sides so as to explore opportunities for both trade and investment.

As the ambassador of one of the countries that founded the Non-Aligned Movement, you had an opportunity to attend the Belgrade celebration marking the NAM’s 60th anniversary. How did you find that event?

As a founder member of NAM, we deeply appreciate the Serbian Government’s efforts in ensuring a very successful event marking NAM’s 60th anniversary. India was represented at a high level. This underlined our commitment to re-energize the Non-Aligned Movement so that it can play an effective role in creating systems that address the problems of today and

You arrived in Serbia to take on the role of ambassador during a period that’s been described as the years of the great rise in bilateral relations. Which directions of development do you intend to engage in personally?

Our bilateral engagement is based on historic goodwill and mutual respect. It is a time tested relationship. Both countries attach high priority to further expanding and upgrading the existing level of our partnership. As

We are looking forward to conducting some major events demonstrating India’s cultural and civilisational heritage. This is also an occasion for us to convey our gratitude to the Government and people of Serbia for their friendship India’s Ambassador to Serbia, it will be my sincere endeavour to add more substance and ambition into this important relationship.

I will personally like to increase our focus on trade and commercial exchanges as well as on people to people contacts.

Serbian officials have highlighted the importance of support from India in the fight to preserve our country’s territorial integrity. Is India maintaining its stance of not recognising Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence?

Our position on Kosovo has been and still is consistent and that is that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country must be respected.

Your predecessor’s term in Serbia was said to have been marked by the historic news of the start of exports of Serbian apples to India. Do you see possibilities to strengthen cooperation in agriculture?

I recently visited the facilites of one of the Serbian exporter of apples to India. They see vast potential in the Indian market and we will assist them and all other interested companies. The agriculture sector in India has been a story of great success. Both countries have much to gain by engaging across the entire value chain including technology to improve agricultural productivity, supply of agricultural machinery and equipment, food processing, cold storage facilities etc.

To what extent is progress in this area assisted by the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between the two countries, which is expected to hold its fourth session soon?

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The Joint Committee provides an institutional framework to review ongoing progress in the area of our economic partnership, identify areas of concern and facilitate their redressal and also to explore new sectors for mutually beneficial collaboration. The objective is to create a facilitating environment to secure sustained engagement between business organizations of both countries.

It was during November that you commemorated the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day, in recognition of this programme that has enabled Serbian students to undertake advanced studies in India since 2008. Are you satisfied with the level of interest in this programme, which covers a wide range of subjects – from IT and ecology to diplomacy and yoga?

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme is an important part of India’s developmental assistance to partner countries.

It focusses on skill development and capacity building. We would certainly like more Serbians to avail of the opportunities offered through this programme.

Serbia has welcomed a greater influx of tourists and travellers from India over recent

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months. Can this trend be maintained once the pandemic abates? Is Serbia an interesting destination for Indian citizens who travel around Europe?

We are grateful to the Government and people of Serbia for their assistance in facilitating travel of Indians through their

Both countries have much to gain by engaging across the entire value chain, including technology, to improve agricultural productivity, the supply of agricultural machinery and equipment, food processing, cold storage facilities etc. country to their final destinations. They all had a good story to share with their friends and families in India. This will certainly have a multiplier effect on direct tourism from India to Serbia and we are seeing that impact in the tourism statistics. Having said that, there is also the need to promote Serbia

further through focussed tourism exhibitions and presentations in India. Serbia offers a lot for India tourists and I am sure that it could emerge as a popular destination in the years ahead.

A meeting between the presidents of India and Russia marked the end of 2021 at the international level. This top-level meeting included a particularly noticeable announcement that military cooperation between the two countries is set to be strengthened, prompting media speculation that the arrangement could put India at risk of U.S. sanctions. Do you believe that we will see the further polarisation of the world, which some are already viewing as heralding the start of a new Cold War? India remains committed to an international order marked by robust and rule-based multilateral institutions. A rebalancing of the global order is taking place. The India that operates in this global environment is itself changing rapidly. It is an India that is more consequential. India continues to maintain comprehensive strategic relations with major powers while preserving our strategic autonomy.

ECONOMY

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches an initiative to bolster start-ups at an event in New Delhi on January 16, 2016

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key tenet of Indian entrepreneurship growth in the last few years has been to support and catalyse job-givers in the economy. Given India’s fast workforce, it is critical that new employment opportunities are created by risk-taking first-generation entrepreneurs, who dream of building strong global firms out of India.

Technology start-ups have been at the forefront of this thinking. There are 500

unicorns around the world. These are technology start-ups with more than USD one billion in valuation. Forty-four of them are now in India – about nine per cent of the total.

Twelve of these unicorns got to the coveted valuation benchmark in 2020 – a year otherwise throttled by the global pandemic. This shows that the Indian start-up ecosystem is not just innovative but also robust. The ability to scale up and demonstrate viable business models has set Indian start-ups apart. The 44

Indian technology start-up innovators are now diversifying to such professional areas as commercial logistics, merchant automation and construction management

START-UPS ARE THE ENGINES OF EXPONENTIAL GROWTH, MANIFESTING THE POWER OF INNOVATION. SEVERAL BIG COMPANIES TODAY ARE START-UPS OF YESTERDAY

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Top to bottom: Start-ups like MakeMyTrip, Ola, Byju’s and Paytm are some of the Indian unicorns with a valuation of over USD one billion.

According to reports, Paytm continues to be the most valuable unicorn (at USD 16 billion)

technology unicorns have been valued at more than USD 106 billion. To put this in perspective, the market capitalisation of the National Stock Exchange is USD 2.7 trillion. The top 44 technology firms are already valued worth four per cent of the old economy, some of them being global leaders in their own right. These 44 firms have also created about 1.5 million jobs in direct or indirect employment.

Many of these jobs have been in the Gig economy sector (a free market system in which temporary positions are common and independent workers are hired for short-term commitments), which directly benefits job seekers who may not have the best educational qualifications, but who are willing to work hard towards improving their and their family’s standard of living.

That the Indian start-up ecosystem has come this far should hardly be a surprise.

India has always had the brainpower behind some of the biggest technology firms globally. This brainpower used to make a beeline for foreign shores a few years ago. Now, many individuals are searching for opportunities locally and finding them.

The access to capital for Indian start-ups is also rapidly improving.

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With the world awash with liquidity owing to loose monetary policies of global central banks, India has attracted large investments. This is reflected year after year in the burgeoning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) figures, where India is one of the hottest destinations. The next stop for Indian technology start-ups is to expand globally, conquering new markets. Given India’s market, which is not just large but also diverse in terms of consumer behaviour characteristics – the global leap of faith may be a matter of when and not if.

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To facilitate Indian start-ups getting a platform alongside similar firms elsewhere, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, had organised Prarambh: Startup India International Summit in January 2021. This two-day summit was attended by several participants from BIMSTEC countries. BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an economic platform that India has been actively participating in. This event attracted investors, scholars,

According to the NASSCOM-Zinnov report on ‘Indian Tech Start-up ecosystem’, a staggering number of 8,900-9,300 start-ups have been incepted during 2014-2019

policy makers and start-up professionals from various member nations in a firstofits-kind exchange of ideas. Such global platforms are significant in the region, as many countries share a similar economic trajectory as well as consumer traits. The experience obtained in a large country like India can be transferred relatively easily to other markets, where it may be possible to apply the Indian success. In fact, several Indian productivity applications are already being used in other countries in the region. Especially in the areas of merchant automation, new-age mobility, and social commerce and networking, there are already enough proofs of concept that the mantra for commercial success in India and other countries in the region may not be too different. Such platforms thus provide the exploratory opportunities for Indian start-ups to expand geographically.

In the recently-presented Union Budget, the government has allowed Indian firms to list themselves overseas without listing in India first. The Indian securities market regulator is also working to create a facilitative environment to ensure such firms that opt to raise capital outside won’t be subject to dual jurisdictions and regulations. These steps are critical in ensuring that growing and promising Indian firms are not starved for resources. In the recent past, the technology start-ups have also diversified. While the initial wave of Sources: Nasscom-Zinnov report

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According to startupindia.gov.in, India has the secondlargest start-up ecosystem in the world and is expected to witness year-on-year growth of 10-12 per cent

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unicorns came from FinTech (finance and technology) and consumer apps in food and mobility aggregation businesses, the recent success stories go much beyond.Technology innovators are now making a dent in varied areas like commercial logistics, merchant automation, construction management and healthcare. This change is critical for Indian economy as a whole, too. As new players enter the market and start challenging long-time incumbents, yesteryear leaders are forced to respond in kind. This leads to new investments in research and development, and employee upskilling, which, in turn, leads to greater economic productivity and, eventually, higher wages. In this sense, start-ups also play a critical role in uplifting and modernising old economy

players they compete with, creating a virtuous economic cycle. With an educated workforce, well integrated in the global ways of working, and a young nation comfortable with using mobile-first technology, Indian start-ups are on a fast growth trajectory. Some of these players will eventually become national and global business leaders in their own right.

Aashish Chandorkar writes on public policy, politics and current affairs. He takes interest in business, sports and technology, and has authored a book on Devendra Fadnavis, the former chief minister of Maharashtra, titled The Fadnavis Years. He holds an MBA from IIM Calcutta and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Indore University

PARTNERSHIP

AZADI KA AMRIT

Mahotsav India @75

NARENDRA MODI Prime Minister Today’s [March 12, 2021] #AmritMahotsav programme begins from Sabarmati Ashram, from where the Dandi March began. The March had a key role in furthering a spirit of pride and Aatmanirbharta among India’s people. Going #VocalForLocal is a wonderful tribute to Bapu and our great freedom fighters.

AN INITIATIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA TO COMMEMORATE THE 75TH YEAR OF THE COUNTRY’S INDEPENDENCE, AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV IS AN EMBODIMENT OF ALL THAT IS PROGRESSIVE ABOUT THE NATION’S SOCIO-CULTURAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC IDENTITY. FORMER INDIAN AMBASSADOR ANIL TRIGUNAYAT WRITES ABOUT THE VARIOUS WAYS INDIA HAS EVOLVED TO BECOME A FORCE TO RECKON WITH enabled a large number of countries across Asia, Africa and elsewhere to follow suit and in turn, acquired the leadership through non-alignment to become the voice of the developing world. India’s involvement in the United Nations (UN), General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)/ World Trade Organization (WTO) and a plethora of international organisations engineered its adherence to multilateralism which is also implicit in the psyche of Indians at a fundamental level. It was

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Padyatra (Freedom March) from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on March 12, 2021, and inaugurated the curtain-raiser activities of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India@75)

Image: twitter.com/MinOfCultureGoI

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country is not merely a geography or group of people.

It is a civilisational heritage.

Modern India,drawing from the civilisational ethos of ancient Bharatvarsh, stands out among the comity of nations by virtue of its intellectual achievements, philosophical discourses and universalism in thought and action. The past can be a good guide for an innovative future. Coming out of the colonial yoke, India

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ABOUT THE MAHOTSAV On March 12, 2021, Indian Prime Minister Modi flagged off the ‘Padyatra’ (Freedom March) from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and inaugurated the curtain-raiser activities of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (India@75), which starts a 75-week countdown to India’s 75th anniversary of Independence in 2022 and will end post a year on August 15, 2023. The objectives of the mahovsav are as follows: • Citizen Campaign: low Cost, People intensive –The event is an intensive, country-wide campaign that will focus on citizen participation, to be converted into a ‘Janandolan’, where small changes, at the local level, will add up to significant national gains.

• ek Bharat shreshtha Bharat - The intent is to further the idea of a sustained and structured framework of connection between people of different regions of India by promoting mutual understanding of cultural activities.

• every state, every language: har rajya, har Bhasha India writes in many languages and speaks in many more voices. To promote deeper inclusivity across the nation, regional languages will be highlighted.

• emphasis on india’s Glorious history - India’s fabric has been woven by diverse linguistic, cultural and religious threads, held together into a composite national identity. India’s shared history is the bedrock of its nationhood. This would be highlighted in the event.

• showcasing india’s development - Over the last 75 years, India has grown significantly across all sectors. From space and technology to healthcare and education, the event will showcase India’s impressive and innovative achievements across sectors since 1947.

• Global outreach - “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” will be shared and promoted around the world and also with India’s diverse diaspora across many continents. These events will highlight India’s culture and heritage on a global stage and bring awareness globally to the unique legacy of India.

(Source: amritmahotsav.nic.in)

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Above: A popular art form of Kerala, theyyam is also an integral part of India’s folk tradition. One of the themes of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is ‘India’s rich cultural heritage’ that will showcase the various aspects of the nation’s diverse cultural, artistic, linguistic and culinary heritage Below: A yakshagana artiste prepares for a performance. Yakshagana, a form of dance-drama associated with the state of Karnataka, was traditionally performed in the open air by allmale troupes but today, it is not only held indoors but is also performed by female artistes, a testament to India extending its traditional and artistic boundaries to become all inclusive

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE AMRIT MAHOTSAV OF INDEPENDENCE. THIS MAHOTSAV HAS STARTED 75 WEEKS BEFORE 15TH AUGUST 2022 AND WILL RUN TILL 15TH AUGUST 2023. FREEDOM STRUGGLE, IDEAS AT 75, ACHIEVEMENTS AT 75, ACTIONS AND RESOLVES AT 75 - THESE FIVE PILLARS WILL INSPIRE THE COUNTRY TO MOVE FORWARD.

at a time when India was struggling to survive hunger, poverty and under development. Yet it became a beacon of hope and trust for the world. India is an example of unity in diversity and has emerged as an indispensable strategic actor which needs to be factored into all global calculations. India at 75 is a force to reckon with. With 1.3 billion voices, it can easily traverse the challenges that stare at her and the world. India’s developmental model, which has evolved with time, has been of great assistance to more than 160 countries across the world through various capacity-building programmes and efforts in the spirit of “Share and Care”. It has helped India to create a tremendous constituency of goodwill across continents. Even during the ensuing Covid-19 pandemic, India was one country which went way beyond her call of duty to help more than 150 countries with medicines and other assistance, and has provided millions of doses of vaccines

Above: Padma Shri and National Award recipient vocalist Hariharan regales audience during the cultural performance that marked the inaugurating ceremony of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Below: A dance performance from the inaugural event

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THEMES OF AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV The six themes that will underline the mega festivals are: Vishva Guru Bharat - Since the beginning of civilisation, India has been the guru (teacher) for the whole world. People from all around the globe converged to gain priceless wisdom from the country that showed the world its academic brilliance through Sushrutha, Kanad and Aryabhatta. The world has finally adopted ‘Namaste’ as a way of greeting, thereby establishing the fact that Indian values and beliefs can change the world for the better. From Ayurveda to Indian science, there’s more to India that the world needs to know, learn and adopt. India and its people believe in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or the world is one family. It is now time for the world to imbibe the same spirit and India deserves to gain the pedestal of being “Vishwa Guru” again.

Ideas, Achievements & resolve - The idea is to celebrate the notion of India – being the ‘best in class’ in social, political and economic realm – shared by every Indian. The country has traversed a long way since independence and has a long way to go. Achievements in different spheres, including agriculture, science and technology, will be highlighted during the course of the events. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Design Centre, being developed as part of the Museum complex at Red Fort (New Delhi), shall focus on indigenous products from all the states and union territories. Furthermore, initiatives igniting the challenger spirit in every citizen will be fostered, such as #RiseUp pledge across social media platforms. Programmes of similar nature will not just devote each individual towards nation-building but will also aid Indians overcome challenges in their everyday life.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat - The idea of a self-reliant nation in every aspect is being achieved by the pioneering vision of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the pandemic, India has demonstrated that it can cope up with dire situations. Aatmanirbharta also gives a financial cushion to several businesses and encourages entrepreneurs to produce maximum goods and services within the country. Within this year, India has not only started the world’s largest self-made vaccination drive but it is also exporting vaccines to countries across the world. The whole concept of self-reliance will reduce unemployment at many levels.

India is a big and rapidly-growing market for a majority of the product categories and with the mantra of ‘vocal for local’, the promulgation of local brands, manufacturing and supply chain will provide a big boost to India’s economy.

India’s rich Cultural heritage - The Indian word for culture is ‘sanskriti’. From time immemorial, Indians have described their culture as ‘Human Culture’ (manav dharma/ sanskriti). It has a universal appeal. The principle of ‘Unity in Diversity’ is the implicit law of nature, the Universe and life. People belonging to diverse communities, speaking different languages, having different food,

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performing different customs harmoniously co-exist in India. Thus, the soul of the cultural heritage of India lies in the fact that it’s an allembracing confluence of religions, traditions, customs and beliefs.

Over the years, numerous styles of art, architecture, painting, music, dance, festivals and customs have developed in India and this wide variety has made the Indian culture unparalleled, to which the entire world still looks up to.

Celebrating Unsung heroes - During the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, events, exhibitions (online and offline), publications and museums, highlighting the unsung or unacknowledged heroes of the Indian freedom struggle, will be planned. Many freedom fighters do not find a place in the conventional freedom movement storyline. One such example is Veer Gundandhur, who led the tribals of Bastar in the freedom struggle. Then there are Velu Nachiyar, Bhikaji Cama, and many more whose contributions are yet to see the light of the day. The ideals of human resolve, kindness and selflessness will be celebrated and promoted during the course of the events. With the element of inclusion in the conventional storyline, local history shall find a place under the “Dekho Apna Desh”. Chief secretaries from every state and UT are planning historical events of local importance. The idea of unsung heroes will be intricately linked to the Visit India Year 2022, wherein regional art, culture, heritage, wellness and yoga shall be promoted.

Independence 2.0 - Over the years, the notion of India has largely revolved around the narrative of ‘diversity’. Keeping the larger vision for the nation in mind, both for contemporary times and for the future, the emphasis now lies on local manufacturing (‘Made in India’ and ‘vocal’ about ‘local’). Before the nation approaches the global level, the creation of world-class products promoting investments and value pricing remains the focus. This shall lead to the establishment of a level-playing business ecosystem, keeping the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind. Not only will sustainability remain a key, but increased participation of local craftsmen and artisans shall also be witnessed as well.

For a successful Independence 2.0, the sentiments of India’s rich cultural heritage will be tapped. All the aforementioned elements (such as Visva Guru Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat) will be imbibed in spirit while implementing this vision. Along with imbibing ethos, marketing battles will also have to be fought in the fast-evolving consumer world. Once this is achieved, then the same ethos will be carried at the global stage – with Indian products competing across international categories, thus walking on the path towards the longawaited aspiration of India as ‘Nation of the Future’.

(Source: amritmahotsav.nic.in)

to over 90 countries. ‘Vaccine Maitri’ and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ became the mantra during this crisis. It was no wonder that when India faced the second wave of Covid-19, many friends extended their assistance. Global solidarity for confronting global challenges is what India practices and prescribes.

India, with its continental size, is a kaleidoscope of culture, tradition, languages, art, music, films, food and festivities. These would be an integral part of the mahotsav (mega event) until August 2023 and beyond.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to seek global support for the International Day of Yoga on June 21 at the UN in 2014 was an astounding

India is a land of vibrant culture and traditions that vary from one state to the other, a theme that will underline the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav festivities.

Above: Gotipua, a dance of devotion, is one of the oldest dance forms of Odisha. It is traditionally performed by young boys dressed as girls. Gotipua is derived from two Odia words - goti meaning single and pua meaning boy; left: The desert state of Rajasthan is a melting pot of colours, traditions and culture. Here a folk artist (right) in traditional Rajasthani costume performs during a festival in the city of Pushkar, while another performs the kacchi ghodi (dummy horse dance), one of the most popular folk dances of the state

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One of the most notable achievements of India’s 75-yearlong journey since Independence has been popularising yoga internationally. Above: On September 27, 2014, when PM Modi addressed the UNGA for the first time, he made his historic and successful proposal for the UN to declare June 21 every year as the International Day of Yoga; Bottom: PM Modi performs yoga with the personnel of the Indian Army during the International Day of Yoga celebrations on June 21, 2019, in Ranchi, Jharkhand

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and unprecedented success. It is gaining greater acceptability across the world. It was also a stellar achievement of Indian diplomacy. Other major initiatives like International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) have earned India the right to be at the forefront of fight against climate change. As India aims to be the third largest economy, led by talented youth into the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Industrial Revolution 4.0, it has embarked on a journey to

become ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (selfreliant India) and an integral part of the global value and supply chains with ‘Vocal for Local’ facilitating a paradigm shift in the post-Covid era. PM Modi has enthused the nation, saying that, “When an Indian takes one step forward, the nation sprints by 1.3 bn [billion] steps”. In the international domain, India is taking the lead as it chairs the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in 2021 and G20 in 2023, and aspires for its rightful place at the high table of UNSC (United Nations Security Council) as it promotes peace and development

Since attaining Independence in 1947, India has taken huge strides in its space programmes and missions. Top: Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or Mangalyaan, the maiden interplanetary mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to explore and observe Mars, was launched on November 5, 2013, and was inserted into the Martian orbit on September 24, 2014; Above: ISRO launched Chandrayaan-2 to explore the south pole of the Moon on July 22, 2019. Here, PM Modi watches the live broadcast of the soft landing of the Vikram Lander of Chandrayaan-2 on the Moon’s surface at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network centre in Bengaluru on September 7, 2019

across the world through the dynamic five ‘S’ vision for foreign policy, namely Samman (respect), Samvaad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace) and Samriddhi (global prosperity). PM Modi, while speaking at the UN, said, “India is a nation that has given Buddh [in a reference to Lord Gautama Buddha] and not yuddh [war]. That is why we have an abiding commitment against terrorism. Terrorism goes against the founding principle of the United

Nations, and for the sake of humanity, it is crucial that the world unites against it. A divided world is in nobody’s interest.” We can rightly be proud of our achievements in the last 75 years, although a lot many challenges remain. But to rise to the dreams of our freedom fighters for a resurgent, resilient, robust and reliant India, we have to be innovative across the spectrum, while dedicating ourselves to the service of the nation.

Anil Trigunayat is India’s former ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta. He takes keen interest in the Middle East and Africa, and Russia. He is a Distinguished Fellow of Vivekananda International Foundation and the president of Millennial India International Chamber Of Commerce Industry & Agriculture

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Engineering Exports Scenario In India With Focus On Europe And Serbia 7TH DECEMBER, 2021

Engineering exports continue to remain as a champion sector for India accounting for more than a quarter of India's total merchandise exports and around 3 percent of GDP. Between 2011-12 and 202021, India’s engineering exports grew at a CAGR of 2.41 percent. The sector has remained India’s largest foreign exchange earner with its share in India’s total exports growing from 19 percent to more than 25 percent in the last ten years. The below figure indicates India’s total engineering exports in the last 10 years vis-à-vis India’s total merchandise exports and engineering’s share in merchandise exports.

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he fiscal of 2020-21 witnessed significant de-growth in all economic factors including trade around the globe due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Mirroring the global trends both India’s merchandise and engineering exports in 2020-21 declined. The novel COVID-19 pandemic has added to the global health and economic

crises. The lockdowns and shutting up of economic activities have heavily impacted the supply chains and global value chains. In

Europe continued to remain one of the preferred destinations for India’s engineering exports

cumulative terms, engineering exports for 2020-21 recorded a decline to the extent of 2.95 percent from US$ 75344.41 million in April-March 2019-20 to US$ 73119.60 million in April-March 2020-21.

In 2021-22, however, engineering exports exhibited outstanding growth.

Since April 2021, engineering exports

FIGURE 1: 10 YEARS ENGINEERING EXPORT TREND V/S TOTAL EXPORTS

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Source: DGCI&S

have been experiencing positive growth as is indicated in the figure below. While the exceptional rise in April was due to the low base effect, exports continued the northbound journey in the following months as is indicated in the figure below As per latest estimates India’s engineering exports during April-October 2021-22 stood at USD 60.98 billion, registering 59.14 percent growth over the shipments of April-October 2020-21 at USD 38.32 billion. Engineering exports in October 2021, also surpassed pre-pandemic levels of October 2019 continuing the trend of the past few months. Share of engineering in total merchandise export was 26.43 percent during April-September 2021-22 compared to same period last year. In cumulative terms, 31 out of 33 panels exhibited a positive year-on-year growth. Maximum y-o-y growth witnessed in Iron and Steel and products, Non-ferrous Metals and products, Automobiles and parts, Industrial Machinery and parts during April-September 2021-22 vis-à-vis same period last fiscal. Region wise, during the period April-September 2021-22, EU and North America remained India’s topmost destinations for engineering exports with a share of 22% and 17%

respectively, in India’s total engineering exports, and, ASEAN and North East Asia ranked third and fourth with a share of 12.4 % and 12 % respectively of the total engineering exports.

Europe continued to remain one of the preferred destinations for India’s engineering exports. While Indian engineering exports suffered a setback in Europe especially the European Union in 2019-20 due

With major supply chain disruptions during the COVID pandemic, new opportunities have risen between India and Europe including countries like Serbia for enhanced commercial and trade linkages to their restrictive protectionist stance, the region emerged as the numero uno destination in the current year for Indian engineering exports. Between 2018-19 and 2020-21, India’s engineering exports to Europe fell down by 9.4 percent, however, in the recent year, in April-October 2021-22, India’s engineering exports to Europe grew by 113 percent compared to

the same period last year. This is a very positive trend. Interestingly contrary to the European trend, India’s engineering export to Serbia, although small increased by 3.9 percent between 2018-19 and 202021, whereas India’s exports to Serbia in April-October 2021-22 increased by 68.5 percent to reach USD 0.48 million from USD 0.28 million in April-October 202021. Some of the panels where India and Serbia has potential for bilateral trade include electrical machinery, industrial machinery for dairy, agriculture, etc., auto components, iron and steel and products, aluminium and products, air-condition and refrigeration machineries and medical and scientific instruments.

With major supply chain disruptions during the COVID pandemic, new opportunities have risen between India and Europe including countries like Serbia for enhanced commercial and trade linkages.

In recent times, Indian stakeholders have communicated with their European counterparts for greater trade associations between the two regions. The industry contemplates that in the coming years, the two regions will be able to increase their bilateral commercial associations to newer heights.

FIGURE 2: MONTH-WISE Y-O-Y GROWTH IN ENGINEERING EXPORTS FOR 2021

Source: DGCI&S

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THE SPICE BOWL OF THE WORLD Flavourful and aromatic with a host of health benefits - indian spices are one of a kind. while some seasonings are popular, there are a few indigenous ones that are rarely used. celebrity chef and Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor explores a few of india’s lesser-known spices

Of the many new-age recipes that incorporate the use of turmeric, vegan ice creams spiced with cinnamon are one of the most popular

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Top: Bhut jolokia, one of the spiciest chillies in the world, is popularly pickled with oil, salt and vinegar Bottom: According to an article published in news18.com, bhut jolokia is also known to improve mood by releasing endorphins

RAJA MIRCHA Since we’re talking about spices, let’s begin with the ultra-spicy pepper or raja mircha, quite popular in the Northeastern part of India. Also known as ghost pepper, Naga chilli and bhut (or bhoot) jolokia, it was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the hottest chilli in the world in 2007. It is best when freshly-plucked as it tends to lose its intensity with time. Another popular way of savouring this spice is by pickling it with oil, salt and vinegar. Nowadays, people are experimenting with it, which has led to the making of the bhut jolokia tea by a Guwahatibased tea company. When consumed in limited quantities, it is said to help in improving blood circulation and digestion, lowering blood pressure and boosting metabolism.

KALPASI Also known as daagar ka phool, patthar ka phool or black stone flower, kalpasi is the Tamil word for litchen.

Left: Kalpasi is one of the spices in the mixture used in the preparation of the delicious Chettinad meen kuzhambu (fish curry) Above: Lichens, called kalpasi in Tamil, are important indicators of atmospheric purity and will not grow when the air is polluted.

They require a slight elevation above sea level, which is why Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu are important catchment areas for the spice (Source: marryamhreshii.com/ the-mystery-spicekalpasi/)

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ndia is popular for myriad aspects, including its traditions, rich heritage and diverse culinary styles. People from outside the country are extremely curious about the “secret” ingredients used in Indian dishes that make them so uniquely flavourful. But what they often tend to overlook is that it is the indigenous spices, which make Indian food so irresistible. When we talk about spices, the one thing that is common in every Indian household is a masala dabba (spice box). A quintessential part of every desi Indian kitchen, masala dabbas are fascinating. And even though these spices are added in chutkis (pinches), they play a very big part in turning a dish from just palatable to simply delectable. Apart from the wonderful aroma and flavour, Indian spices also have medicinal and immunity-boosting properties. For generations, Indians have traditionally used commonly-available kitchen ingredients to prepare healthy concoctions like kadha (a healing Ayurvedic drink made with herbs and spices) and haldi doodh (turmeric milk) to cure common cold. Such popular spices as jeera (cumin), saunf (fennel), sarson (mustard) and methi (fenugreek) feature in masala dabbas across the country, and much has been said and written about their exceptional culinary properties. Therefore, here we explore some of the lesser-known indigenous spices from various parts of the nation, which will prove once again that India, truly is, the ultimate land of spices!

CUISINE This special yet rare spice, which aids digestion, reduces inflammation and acts as a pain reliever, is primarily used in Maharashtrian and Chettinad cuisine (of Tamil Nadu). The upper surface of this spice is dark green or black in colour. It has a strong earthy aroma and a dry texture, and is incorporated in the preparation of such popular indigenous spice mixes as Maharashtra’s kala masala and goda masala, and Hyderabad’s potli masala.

LAKADONG AND SALEM TURMERIC Turmeric or haldi is probably the most common Indian spice. It enjoys a pride of place in every desi household and deserves more appreciation than otherwise given. It is rich in curcumin, which has antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immunity-boosting properties, and also imparts a beautiful yellow hue to every dish that it is added to!

The two varieties of turmeric that are said to be the best in India are Lakadong from Meghalaya and Salem from Tamil Nadu.

This humble superfood has travelled from traditional Indian kitchens to global food hotspots and has found a place in several international recipes like Morocco’s pastilla (spiced meat and apricots wrapped in filo pastry), Sri Lanka’s kiri hodi (dried Maldive fish cooked in coconut milk gravy) and the extremely popular turmeric latte. radhuni A spice that finds a special place in Bengali cuisine yet continues to remain obscure to the rest of the country, radhuni

is often confused with ajwain (carom seeds) because of their similar appearance. Radhuni, seeds of wild celery, forms an integral part of the quintessential Bengali paanch phoron - a traditional five-spice mix comprising kalo jeere (nigella), rai (mustard), mouri (fennel), methi and radhuni. This indigenous spice aids digestion, and helps reduce pain and inflammation.

RATAN JOT Alkanet root or ratan jot is a unique spice from north India, especially Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. It is a herb that comes from the borage plant family and its roots produce a unique red colour, which has made this spice so popular. The flavour is more earthy than spicy. Rogan josh, the classic Kashmiri meat dish, gets its rich red colour from this spice! It has also been used as a medicine since ancient times for treating infections, skin wounds, rashes, burns and several other health problems. Perhaps, it is a precious ‘ratan’ or jewel after all!

Top: Cinnamon turmeric ice tea is a refreshing and nutritious summer drink. Not only does it cool the body but also boosts immunity Bottom: According to a study published by the Directorate of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya, titled Mission Lakadong, Lakadong turmeric promotes brain function and reduces inflammation

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KUDAM Puli Kudam puli or Malabar tamarind is a popular souring agent in South India and is often used as a substitute for the regular imli or tamarind. Its appearance is similar to kokum but it has a strong smoky flavour and is added to a variety of fish curries, which is why it’s also called ‘fish tamarind’.

This spice is known to not only aid weight loss but also promote cardiovascular health and boost energy.

Top: Radhuni, a spice indigenous to West Bengal, has an aroma similar to parsley, tastes like celery and has a striking resemblance to carom seeds. It is used in the preparation of several dishes including daal (lentil soup) Bottom: The brilliant red colour in north India’s popular meat-based dish rogan josh is imparted by the root of the alkanet herb, also called ratan jot

KHUS Another indigenous gem from Indian spices is khus or vetiver, which is also considered a must in Indian homes during summer.

Khus sharbat (drink) is very popular during summer for its refreshing quality. In several households, this sharbat is a mustserve during Holi! As per Ayurveda, khus, called the ‘wonder grass’, cools the body and ensures good blood circulation. Khus also boosts immunity, helps control thyroid-related issues and can also be used to keep diabetes in check. Indian spices pack in more than just flavour and aroma. They are treasure chests of wellness too. And although they vary in taste, pungency and usage from one part of the country to another, it is certain that no Indian cuisine is complete without them.

One of the main ingredients of the Malayali fish curry is the kudam puli or Malabar tamarind

Sanjeev Kapoor is a celebrity chef, author and TV show host. In 2018, he had the honour to prepare meals for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The chef was invited by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

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SIGHTS TO

behold

Monsoon provides not just relief from the scorching heat but also breathes life into nature and all her elements. as india welcomes the first showers of the year, we take a trip to some of the most stunning waterfalls across the country

BY SHRABASTI ANINDITA MALLIK DUDHSAGAR FALLS, GOA One of India’s most mesmeric waterfalls is the astounding Dudhsagar Falls. Located in the Sanguem taluka of Goa, this stunning cascade of the Mandovi river plunges 1,017 ft (309.9 m) creating a magical sight. Dropping from such an incredible height, the water of the fall creates an illusion of white spray and foam almost like milk, which has earned it the name Dudhsagar (dudh or doodh in Hindi means milk).

Falling in the jurisdiction of the Goa Forest Department, this waterfall is a part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The roads to the falls are maintained by the forest department, who charge fees for entry and cameras.

The fall can be reached either by foot or by rail. There is also an off-road track that is suitable only for off-road vehicles, but even then visitors have to trek about a kilometre to reach the base of the falls

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Vol.2

LADIES 24 LEADING PAVING THE WAY

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FOSTERING A NEW EMPOWERED GENERATION OF WOMEN COMMENT

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TIPPING POINT YEAR IN SERBIA’S ENERGY TRANSITION ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ PH.D., SERBIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF MINING AND ENERGY

TEAM DETERMINES 14 THE A LEADER’S SUCCESS

JELENA GALIĆ, CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF AIK BANK

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OOH MEDIAOFFERS THE PUREST CONTENT

SANJA PEŠIĆ, ALMA QUATTRO CEO

LEADERSHIP IS 16 VISION, BOLDNESS, CONNECTION & AUTHENTIC

VANJA STANKOVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE MOBI BANKA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TELENOR CFO; MARIJA POPOVIĆ AND MILKA RAJČEVIĆ, MOBI BANKA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

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WOMEN MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CAREERS VIOLETA JOVANOVIĆ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NALED AND PRESIDENT OF ETHNO NETWORK

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THE GROWING 12 PRESENCE OF WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

SUNČICA CVETKOVIĆ, HEAD OF BUSINESS UNIT DIGITAL GRID AT SIEMENS SERBIA 2

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THE FEMALE APPROACH TO BUSINESS IS MASTERFUL

ANJA IVANA MILIĆ, ARHI.PRO CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

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NEW AREAS OF ACTIVITY BRING GROWTH

MIA ZEČEVIĆ, CEO, NOVASTON

ROBERT BOSCH D.O.O

SMILE REFLECTS 36 AONE’S PERSONALITY

TATJANA RACKOV SINADINOVIĆ, MANAGER AND OWNER OF HAPPY KIDS PRESCHOOL

CONCEPT OF QUALITY, ELEGANCE AND LUXURY

DUŠICA GAKOVIĆ, PROJECT LEAD, DEKA INŽENJERING

ENCOURAGES 34 BOSCH DIVERSITY

HAPPY CHILDREN 38 BECOME HAPPY ADULTS

NEDA ÐOKIĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR, HEINEKEN SERBIA

GENDER EQUALITY AS A PRIORITY MICHELA TELATIN PH.D., UNOPS SERBIA MULTICOUNTRY OFFICE DIRECTOR

BIGZ

DR NATAŠA MRATINKOVIĆ, MND DENTAL

INSPIRATION

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WITH 31 SYNONYMOUS GOOD BOOKS

IS OUR SHARED 29 WOOD WORLD MELANIJA PAVLOVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER, JAF D.O.O. NOVA PAZOVA

PUBLIC PRIVATE 30 PARTNERSHIP VALUE FOR PEOPLE JELENA TADIĆ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PPP INVESTMENT

GORDA’S STRENGTHS: 40 LOVE, HERITAGE AND TRADITION TIJANA ŠKORIĆ TOMIĆ, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, VELJKO I SINOVI

SECRETS TO 42 NOSUCCESS

ZORICA POPOVIĆ, ELIXIR GROUP GENERAL MANAGER

EMPOWERED

WOMEN

IMPEX IS RUN 44 STEEL

BY WOMEN

MAJA ŽIVKOVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER, STEEL IMPEX LTD.

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SWISS-SERBIAN E2E PROJECT DEPLOYS GENDER INTERVENTION STRATEGY

IS MISSION55 CWP DRIVEN

REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE NIRAS - IP CONSULT GMBH

MAJA TURKOVIĆ, CWP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE

SWINGING OF THE 46 THE EQUALITY PENDULUM

ARE BORN 56 WOMEN LEADERS

BRANKICA JANKOVIĆ, COMMISSIONER FOR THE PROTECTION OF EQUALITY

OF CARGO 50 MASTERS TRANSPORTS MELITA ROZMAN DACAR, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SŽ CARGO [SŽ-TOVORNI PROMET], SLOVENIAN RAILWAYS – FREIGHT TRANSPORT

OF CO2 52 PROUD SAVINGS IN SERBIA

VIOLETA BELANOVIĆ KOKIR, GENERAL MANAGER, SEKOPAK

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BIOCHAR, FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

VESNA BAUR, OWNER OF COMPANY BASNA AND PRESIDENT OF THE NADEŽDA PETROVIĆ BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

NEED A WORK54 WE LIFE BALANCE

KRUNA GAVOVIĆ, CEO AT THE LEAN SIX SIGMA COMPANY CEE AND TMS CEE MARKETING AND ACADEMY MANAGER

SANDRA MARINKOVIĆ, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LEAD, MERCK SHARP & DOHME

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EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM LANDS IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE

TEODORA ĆOSIĆ, PARTNER SOUTHEAST EUROPE, N2GROWTH

CARE ABOUT 58 WE WHAT WE DO

ZORICA MLADENOVIĆ DŽODIĆ, HOMEMADE DIRECTOR

OF NEW 59 TIME RECORDS

BUSINESSES ARE NOT 60 WOMEN’S TERRITORY – YET EUROPEAN INSTITUTE FOR GENDER EQUALITY 2021

MANY EXCEPTIONAL 62 WOMEN HAVE YET TO SHINE WITH FULL SPLENDOUR WHAT IS THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN SERBIAN BUSINESS?

DELOITTE 65 ENCOURAGES WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

ALEKSANDRA PETROVIĆ, FINANCIAL ADVISORY DIRECTOR, TESTIFYING FINANCIAL EXPERT AND LEADER OF THE SHEXO INITIATIVE AT DELOITTE SERBIA

NATION, 66 SMALL GREAT PRIDE HISTORY

VESNA KUKIĆ LONČARIĆ, COUNTRY MANAGER AT JYSK FOR SLOVENIA, CROATIA, B-H AND SERBIA

GREAT WOMEN OF 70 SERBIAN HISTORY – AT JEVREM GRUJIĆ HOUSE EXHIBITION

IMPRESSUM EDITOR IN CHIEF: Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs ART DIRECTOR: Branislav Ninković b.ninkovic@aim.rs CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Maja Vukadinović, Mirjana Jovanović, Miša Brkić, Ljubica Gojgić

Radmila Stanković, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, Sonja Ćirić, Miloš Belčević PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović COPY EDITOR: Mark Pullen TRANSLATION & EDITING: PULLEN EDITORIAL HALIFAX

SALES MANAGERS: Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović, v.vukajlovic@aim.rs Mihailo Čučković m.cuckovic@aim.rs OFFICE MANAGER: Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs

FINANCE: Dragana Skrobonja finance@aim.rs EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs PUBLISHER: Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs

DIRECTOR: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com EMPOWERED WOMEN 2022 PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o.

Segedinski put 72, Subotica CorD is published by: alliance international media

No35 Prote Mateje 52, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fax: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs office@cordmagazine.com www.cordmagazine.com www.aim.rs ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2021

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Comment

Fostering A New Empowered Generation Of Women

There is a straightforward connection between technology and women’s rights that’s reflected in SDG 5 on gender equality, which includes a specific target for the utilising of technology and ICTs to empower women and girls. Serbia has made considerable progress along these lines, but we can certainly do more

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hen we think of gender empowerment today, we often associate it with tech. This approach is quite familiar to Serbia, where ever-more girls are acquiring ICT skills. One of the powerful promotions of such a future is the Girls in ICT Day – an international event that’s dedicated to overcoming gender-based stereotypes in the field of occupation and work, which the Association of Businesswomen in Serbia has been promoting for more than ten years, in cooperation with high-tech companies operating in Serbia and various ministries and international organisations. The idea behind the event is to empower girls to be led by their own personal interests and talents, rather than succumbing to stereotypes about what constitute male and female occupations.

ICT is particularly relevant today, as we face a rapidly changing world of work where the right ICT and STEM (Science, Technology,

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Empowered Women 2021

We still need to do a lot more to reduce the gender gap that exists in the digital sector, but also to foster the socioeconomic empowerment of women Engineering and Mathematics) skills are important for girls and women to compete on an equal footing with boys and men in the economy of the 21st century.

A few years ago, at the initiative and under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, the Government of Serbia adopted its Programme for the Empowerment of Women in Information and Communication Technologies.

The programme’s aim was to contribute to

the greater inclusion of women and girls in the technology sector, as it relates to the education system and the business world.

This programme envisaged the creation of conditions enabling the equal participation of women in the ICT sector.

According to the report ICT in Serbia - At a Glance, 2020, Serbia’s IT sector employed 31,000 people in 2018, including 9,000 women. The participation of women in the Serbian IT sector has reached a level of 31%.

This is higher than EU-28 average (26%), but the gender gap is still clearly visible. As an illustration, the Serbian IT sector increased total employment by around 4,000 people in 2018, but only 40% of those positions were occupied by women.

Several EU countries in the neighbourhood have higher participations of women in IT: Slovakia (36%), Hungary (35%), Bulgaria (34%), Romania (34%) and Croatia (32%) – all from Eastern Europe.

And yet, as some of our interlocutors for this special edition have already noted, well-educated women are still facing a lot of obstacles to presenting their full potential.

And there isn’t much that’s high-tech in that: on the contrary, these obstacles relate to the traditional division of jobs – not just in the economy, but also in the home, where co-parenting or the equal division of household chores are only slowly gaining popularity among younger generations.

Initiating a successful shift of women in Serbia to jobs of the future must include the large network of support institutions like crèches and nursery schools, a new regime of work with flexible working hours to support parenthood, and campaigns to overcome gender stereotypes and strengthen gender equality.

Empowered Women 2021

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Interview

Tipping Point Year In Serbia’s Energy Transition

ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ PH.D., Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy It is important for Serbia’s future that it not be a passive observer of energy transition, but rather an active participant in the endeavour of the whole world to promote green energy, sustainable development and greater environmental protection, and we’re also working on that.

Our efforts are also partly related to the inclusion of women in top positions in the energy and mining sectors

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he public worldwide, including in our country, is wondering how the energy crisis will unfold. Serbia’s Deputy PM and Mining and Energy Minister Zorana Mihajlović believes that the country will overcome the current energy crisis and have enough energy and fuel sources for citizens and the economy this winter.

“The current crisis will pass, perhaps already by spring, but we must work and plan while looking far ahead, in order for no future crisis to hit us unprepared. The state’s role isn’t only to react when a crisis occurs, but rather to plan and act strategically, in order for us to have energy security and be prepared for all future crises, which will most certainly come. It is important for Serbia’s future that it not be a passive observer of energy transition, but rather an active participant in the endeavour of the whole world to promote green ener-

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EQUALITY

DEVELOPMENT

MESSAGE

The green energy transition is an opportunity to support women as active participants in this process, and also to open this sector up to female entrepreneurs, managers and engineers

The Green Agenda also represents a new development model that should bring new investments, faster economic growth, technological advancement and new jobs in the green economy

My message to all women is to enter into politics courageously and to take decisions about themselves and the lives of their children, but also the generations of young women to come, into their own hands

gy, sustainable development and greater environmental protection, and we’re also working on that,” says our interlocutor.

Representing the first step on that path was the adoption of four new, modern laws governing the field of mining and energy, then also the start of work on the most important strategic documents: the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Serbia for the period until 2030, with projections until 2050; and the Energy Development Strategy of the Republic of Serbia for the period until 2040, with projections until 2050.

“In the area of renewable energy sources, we are striving for the share of renewable sources to reach at least 40% by 2040, or 50% by 2050. We will achieve that through the construction of large and medium-sized HPPs, new capacities for energy production from RES, the construction of gas-fired power plants, the development of additional energy storage capacities and the development of hydrogen technologies,” explains Mihajlović.

benefits will increase to around 200,000, while for natural gas the number of consumers able to benefit is expected to rise from the existing 70 to several thousand.

Amendments to the Law on Energy have introduced the category of ‘energy-endangered consumers of heating energy’ for the first time, with the first estimates suggesting that we can expect around 20,000 citizens to receive this status.

with the direction that the whole world is heading in, i.e., towards green energy and the struggle against climate change. With the integrated national plan for climate and energy, as well as the new strategy for the development of energy sources, we will establish the goals and scenarios that will determine the path to be taken by our energy sector over the next 30 years, both when it comes to constructing new capacities and combating climate change.

Energy transition and climate change aren’t issues confronting a single country, but rather generational issues and challenges that are being addressed by the entire planet. What’s important for the success of the overall changes are realist goals and dynamics, as well as a readiness to reach agreement on the conditions under which energy transition is conducted. I believe that – provided Serbia’s starting position is respected, realistic goals and dynamics are established and adequate financial support is secured from the EU – Serbia and our region can successfully keep pace with the EU member states in the energy transition and emerge victorious.

You’ve said that no one will freeze this winter, but will everyone have enough money to pay their heating bills, given that inflation is on the rise?

Are you considering the possibility of introducing additional breaks for vulnerable categories of the population in the case that the crisis deepens?

Energy security means that we have enough energy, but it is equally important for us to pay sustainable prices for that energy, and for that energy to be available to all citizens. Amendments to the Energy Law have enabled a larger number of citizens to take advantage of the breaks intended for energy-endangered customers, and the new Regulation on energy-endangered consumers is in the process of adoption. Our expectations are that, from the current total of 70,000 electricity-endangered consumers, the number of citizens able to utilise these

We recently saw the staging of the UN Conference on Climate Change, COP26, which many consider as the most important global event, with far-reaching consequences for our collective destiny.

We haven’t had many opportunities to hear about how much Serbia has kept its promises. Why is that?

Investments are key to Serbia’s successful energy transition and energy security, because we mustn’t forget that Serbia hasn’t built a single new thermal power plant or hydroelectric power plant in the past 30 years Speaking at the UN’s 26 th Climate Change Conference, COP26, the Serbian President emphasised Serbia’s intention to work to reduce emissions of harmful gases and invest in RES, as well as noting that our green plan is closely linked to the country’s economic stability.

This year marks a turning point for Serbia when it comes to the energy transition, as a year during which we adopted new laws, began drafting new strategic documents and created a new investment plan worth 17 billion euros. Our strategic goals and priority investments, primarily in the construction of large HPPs and utilising the potential of RES, are aligned

Is Serbia now ready to move more decisively towards reducing GHG emissions? Which of your ministry’s measures do you consider as being the most important in that context?

The energy sector isn’t the only sector that impacts on emissions of harmful gases, but it does have a large and important role to play in the overall struggle against climate change. Some activities have already been instigated, such as investments in environmental protection at the thermal power plants within the composition of EPS, which will have a significant impact on reducing emissions of harmful gases from these plants.

A stable supply of gas has been secured and the first heating plants in Serbia to use biomass as an energy source have

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Interview

for 32% of employees in the RES sector worldwide. This is less than equal participation, but it is nonetheless significantly higher than in the “more traditional” part of the energy sector, which is dependent on fossil fuels – oil, coal and gas – where women account for 22% of employees. I believe that the “green revolution” in the energy domain is not only an opportunity to increase our energy security and gain

Analysis of the economic value of women’s unpaid work served as the basis for the inclusion of unpaid work in the new Law on Gender Equality, without which there can be no further creation of policies and systems of community support and services

been built, in Mali Zvornik and Priboj. We hope that other heating plants in Serbia will take the same route, or that they will switch to the use of energy sources that cause less environmental pollution. Two new programmes launched by the Ministry will also contribute to the reducing of greenhouse gas emissions. Within these programmes, the state and local governments provide citizens with co-financing of 50% for investments aimed at increasing energy efficiency, replacing doors and windows, improving insulation and replacing boilers, as well installing solar panels that will turn citizens into energy consumers and producers. We implemented this programme as a pilot project this year, while new public calls will be announced at the beginning of next year, with significantly more funds made available from the budget, but also from international financial institutions. The greatest stride forward in this area will come via the implementation of the investment plan, which practically represents the Serbian 8

Empowered Women 2021

“green plan”. With the implementation of all projects included in the investment plan, we can expect annual CO2 emissions to reduce from the 53 million tons recorded in 2019 to approximately 23 million tons.

The COP26 conference had many male speakers,whilethereweremanywomen among the protestors who were on the streets expressing their concerns over the kind of world that their children will inhabit. To what extent are our green policies gender equal, both when it comes to the ministries that have jurisdiction over these topics and the management structures of the companies that should implement these changes?

Green energy transition is a process that the whole world finds itself in; a process in which many things will change and differ from the way they were before – not only when it comes to our sources of energy and the way we use energy, but also the way men and women participate in the process. Research shows that women account

a healthier environment, but rather also to change the image of energy as a “male” sector or an area of “men’s” jobs. This is also the path that Serbia should take, and the green energy transition is an opportunity to support women as active participants in this process, and also to open this sector up to female entrepreneurs, managers and engineers being better represented and more visible in the energy sector, and certainly for there to be more of them in decision-maker positions. Women currently account for 20% of employees at [national electric utility power company] EPS and occupy 13% of Supervisory Board and directorial positions.

The state will do its part of the job, by passing modern laws, taking the gender dimension into account when adopting new strategies, ensuring state-subsidised programmes (for replacing doors/windows and installing solar panels) are open equally to both women and men, and creating conditions for female entrepreneurs to operate in the green economy.

In terms of health crisis management policies, to what extent has the government taken into account the preserving

of the gender balance when it comes to bearing the burden of the crisis?

Under crisis situations like the one currently confronting all countries of the world, women are a particularly vulnerable category. Viewed globally, 70 per cent of employees in healthcare and social protection services are women, while in Serbia alone we have more than 60,000 nurses. We owe a great debt of gratitude and encouragement to all those women who took that great burden on themselves. And that applies whether we’re talking about healthcare professionals and social workers, women who work in supermarkets, but also all those women who care for the youngest, the elderly and their households.

It was precisely during the time of the epidemic that we, in cooperation with UN Women and the British Embassy in Belgrade, conducted the first analysis of the economic value of unpaid jobs in the area of care. Thanks to this analysis, we finally know the economic value of the unpaid, unseen and unrecognised work done by women in Serbia every day of the year, working overtime, without sick leave and annual holidays. That was the first step towards the social and economic acknowledgement of that value, while it also served as the basis for the inclusion of unpaid work in the new Law on Gender Equality, without which there can be no further creation of policies and systems of community support and services.

As the Coordinating Body, we last year submitted a list of recommended actions for employers to include in their operations that will reduce the gender gap, which exists in every society, and which include - among other things - flexible working hours, job preservation, support for women who fall victim to violence or the directing of donations towards organisations that offer assistance to vulnerable categories of women.

At the beginning of this year, after a lengthy wait, we finally saw the adoption of the Law on Gender Equality. What effects has its implementation had to date, six months after it came into force?

As someone who has spent years fighting violence against women and dis-

crimination, while also fighting to improve the standing of women and increase their inclusion in the political, economic and social life of the country, I’m proud that we finally received an umbrella document governing gender equality, after six years – as we started working to draft the new law back in 2016. Serbia has shown itself to be a mature society that wants equal conditions for women and men to work, progress and live. This is a society in which women will have equal conditions on the

Following the amending of regulations, I expect the current total of 70,000 electricity-endangered consumers to increase to enable around 200,000 citizens to utilise these benefits labour market, the same pay for the same work and opportunities to advance to the highest managerial positions, but also a society in which no woman or girl suffers from violence. After several challenging years, during which we even encountered resistance among certain ministers, we today have a gender-responsible government in which the achieving of this gaol is not brought into question. Alongside this Law, we’ve also adopted other legal and strategic documents, including the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination, the new Gender Equality Strategy and the

Strategy for Combating Gender-Based Violence, all of which represent continuity in our efforts and ensure that we now have a complete normative framework as the basis for further work.

We are seeing in some countries of the region that, even today, women are being denied some of the rights that we thought had been long since secured, such as the right to an abortion. Do you think that such debates could also be instigated in our country?

Everything that’s been happening of late, whether in Poland or Afghanistan, only testifies to how fragile gender equality and the issue of women’s rights are, and that the struggle to secure the human rights of women and girls is a painstaking and enduring process, but the only correct process.

I don’t see the logic in someone finding it acceptable for part of the population – and women account for more than 50 per cent of the population – to be discriminated against, subjected to violence, denied the same employment opportunities and paid less for the same work, while actually being more educated. And that’s without mentioning women in rural areas, single mothers and Roma women, who are victims of multiple forms of discrimination. Gender equality is not a threat, but rather a universal value and a precondition for the development of every society. When we grasp the fact that equal rights don’t imperil anyone and only such a society can prosper and progress, things will be better for all of us.

We are awaited by local, parliamentary and presidential elections next year.

Do you believe Serbia could again gain a female prime minister?

Women account for more than half of Serbia’s population and there’s absolutely no reason why women shouldn’t be equally represented on electoral lists and in decision-making positions. Women are also more educated, there are more of us among doctors of science, and we have shown many times that divisions into “male” and “female” occupations are meaningless and that we can perform equally successfully in responsible positions, if not more successfully.

Empowered Women 2021

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Interview

MICHELA TELATIN PH.D., UNOPS Serbia Multi-Country Office Director

Gender Equality

As A Priority

UNOPS is a project-based UN agency that has the mission of supporting people in building better lives and supporting countries in achieving sustainable development. For the last 20 years, UNOPS has been active in Serbia as one of the most reliable partners of the government and the international community

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e are proud to have contributed to a more equal society and we are thankful for the trust and collaboration of all our donors and local and international partners, with whom these results were achieved and shared says UNOPS Serbia Multi-Country Office Director Michela Telatin.

What have been the major achievements and the greatest recognition for you and your team?

UNOPS’ continuous presence in Serbia for over two decades is recognition of donors’ trust, of the high-quality implementation of projects that respond to the needs of the country, and of a successful methodological approach that is participatory, inclusive and transparent. UNOPS is a project-based United Nations agency that has the mission of supporting people in building better lives and supporting countries in achieving sustainable development.

UNOPS’ mandate in project management, procurement, infrastructure, human resources and financial management allows for the designing of context-specific projects that are also shaped by the UN values and private sector efficiency. We are accountable

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to people, to the government, to donors and their constituencies, and we see - with our headquarters in Copenhagen and operations in over 80 countries worldwide - that the relevance of having UNOPS’ expertise present is recognised across the world by countries with different levels of income and challenges.

In Serbia, we’ve been contributing to socio-economic development by supporting small businesses, good governance, social municipal infrastructure and the strengthening of social inclusion. We are at the forefront in helping the country during emergencies: rebuilding bridges and roads after the floods of 2014; and now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting public procurement and the healthcare system.

Our greatest achievement is the tangible impact that our projects and actions bring

to people’s lives, while the greatest recognition for me and my team is the continuity and relevance of our work.

The UNOPS Serbia Office has become a multi-country office, providing support to North Macedonia, Montenegro and Ukraine. How do you see the path of countries working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and EU accession?

UNOPS’ presence in a country is testimony to the United Nations’ support to governments in building their capacity to respond to the needs of their citizens. The projects implemented by UNOPS contribute to fulfilling regional and global frameworks, such as EU accession and the achieving

of the Sustainable Development Goals.

We achieve this through collaborative partnerships with other members of the UN family, the European Union, bilateral donor governments and international financial institutions, but also local partners and the beneficiaries of our projects. This inclusive approach starts at the design stage of the project and represents the backbone of our modus operandi.

All of the projects that you’ve so far implemented in Serbia have sought to build a better life for citizens and achieve sustainable development. Could you divulge how UNOPS is fulfilling its mission in Serbia?

UNOPS ensures that access to infrastructure is inclusive for all citizens and is not an obstacle to gender equality Over the course of the last 20 years, UNOPS in Serbia has implemented a vast array of projects in infrastructure, procurement, socio-economic development, good governance, health, disaster risk reduction

and the environment. These projects were made possible thanks to trust and collaboration with the Government of Serbia and many donors, such as the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the UK, Sweden, Italy, France and other members of the UN family.

For instance, hundreds of members of vulnerable groups gained access to social housing and employment opportunities,

enabling them and their children to live in dignity. Hundreds of entrepreneurs were able to launch or strengthen their businesses, while municipalities were able to attract companies thanks to adequate infrastructure. Children gained access to better schools and transport infrastructure was restored following the flooding. UNOPS also ensures that access to infrastructure is inclusive for all citizens and is not an obstacle to gender equality.

Gender equality is one of the most important cross-cutting themes of UNOPS’ work globally. How does gender equality contribute to improving the overall well-being of that society?

Gender equality is at the heart of development efforts and a priority for UNOPS globally. This

is because gender equality represents the backbone of a functional society in which women and men have equal rights and opportunities to achieve their potential and the potential of their families and society.

As UNOPS in Serbia, we have enabled the implementation of approximately 300 gender equality projects and supported the adoption of gender equality policies by over 50 local governments. For UNOPS, gender equality is not an addition to our field of work or a simple mainstreaming: there has been a strong and vocal corporate decision to ensure gender equality is integrated into our workforce, project implementations, analysis of needs and monitoring. This is not just a temporary focus; it is part of UNOPS’ identity and actions.

Many UNOPS implemented projects have enhanced women’s skills and enabled them to launch their own businesses. What are the key aspects of the economic empowerment of women?

Gender equality increases the economic output of a society exponentially and surpasses the investment made by governments to support it. Indeed, it is not only an issue of human rights and dignity, but rather has a huge economic dimension.

Strengthening the economic position of women has long been a part of UNOPS’ efforts in Serbia, and each woman-led enterprise has a unique history of individual commitment, resilience and hard work.

One of the hundreds of these enterprises is the story of a woman who launched her own private dental practice after losing her job; another is about a creative mother who wanted to bring colours into her child’s life and now owns a renowned clothing brand.

There is also a social enterprise employing vulnerable women whose homemade products are now being exported as their operations continue to expand. These are not just localised examples. They are a reflection of the potential of Serbian society that needs to be supported and encouraged.

We are proud to have contributed to creating a more equal society and are thankful for the trust and collaboration of all our donors and the local and international partners with whom these results were achieved and shared.

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Business

SUNČICA CVETKOVIĆ, Head of Business Unit Digital Grid at Siemens Serbia

The Growing Presence

Of Women In Engineering The Business Unit Digital Grid of Siemens Serbia has just received an award as 2021’s best team in the domain of digital grids in the CEE region, which – apart from Austria – includes Romania, Czechia, Poland... and this award merely confirms this department’s knowhow and teamwork

S

iemens is a company that provides many opportunities for learning and training; a company that doesn’t differentiate between male or female engineers or staff of other education profiles, but rather values work and knowhow.

You work for a company that symbolises innovation and technical expertise. Statistics show that men account for the largest percentage of engineers. Does Siemens empower female engineers? What has your experience been like?

During my career, I’ve had opportunities to work at several companies in different positions and to advance over time. I’ve always been motivated by my need to work and learn, which was recognised by

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my managers and colleagues and created new opportunities. I think that personal engagement and working constantly on oneself are extremely important for development, particularly at the beginning of one’s career.

It was 18 years ago that I started working at Siemens, and over the last two years I’ve headed the “smart grid” team.

Siemens is a company that provides many opportunities, primarily for learning and specialised training, and the possibilities are endless if you have that personal urge to learn. Although my team comprises mainly men, when it comes to gender equality, I work for a company that doesn’t differentiate between male or female engineers or staff of other education profiles, but rather values work and knowhow.

However, the fact remains that there are more men working in engineering, but I’ve also noticed that this trend is shifting when it comes to the younger generations, which I welcome warmly. The colleagues in my team are experts in their work, professional and dedicated, and I see my role in supporting the further development of everyone in the team and motivating us to continue achieving successes.

There will be an ever-increasing need for “smart grids” because, alongside “smart buildings”, we will also have “smart cities”, “smart traffic” etc. Will that ease life for everyone, especially us women, by “buying” us a little of the time that we’re lacking?

Life is fast and the changing lifestyle is visible from year to year. Digitalisation definitely brings benefits to life. We are all users of various electronic services that

save us time, and the very possibility of working from home - as part of the digitalisation process - brings a new concept for organising life in general and “buys” a little time for both men and women in their daily activities.

When it comes to the smart grids that we deal with, they relate primarily to the

The very possibility of working from home brings a new concept for organising life and “buys” a little time for both men and women in their daily activities electrical power system, i.e., to solutions for the high-quality and reliable supplying of power - digitalisation in energy. Siemens is an innovation leader in this area, and our mission is to bring the latest technologies that are applied around the world closer to our customers and for us to together create solutions that cater to the needs of the local market.

What advice would you offer to women who are at the beginning of their careers?

Learn, work, be brave, be ready for new tasks and be proactive. Seek to be engaged, because in that way you will become an important part of the team and will be recognised in the right way. It is very important to work in a team and to share experiences and knowledge, but it is also important to take the lead and responsibility in a certain area. That’s how you gain self-confidence, and everything is then easier.

“In the future, there will be no female leaders.

There will just be leaders.” ~ Sheryl Sandberg, business executive

Empowered Women 2021

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Business

JELENA GALIĆ, Chairman of the Executive Board of AIK Bank

The Team Determines A Leader’s Success

AIK Bank has transitioned from a conventional bank to a bank that today receives important international accolades for innovation and quality of services, and this is the direction it is continuing to develop in following a period that has proven extremely challenging for the entire economy, including the banking sector

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e adopted a digital transformation strategy and have so far implemented a significant number of services that are available to all AIK Bank clients via their mobile device, says AIK Bank CEO Jelena Galić

You’ve already spent seven years as the CEO of AIK Bank. What has changed both locally and globally during that time?

And in which ways, and to what extent, has the bank itself changed, but also you personally?

The previous period was fairly challenging for the entire economy, including the banking sector. The digital transformation of services accelerated significantly at both the global and local levels, as a result of the pandemic - which left an indelible mark on both people’s lives and on companies’ operations - but also due to the clear need of clients for services that are easy and available without time restrictions. Personalisation, or the creating of bespoke services for individuals in accordance with their habits and with the aim of saving both time and money by identifying adequate financial models, is an important trend that’s based on data analytics, machine learning and data science.

The implementation of this business model will ease clients’ business with the bank greatly and also optimise costs, as clients will be able to make noticeable savings.

Challenges on the business front are great drivers of change, and I can state 14

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with certainty that they’ve also had a great impact on me personally.

You are committed to developing and expanding regional cooperation. Can this ensure the accelerated economic growth and development of the entire region?

Networking and cooperation between businesses has manifold benefits, because it also brings an increase in the volume of

Networking and cooperation between businesses has manifold benefits, because it also brings an increase in the volume of the trade exchange and exchanges of experience and knowhow the trade exchange and exchanges of experience and knowhow, which contribute to the individual development of companies and the quality of services. A stable SME sector is the foundation for healthy economic development, because it was precisely this corporate segment that proved itself to be the most flexible when it came to introducing changes to adapt to the new circumstances. Supporting SMEs – through both financing and connections to and the accessibility of transaction banking – is one of the important tasks of the banking sector aimed at preserving economic stability. In

that sense, regional links and cooperation between companies in this segment can be encouraged markedly through the provision of adequate banking services.

What character traits are essential for a good leader?

Leadership primarily means a readiness to handle change. The habits that we’ve acquired in work or life, familiar behavioural patterns, create the kind of comfort and certainty that we all tend towards, because that is human nature. The extent to which you’re prepared to leave your comfort zone and stride towards a goal that you’re striving to achieve will define you as a person, but also the organisation that you head. Knowledge, competence and experience are equally important, because they enable a clearer overview of a given situation, but also the bigger picture that we often lose sight of, especially when confronted by challenges in the workplace. The bigger picture should always be considered, in order to ensure that we take all aspects into consideration when making important decisions. However, all of this is pointless if you lack equally committed colleagues who invest their own time and knowhow to achieve a shared goal. The team, and each individual, is equally responsible for the leader’s success.

OOH Media Offers The Purest Content Alma Quattro has been considered among our country’s most successful companies for almost three decades. Its portfolio has such diversity that it enables both large and small companies to advertise, because Alma Quattro is able to tailor campaigns that vary depending on budget

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ver the course of the 27 years that Sanja Pešić has been working at Alma Quattro, her attitude towards the job has changed in accordance with the way that her attitude towards life has also changed. She enjoys her work and is additionally motivated by the role of a coach, because she feels good by helping others

Is Alma Quattro’s success a result of long-term planning, dedication, the improving of relations with clients or something else?

I believe that everything you mention is important for success, and that this is the recipe of the majority of successful companies. I would mention the fact that, alongside long-term engagements, shortterm action is also important, as is the ability to react to unforeseen circumstances, which we’ve all been able to experience during the last two years. The world found itself

completely unexpectedly confronted by a new challenge. This presented a growth opportunity for many branches, while others simultaneously faced a complete standstill. That was also the case with OOH [Out-of-Home] media. What we’ve learnt over the past two years is that OOH continues to function soon after each lockdown, without a preceding “warm up”.

Does the sheer breadth of your portfolio enable you to create the best possible campaign for every individual client?

A synergy of OOH and mobile advertising has proven to be a winning combination.

While the first invites action with its attractive conceptual solutions, the second enables a deeper search – through online platforms, applications and social networks – for products and services featured in our advertising media. One attracts your attention and triggers, while the other is something that you carry in your pocket everywhere.

Is it true that OOH advertising has recorded higher growth than other market segments over the last three years? What does that say about the efficacy of your media and the habits and needs of consumers?

The efficacy of OOH media has not changed.

I think that the increased growth of this segment is a result of the excessive supply in other market segments, such as TV and digital, i.e., online. Both consumers and advertisers are confused by dubious and deficient content, information overload, non-selectivity and numerous channels, platforms and applications. All this brings us back to the simplicity and accessibility of OOH, which has no other content and a situation that’s always clear.

Business

SANJA PEŠIĆ, Alma Quattro CEO

Moreover, the consumers who see this media are predominantly the working population who are mobile and active outdoors during all seven days of the week, which increases the significance of our media.

Commitment is a word that runs through every story about Alma Quattro. To what extent does this word reflect your attitude towards work, life, family, friends etc.?

Over the course of the 27 years that I’ve been working at Alma Quattro, my attitude towards the job has changed in accordance with the way my attitude towards life has also changed. I’ll never forget the words of a friend of mine who is 30 years my senior

The increased growth of the OOH segment is a result of the excessive supply in other market segments, such as TV and digital, i.e., online and who told me that life is filled with idling and that every moment should be utilised and filled with things of value.

I draw energy from the new memories that I create, and those are memories of the new people I meet while scuba diving and during occasional canyoning excursions.

These are special pleasures that fulfil me and leave me feeling capable of shifting all other boundaries. I’m additionally motivated by my role as a trainer and coach, because I feel good when helping others to find their own sources of energy and shift their focus from things that drain their energy to things that are really important and make life more beautiful and fulfilling.

Empowered Women 2021

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Business

NEDA ÐOKIĆ, Managing Director, HEINEKEN Serbia

Leadership Is Vision, Boldness,

Connection & Authentic Inspiration

As a global company with operations in over 70 markets, HEINEKEN uses the power of diversity and entrepreneurial spirit to create an inclusive environment where everybody feels they belong and have equal opportunity to contribute

M

s Đokić says she would love to leave a legacy in this role, one of developing people’s capabilities and careers where they all work in a positive, encouraging and fun working environment, making HEINEKEN Serbia the most desirable place to work and renowned for creating future leaders.

You are the first managing director in the HEINEKEN world to come from Serbia, which represents both a great success and a great honour.

Does this fact make you feel great responsibility?

Taking the role of Managing Director at HEINEKEN Serbia presents a great privilege and honour, which definitely comes with a lot of responsibility, despite gender and county of origin.

In this role, you realise quickly how your influence and decisions steer the company’s performance. And even more importantly, how you can steer the mood of the organization and impact the lives of people by creating a positive working environment with great learning and development opportunities, so that all the teams leave the work with smile.

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You have gained a wealth of international experience within the commercial sector and forged an impressive career in marketing. How much does running the company differ from anything you’ve done previously?

Every new position outlines our growth and shapes us personally. Success is when you develop throughout these changes not only in terms of broadening your knowledge and capabilities but also in terms of expanding personally, as each new experience enriches you.

In essence, I believe that your work style and ethics remain unchanged, you lean on your strengths. I am still learning about the role of Managing Director, howe-

ver, I believe that your focus on strategic thinking is greater, so as to create a vision that advantageously guides all business operations ensuring that the company achieves its long-term goals.

One focuses on inspiring others to deliver, whilst building a strong stakeholder network essential for the organisational functioning and moving forward.

Equally important is to be surrounded with the right senior management and people that share the effort to create longterm legacy of excellence, success and innovation.

What are your plans, dreams and desires as you enter this new phase

of your business life? What can your team and employees expect from you, and what will your focus be in strengthening HEINEKEN’s leadership position in Serbia? What are you looking forward to in particular?

Being a leader within the category makes you responsible for its further growth and comes along with the obligation to ensure its a long-term potential.

Responsibility is the flagship of our commitments. We believe in moderate drinking by placing our efforts to support, build awareness and educate people.

HEINEKEN employees are ambassadors for our moderate consumption agenda with sincere faith that we should lead by example, promoting it throughout our entire brand portfolio.

We also take great pride in being responsible towards the world and nature, constantly improving our practices in this respect.

Taking the utmost care on the safety and highest quality of all our products with no compromise, staying open to our consumers’ needs, partnering together with Government, our customers and all our stakeholders – all reflect our company’s purpose.

I would love to leave a legacy in this role of developing people and their careers, where we all work in a positive, encouraging and fun working environment, thus making HEINEKEN Serbia the most desirable place to work and the company renowned for creating future leaders. Being

able to inspire people’s careers goes beyond anyoneone’s tenure.

Creating lasting and positive impact on the community where we operate presents a base for the category to be recognized, appreciated and embraced by everyone, no matter their choice of brand. Lastly, ensuring HEINEKEN Serbia is highly visible in the HEINEKEN worldwide.

What makes women such good leaders?

Could it be precisely because they are constantly striking a balance between their family life and all of their professional obligations, deadlines, pressure etc.?

My belief is that good leaders are not defined by gender. Men and women make equally good business leaders. Inspirational and impactful leadership is more about

Being able to inspire people’s careers goes beyond anyoneone’s tenure how bold you are in your vision, ambition and decision making, about your devotion and commitment to the role. It is about connecting with the people and business.

As well as your ability to be empathetic and sense the mood of the organization along with the external world to ensure that you are always relevant.

In the end, I trust that capability, talent, competence, the right attitude and shared values do not favour any gender.

Do you believe that nothing is impossible if you love what you do or do what you love?

Absolutely! When you love what you do motivation and drive are much greater and you stay persistent until you succeed.

Do you like football and a good night out? How men react when you tell them that you work for HEINEKEN/ beer company?

Well, I live with three guys, my husband and two sons, one of whom is greatly passionate about football and has been training since he was very young. Therefore, in my home, football is often on the agenda, via either TV screen or watching my son playing it. As such, I know a few things about the game… and I can vouch that for the full experience, you absolutely need a cold HEINEKEN®.

When you share that you work in HEINEKEN company, it definitely creates a lot of excitement and talk about the beer, along with enjoyment and fun. It is without any doubt that many men would love to be a part of HEINEKEN company. I can affirm by own example, that there are many very aspirational roles for a female as well, since the brands are stimulating and cool whereas the company culture is very warm, open, inclusive and enjoyable. At HEINEKEN Serbia, the key to our success is an open secret – it lies with the great people who work here & to whom we are proud to offer fantastic opportunities for growth.

Empowered Women 2021

17

Business

Concept Of Quality,

Elegance And Luxury

Novi Dorćol is a unique project in Belgrade’s inner-city zone that preserves within it the priceless architectural heritage of the Platnara building, dating back to the late 19th century. This building will be transformed into an exclusive restaurant that will stand at the heart of this most modern residential and business complex

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ompany Deka inženjering’s business policy is for the buyer to be able to take possession of their real estate as soon as possible after making their initial down payment on a property. The company thus shows its respect for those who have placed their greatest trust in Deka inženjering – in purchasing a property where their family will spend their life.

You’ve just completed the first phase in the construction of this modern residential and business complex that’s being developed with a view to examples that can be found in world capitals like New York and London. Could you present the Novi Dorćol project to us?

It was in July 2021 that construction of the first phase of the project was completed, which includes approximately 45,000m2 of residential and business space in one of Belgrade’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, Dorćol. It required 18 months to complete the construction of 225 apartments, 15 retail units, an underground garage with 450 parking spaces, a restaurant and a wellness centre, with all works completed within the planned deadline, despite the situation with the coronavirus pandemic and the many challenges confronting us in the construction industry today.

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DUŠICA GAKOVIĆ, Project Lead, Deka inženjering Just like our previous ‘A Block’ project, with which we brought new materials to the market and raised housing construction standards, Novi Dorćol goes a step further in terms of the comfort and quality that it provides for its tenants.

The complex is secured with 24/7 video surveillance, while every apartment is equipped with a video intercom. Ample parking spaces are provided in the underground garage, a section of which is equipped with electric vehicle charging stations with their own meters. In addition to a closed yard for tenants, a swimming pool, gym and spa centre, the complex’s ground floor also boasts a supermarket, cafés and other facilities providing the services that are required for a comfortable daily life.

We are particularly proud of the conceptual solution architecture, with which we’ve ensured that open views of the surroundings are provided from the apartments, while the upper floors provide fantastic panoramic views over the city.

The complex itself exudes monumentality and elegance, while the first noticeable elements are the high-quality materials and precisely executed details. I can state unreservedly that this project could hold a prime position in any world metropolis, and that – with the construction of the Novi Dorćol complex – we’ve taken a great step in advancing the construction industry in Serbia.

The first phase of the complex took 18 months to construct. When do you

expect to be able to complete the even bigger second phase, which will include 347 apartments and nine retail units?

Despite all the difficulties – labour force shortages, rising prices of materials and shortages of certain materials on the market – we completed the construction of 45,000m2 in 18 months, which would be a serious success even under normal circumstances. That was just one of the challenges that we’ve being facing in this industry – works at our construction site were executed over three shifts per day during the general pandemic and the declared state of emergency in the country.

Your aim was to preserve that which is most valuable in the complex, while you didn’t want “new architecture to imitate the past”. Are you satisfied with the way your vision has been realised?

Novi Dorcol is a unique project in Belgrade’s inner-city zone that preserves within it the architectural heritage of the industrial era of the late 19th century, which is a rare occurrence in Belgrade. The Platnara building, which stood at the centre of the textile industry of the then Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, occupies the frontal position towards Venizelosova Street, with the residential complex developing around it. This building has been fully preserved and reconstructed and will be transformed into the authentic space of an exclusive restaurant.

Segments of the wall of the old warehouse have been extracted and incorporated into the ground floor of the restaurant, thereby forming – together with the Platnar building – a unified architectural unit. The pillars of the former factory have also found their place in the complex, as freestanding columns in the area of the green plateau intended for tenants.

The bust of David Pajić Daka, the national hero who gave his name to the lift factory that was located on this site after World War II, will have its place at the entrance to the complex.

The combination of tradition and antiquated industrial architecture, old bricks and new materials, is what makes Novi Dorćol an authentic and unique project. We are very proud to have created a modern residential and business complex around the old Platnara building and that we’ve found a new function for this peculiar monument

of architecture that’s complementary to contemporary residential construction.

Your buyers don’t settle for anything less than top quality, comfort and security. Does this mean that you’ll continue raising the bar?

The buyers of apartments in new buildings are seeking top quality. They’re entering a

Open views of the surroundings are provided from the apartments, while the upper floors provide fantastic panoramic views over the city new apartment and that’s a new beginning.

Our mission, as an investor, is to offer our customers state-of-the-art materials – from façades to the finishing touches within apartments. We select the best and always upgrade the final product.

In our Novi Dorćol apartments, façade openings at a height of 240 cm create an apartment that’s filled with light. A ventilated façade covered with large format ceramo-granite tiles, air conditioning units hidden above suspended ceilings, blinds that can be adjusted to either create shade or darken the apartment completely – these are just some of the elements that exude elegance and luxury, while also contributing to quality of life here is the close proximity of the complex to schools, colleges, museums, theatres etc.

Although I couldn’t make an assessment over whether women or man are more demanding when it comes to buying a property, because that depends on the person and not their gender, I do know that, in the case that the apartment is intended for a family, it is mostly the women who decide on the choice of living space.

To what extent do Novi Dorcol’s apartments and retail units correspond to the needs of the contemporary family?

In addition to the retail units on the ground floor, which will house a supermarket, café, pharmacy, cosmetics studio and beauty salon, we’ve also built a wellness centre that boasts a swimming pool, gym, saunas, a salt room and massage rooms. The aim was to enable tenants to return home to the complex after a hard day’s work and relax in the wellness centre. Another novel introduction with this project is the smart apartment, which enables remote control of basic apartment functions, such as heating, large energy consuming devices, the central water valve, window blinds and similar functions.

The smart apartment is already a standard around the world and, alongside comfort, it also provides savings in terms of energy use.

Organised complex management and maintenance, reception, video intercoms, lifts that are connected to a diesel generator, electric parking spaces in the underground garage – these all represent features of a complex that follows and corresponds to the needs of the modern lifestyle, while providing maximum comfort.

Demand is currently exceeding supply when it comes to high-quality construction, which is why prices have been on the rise for years. Do you think this trend will continue or are we awaited by the stabilisation of the market?

There is an extensive but very diverse offer of newly constructed apartments. The final price per square metre is determined by elements that include location, additional contents/facilities, management and maintenance, project quality, modern materials and other parameters. What is certain is that buyers recognise quality and that there is constant growth in the value of modern-designed apartments in good locations, provided top quality materials are used.

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Business

ANJA IVANA MILIĆ, Arhi.pro Co-Founder and CEO

The Female Approach

To Business Is Masterful Company Arhi.pro celebrates its 20th birthday in 2022, and it does so as one of Serbia’s largest private engineering companies, with five offices in three countries, clients from all around the world and approximately 200 employees that include top tradesmen, architects, designers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers

A

s a recipient of the Cvet uspeha za ženu zmaja [Flower of Success for a Courageous Woman] Award, which is presented to the best female entrepreneurs by the Association of Business Women in Serbia, Arhi.pro Co-Founder and CEO Anja Ivana Milić believes that the secret to great success lies in the entrepreneurial spirit or the energy of leaders and good managers, regardless of gender.

What did Arhi.pro’s beginnings look like?

Every entrepreneurial beginning is the story of an opportunity that’s recognised and utilised to launch one’s own business. The opportunity for me to be the select architect of an international corporation, back in the year 2000, led to the 2002 establishing of a company that has been offering the same

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palette of services for the last 20 years. The chance that then emerged to recognise the future in design & build services led to my husband and I – with our different but compatible vocations for integrated design in construction – creating Arhi.pro in partnership. With me as an architect and him as an electrical engineer, we offered the market architecture that, from the original concept onwards, takes into consideration the engineering approach to creating properties for life or work.

Do strength of teamwork, exchanges of ideas, symbiosis, the reciprocal influence of associates and respect for diversity represent the elements that have made Arhi.pro a successful company?

With the founding of the company, I aban-

doned the idea of being an architectural studio with a single author’s name and opted instead to draw strength from a professional team. Today, 20 years on, we are a recognisable brand on the market and home to a great team, as well as standout individuals in the profession. The synergy of brand, team and individual represents a great advantage when it comes to securing major jobs. Building a team is a process and I’m very proud that this year we are presenting many employment-anniversary awards in recognition of 10, 15 and even 20 years of work at Arhi.pro.

Doyouagreewiththenotionthatwomen are “the driving force behind the implementation of sustainable development goals and virtuosos when it comes to converting challenges into opportunities”?

Women who have the courage to take risks, and to contradict clichés suggesting that they cannot lead but should follow, are special and cannot be the rule for the female gender as a whole. I don’t agree with the notion that

women are the driving force because they aren’t, just as all men aren’t the driving force and virtuosos who lead to great success.

I would certainly dub the female approach to business as being a virtuoso approach, because we are fine artists who have a refined ear for the needs of individuals, their team and clients. We have a sixth sense that constantly gives us some superior knowledge that’s useful for making decisions, while we have a homey approach to finances and are better at micromanaging and multitasking.

The male principle is often macro-management and is bolder. They are more prepared to enter into challenges without a clear algorithm for how to overcome them; they build works more on the basis of connections, while we do so more on the basis of merit. I like both styles and both principles, and I’m sure the ideal tandem is composed of two excellent managers of either sex.

I hope we will find the right ratio if local authorship is returned to our architects, because - from a regional perspective - we’ve become a mecca for foreign authors, while our own architectural design companies only participate in engineering development. Construction companies disrupted the harmony of the city back in the 1990s by hiring the cheapest draftsmen for commercial buildings in Belgrade, only for that to have now started

Are your employees also the company’s greatest asset?

The company’s greatest asset is every loyal, high-quality and dedicated member of the team, whether they’re highly educated or not. Assets are those for whom you can “put your hand to the fire” that they will do a job on time and to the highest quality.

Banks evaluate our worth according to what we own in terms of real estate, movable assets and contracted jobs, but I would like human resources to be equally included in that evaluation, because we have superior value in that regard.

There is no art in mass construction, especially under tight budgets… There is no place for aesthetic and technological flair in that

There is more construction going on in Serbia today than ever before, which also has its downside. Do you have the impression that the battle for more square metres has turned into the ruination of urban development and the collapse of aesthetics?

There is no art in mass construction, especially under the kind of tight budgets that are allocated by all investors who build in our country. There is no place for aesthetic and technological flair in that. The battle for more square metres must really be limited to decent and indecent measures for certain environments. I think that has now also been acknowledged by many of those who previously opted for such calculations.

with these large complexes that are currently under construction. The battle for profit revolves around low-budget architecture, while the price is determined by location and not the aesthetics of the building, which only creates an insignificant difference in price.

You have amassed a portfolio that includesnumerousbuildingsandcomplexes,as well as many of the most varied residential and commercial interiors... What aspect of the work do you like the most? Where is your personal stamp most visible?

Corporate architecture has been my determining factor for two decades, with examples such as the Société Générale administrative building and the Navigator 1 building, both in New Belgrade, and the new Green Escape complex that’s currently under construction in Bežanija. We had an exceptional authorial experience with the successfully implemented Lavender Bay complex in Morinj [Montenegro]. When it comes to interiors, I would single out Envoy Hotel in Belgrade’s Čika Ljubina Street, while there

are also restaurant interiors, such as those of Druga Piazza, Le Molière, Diverzija Bars etc.

When it comes to large regional projects in particular, first place belongs to Porto Montenegro in Tivat, where we’ve already spent 14 years as leading architects and local consultants on a project that led to us developing the concept of renowned international authors. Likewise, we are also the leading designers of the Belgrade Waterfront’s Galerija shopping mall and the One & Only Portonovi hotel in Kumbor [Montenegro].

Youareoneofthefounders,management board members and executive board president of the Society of Women Architects.

How do you view the position of women in architecture? Do you have any advice for your young female colleagues?

I was essentially the instigator of the idea of founding the Society of Women Architects, which has brought together 24 women from the profession. We have spent five years working actively to promote the talent of women, raise the visibility of women in the profession and promote their achievements.

After many years as a member of associations that encourage women’s leadership and expertise, my idea was to launch the same kind of organisation in my own profession.

Women are much more numerous in architecture studies, while they also represent the majority working on the development of projects in studios, but they are still in the minority as authors and principals of architectural practise. With the Society of Women Architects, our desire was to uncover the reasons for this and encourage change.

I don’t have a unique message for my young female colleagues, which is why I invite them to contact the Society and ask us about everything that interests them.

There are many of us and we are experts in various specialist areas, so they will always receive the right answer and advice from us.

I would advise girls who are just deciding whether they should study architecture to reassess their tenacity and stamina, because the road from concept to construction is a long and arduous one. The most important thing is for them to know that, like any other profession, architecture is beautiful and nothing is difficult when you love your job.

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Business

MIA ZEČEVIĆ, CEO, Novaston

New Areas Of Activity Bring Growth Novaston is an independent real estate, asset and property management platform that today deals with both the maintenance of properties and marketing. As of this year, its focus has shifted to the business and logistics sector, both in Serbia and around the region

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he office space market is stabilising, while growth is being recorded in rentals of flexible office space at multiple locations that employees can utilise as needed, reveals Novaston CEO Mia Zečević.

Has your prowess for adaptation proven to be the key to the company’s success?

The Novaston platform is evolving, and our teams of experts, who have both domestic and international experience, apply modern technologies and solutions while taking an individual approach to each client. We are currently very active on the project to develop the future premises of the Schneider Electric Development Center in Novi Sad, while our own Novaston Asset Management is the exclusive leasing agent for the attractive “Revolution” business premises, covering an area of approximately 10,000m2 and being constructed by Granit Invest in the Vračar neighbourhood. We’ve also directed special attention towards a large project in Croatia – 255 villas in Istria, where 22

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we’ve been engaged in the setting up of the entire system - asset, property and facility management and organisation, including marketing. At the same time, we remain among the leaders of the retail parks sector through our cooperation with companies IMMOFINANZ, NEPI Rockcastle, GTC, Ikea etc. It is precisely these open-air shopping centres that have best adapted to the “new normal”, thanks to it being easier for them to implement health measures.

Interestingly, retail parks have an average share of 5% on Europe’s retail market, mostly in the north and west of the continent. When it comes to our country and region, this market has not been oversaturated and the importance of retail parks is set to increase. Similarly, due to the natural connectivity between all sectors of the real estate industry, increasing consideration is being given to combined solutions of retail parks that have rentable business premises or residential units above them.

Despite the protracted crisis and pandemic, the real estate market has proven itself to be very resilient. Is there room for further expansion?

During the first half of 2020, a certain standstill was reached in the renting of business premises. It was also then that a slowdown was recorded in the dynamics of construction, i.e., the completion of projects, and a problem also arose in the final approval of financing for projects in the final pre-construction preparatory phase.

Until the outbreak of the pandemic, this sector was developing very dynamically in

Serbia, with a vacancy rate below the level of 5% and leasing prices at a record level.

When it comes to logistics, both in our country and around the region, an insufficient number of industrial and warehouse premises are available in the most desirable locations. A combination of high demand

We remain among the leaders of the retail parks sector, through our cooperation with companies IMMOFINANZ, NEPI Rockcastle, GTC, Ikea etc and supply chain problems, coupled with rising costs of construction materials and energy, is leading to the constant growth of rental prices for logistics space.

Is the pandemic causing investors to turn to facilities that are “safe for work”?

After the initial redirecting of employees to work from home, this year’s trend is one of returning to offices and a “combined model”. It turns out that employees want to spend at least two days a week in the office, in order to strengthen their company culture, cooperation and networking. Changes are inevitable and the future concept of offices will take into consideration the effectiveness, technical standards and accessibility of the location, but also the obligation to offer additional advantages, like sophisticated digital solutions for contactless communication, and satisfy environmental standards.

“You don’t have to play masculine to be a strong woman.” ~ Mary Elizabeth Winstead, actor

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Business

Leading Ladies

Paving The Way MEET THE THREE WOMEN BEHIND THE REGION’S FIRST ONLINE AND DIGITAL BANK Vanja Stanković, President of the Mobi Banka Board of Directors and Telenor CFO, Marija Popović and Milka Rajčević, Mobi Banka Executive Board Members

Achieving gender equality in the workplace may be a slow process, but some outstanding companies are paving the way and leading by example in this area. One such company is Mobi Banka, where women account for 71% of all employees and exceptional women head the company at the operational and strategic level of business

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here are three women standing behind the success of the first online and digital bank in the region: Executive Board Members Marija Popović and Milka Rajčević and President of the Board of Directors Vanja Stanković, who is also Telenor’s chief financial officer.

In this joint interview for the Empowered Women special edition, we asked the three of them about the challenges women face in the business world, the changes ahead of us and the lessons they’ve learned in their careers.

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What challenges do women face in the business world and how does your company deal with them?

Vanja: There is a critical need for women to be more involved in the digitalisation of the workplace. Machine learning, artificial intelligence and programming are growing sectors where women account for only 22% of professionals and where the gender gap is three times greater than in other industries. At Telenor, we take pride in being a welcoming environment

for women in tech. A total of 59% of our employees are women, while 51% are included in our management. Still, this is an ongoing process and we continue to work on many aspects of our business, to make it even more attractive to young women.

Telenor this year [2021] organised a hackathon for girls with the aim of empowering future generations to step into the field of computer engineering so that they can be equally represented in the technological fields of the future.

Marija: One of the key challenges that women face today is shared by many men, and that is combining a successful career with family life - especially for parents of young children.

Most companies have returned to the office at a full or reduced capacity, but women continue to take on much more family management responsibility. I believe it is necessary to provide as much flexibility as possible for employees with children, which we very much do at Mobi Banka.

Milka: The pandemic has had a very negative impact on the issue of gender equality around the world. According to the latest estimates, women lost more than 64 million jobs in 2020 - a staggering five per cent of all jobs done by women. This crisis has cost women around the world at least 800 billion dollars in earnings, which is a figure that exceeds the total GDP of 98 countries.

At Mobi Banka, we are proud to say that we haven’t fired people because of the pandemic. On the contrary, we hired over 130 people last year - mostly women, who now represent 71 per cent of all employees.

Have working conditions for women improved in some respects?

Marija: Definitely! But only because the business arguments for it are getting stronger. Companies that are actively involved in gender equality make better decisions and have greater long-term value. A commitment to inclusion and improving the work-life balance also significantly helps organisations to attract and retain the highest quality staff.

Vanja: I agree with Marija. Policies such as flexible working hours, teleworking, maternity and parental leave benefit all workers, and lead to sustainable productivity growth over the long run. As we say at Telenor – Live your life. We’ve got you covered.

Milka: It is essential for the conversation about equality to be reshaped and moved from an issue of gender to the field of economics. Women make up 51 per cent of the population of Serbia, yet only 44 per cent of the workforce.

The reason for this is the lack of role models for girls. If we don’t see successful women around us, it is less likely that we will strive for success ourselves. The presence of

women in leading roles in society, and the possibility of connecting with them, is vital for motivating young women.

What positive changes would you like to see in the world of work in the near future?

Vanja: I would like to see more companies contribute positively to the communities in which they operate. In addition to better public relations and greater customer satisfaction, the data suggest that strong CSR programmes can also lead to improved financial performances.

People want to be part of an organisation with which they share common values.

So, successful companies of the future will combine the values of the organisation with the values of their employees, in order to be more visible on the job market.

Milka: One of the positive changes we are already seeing is the popularisation of the hybrid work model.

Finding a balance is easier when employees have more control over their schedule and can take care of responsibilities in their personal lives - whether it’s running errands, picking up children from nursery school or going to the dentist.

Marija: I would like to see better support for young families – especially in the preschool years. My husband and I have two children that are now in school. Those early years of raising babies and young children while building our careers were very exhausting.

These are the circumstances under which we often see promising young talents, mostly women, withdraw and fall short of realising their full potential.

What advice would you give to young businesswomen who are at the beginning of their careers?

Marija: Get to know your strengths, skills and limitations. Just being good at your job is not enough. It is also important to be resourceful. Take the initiative. Be proactive.

If you see something isn’t working, take the initiative to fix it. Take risks, make mistakes and learn from them.

Milka: Don’t just sit quietly in meetings, talk! Make an effort to contribute to every meeting you attend.

VANJA STANKOVIĆ

MARIJA POPOVIĆ

MILKA RAJČEVIĆ Don’t be afraid to ask important questions: what’s the downside if we don’t do anything; how much will this initiative benefit us; have we assessed alternative solutions?

Vanja: Have the confidence to take more risks, even if it means you could stumble along the way. In my experience, that is when you learn and grow the most.

Seek big tasks, even if they take you out of your comfort zone. Each risk leads to more opportunities for personal growth and professional development.

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Interview

Women Must Take

Responsibility For Their Careers

VIOLETA JOVANOVIĆ, Executive Director of NALED and President of Ethno Network To continue reducing the gender gap, a joint effort by all actors is needed: the state, companies, politicians, the media and women themselves, who should take responsibility for their careers and present the results of their work to the public without hesitation, something they often leave to men recently adopted law on gender equality is an important incentive for achieving equality and gender balance, which encourages an increasing number of women to take on leading positions in government, parliament and local government”, says Jovanović.

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f you Google the name Violeta Jovanović, executive director of NALED and president of Ethno Network, you immediately see the portal Women’s Government, which contains a database of about 1,500 professional women in Serbia.

We asked Violeta how much closer we are symbolically and realistically to what this platform advocates today: equal respect for women and their ability to lead the most

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demanding departments in all spheres of social life.

“In recent years, concrete progress has been made in improving gender equality in Serbia – a coordination body and the institution of an ombudsman for this area have been established, good practises such as gender budgeting, programmes for the prevention of domestic violence and strengthening reproductive health have been introduced. The

You lead an organisation that over time has become the right hand of the Government of Serbia in many reforms.

Have you ever been told that a man would do your job better?

At the beginning the job was almost nonexistent because the organisation needed to be built from the ground up. Today that is simply not an issue because NALED’s success has a strong stamp of capable and smart women. As the first employee in the organisation, I am proud that in its 15 years of existence, NALED has grown into one of the most recognisable and successful associations and think tanks in Serbia, and an unavoidable partner of the Government in key reform processes.

EQUALITY

SELF-CONFIDENCE

SUPPORT

It is important to work on policies that value men and women equally and mentoring and empowerment programmes to boost their self-confidence but also their skills to start a business

Women must believe in themselves and their abilities work hard and make independent decisions for which they take responsibility according to their function and before the law

The low level of participation of women at the head of companies and local governments in Serbia results from the lack of systematic support for working mothers from institutions, but also in families around joint parenting

As an advocate of the programme for economic empowerment of women, I especially emphasise NALED’s support for the 1000 Women Initiative and Ethno Network, which has enabled hundreds of women to be trained and empowered to build their handicraft skills and create their own jobs, creative business from which they generate income, after years of unemployment and exclusion from the labour market. More importantly, with this action, we have restored the importance and status of handicrafts as bearers of our identity, and women as the custodians of cultural heritage.

Although you lead NALED, there are still many more men than women in the governing bodies of the organisation. Why is this so, and what internal policies do you pursue to achieve equal gender representation at all levels of management?

NALED always strives to lead by example and live gender equality in practice, because most of our team consists of aware women who are ready to stand up for themselves, but also to support each other. We emphasise good role models and we try to help our colleagues at the beginning of their careers to network and build self-confidence as a foundation for achieving equality.

One important element of equality in society, as in NALED, are the men who, together with their female colleagues, achieve the results of the largest public-private association in Serbia. It is true that in the structure of NALED’s governing bodies, there is a marginal participation of women who lead companies and local governments in Serbia, not enough to encourage participation because we must all work together as a society.

Where is it harder for a woman to make a career, at the local level or in Belgrade? How much are local gover-

nment members of NALED interested in fostering gender equality?

The consequences of traditional upbringing and patriarchal society are mostly suffered by women in the countryside and villages, but they are also felt by educated and employed women who are expected to be the predominant carers for family and children, which limits their progress towards equality. Psycho-social support

I am proud that in its 15 years of existence, NALED has grown into one of the most recognisable and successful associations and think tanks in Serbia, and an unavoidable partner of the Government in key reform processes. is often a neglected component in our society, although experts repeatedly point out that a lack of self-confidence mostly affects women to give up their ambitions.

The state, and especially local administrations, can help through concrete measures such as increasing the number of state nurseries and lowering the price of private ones, flexible working hours to support parenthood, and campaigns to remove gender stereotypes and strengthen gender equality.

In your programme, one of your main projects promotes a legal solution to enable women’s work, housekeeping or child and elderly care to be recognised and for these women to receive at least a minimumofsocialandhealthinsurance.

Is that enough, and do we need to offer thesewomenmorecompleteprotection?

The unpaid work that a woman performs every day is a lot higher than the average salary in Serbia. If the jobs that are assi-

gned to women were evaluated financially, we would see that each employee would earn 546 euros a month, or 6,550 euros net annually. At least 17,000 people work in household chores in more than 55,000 households, 90% of them are women, and at least half are engaged informally, without rights based on their work. Some of them have been informally engaged in cleaning for decades, which is usually their only source of income.

With the extension of the law on hiring casual labour to jobs in this area, we would provide them with the right to a pension for the days they work, and insurance in case of injury at work, and in legal employment they would not lose their acquired social rights.

We see such a solution as a transitional one to get them into legal measures and realise rights as workers, and the ultimate goal is certainly to gain stable employment and a secure source of income.

Thanks to e-administration, we know today exactly how many people are vaccinated. How close are we to taking more serious steps in digitalising healthcare?

Given the specificity and importance of the health sector, NALED formed the Alliance for Health in 2018, to work systematically on establishing a more efficient health care system both locally and nationally. This year, the Government of Serbia recognised our initiative, and today we have formed the Coordination Body for Digitalisation of Health, which is working with NALED’s support to introduce a single e-dossier that will follow a patient through all the institutions he visits. The goal is to enable e-SickLeave and e-Referrals, and reduce the waiting time for healthcare, to avoid repeating laboratory tests and returning to the base doctor for new referrals, and to connect key actors in the health system, especially the public and private health sectors. The programme is complete and

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Interview from 2022 we will launch its implementation together with the relevant institutions.

How much have we managed to maintain the momentum of the digital transformation that the outbreak of the pandemic forced us to accelerate?

Concerning the digitalisation of public administration, the data indicate that the public and businesses are satisfied with what has been done so far. According to a recent NALED survey, as many as 83% of people and 84.5% of companies are satisfied with existing e-Government services. Every novelty in the procedure is a challenge because it requires a change in the behaviour of those who need to apply electronic procedures. Almost 60% of people and businesses recognise that it is faster and easier for them to perform administrative services via the Internet, which means that they accept changes much faster than officials, especially older ones, with whom we work through training to recognise the benefits of working in a new environment.

For example, NALED, in cooperation with GIZ and the company SAGA, launched a virtual assistant service in Sombor and Šabac, which takes over communication with inhabitants about the necessary steps and documentation for going through certain procedures. We believe that officials who have spent a lot of time just answering questions will soon see how 28

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As an advocate for women’s economic empowerment, I can especially emphasise NALED’s support for the 1000 Women Initiative and Ethno Network, which has empowered hundreds of women to build their handicraft skills and create their own creative business from which they generate income much this technical solution helps relieve their workload. Businesses are also adapting to technological changes, so we can already work with many of them on the introduction of artificial intelligence, blockchain and other new technologies in business. With Philip Morris International and with the support of the Government of Serbia, at the end of 2020 we launched the StarTech project in which we want to support innovators to develop their ideas.

During 2021, we awarded the first 29 grants to Serbian companies, and by 2023 we will support about 100 companies with the goal of digital transformation of our economy.

Some recent research suggests that small and medium enterprises, which

were not keen on changing the way they work, have now woken up and are moving much faster towards introducing various e-services. What can you tell us about this?

In a survey we conducted in the business community, every second business leader preferred eServices to perform administrative tasks, while more than 80% positively assessed the whole process. When we talk about businessmen and traders, the dominant need at the moment is the development of online sales, which is shown by the fact that the number of shops and companies that sell products through their sites has increased sevenfold.

To support especially small businesses in their efforts to modernise and keep pace with world trends, we launched a digital caravan in cooperation with the government and with the support of the British Embassy. This will visit 500 small businesses in five cities in Serbia to help them develop online sales, introduce cashless payment and increase their visibility by registering on Google Maps. Also, with the German Development Cooperation GIZ, Visa and Mastercard and in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, we have launched the National Cashless Payment Initiative, by which we want to equip up to 25,000 points of sale with devices or software solutions to accept non-cash payments to gain new customers and improve their business.

Wood Is Our Shared World

Austria’s JAF Group is present at 59 locations in 18 Central European countries.

Headquartered in the town of Stockerau near Vienna, JAF Group is the leading wholesale supplier of wood and wood-based panelling materials, and its operations in Serbia are led by general manager Melanija Pavlović, together with her team

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rior to taking the helm at JAF, Mrs Pavlović ran a company that engaged in the production and sale of materials for interior finishes in construction.

She believes that, when a person matures as a manager, changes, constant learning, improvement, and thus also advancement, are inevitable.

When and how did you become part of this great and beautiful story that’s known as JAF? JAF has been operating in Serbia since 2008, with its headquarters in Nova Pazova and a showroom that opened in New Belgrade in 2019. I’m an architectural engineer and spent years developing my career in the trade in construction materials and systemic construction solutions. I

joined the JAF team in June 2019. It was a special challenge for me to enter the world of wood and the furniture industry, but also equally an opportunity to dedicate myself to wood, wood products, furniture and interior design. Our company’s credo is “Wood is our world”.

Prior to taking on the position of general manager at JAF, I was the director of a company that engaged in the production and sale of materials for interior finishes in construction. When a person matures as a manager, changes, constant learning, improvement, and thus also advancement, are inevitable. By accepting this position, I decided to direct my career towards the furniture industry, whilst still also remaining closely connected to the construction industry.

Is it your wide range of products and top service that ensure you remain at the very top in all the countries where JAF operates?

A small family business, the owner of a sawmill, which initially began with the work of processing logs, grew to become an international group and Central Europe’s leading wholesale supplier of wood and wood-based panelling materials. The clear vision of the founders, coupled with a homely approach to doing business, have contributed to JAF customers seeing the company as a reliable partner who, always and at every moment, offers them good and well-delivered services, with an exceptionally wide range of products: plywood, veneers, timber construction, panels from OSB, raw chipboard, MDF etc. And not only that: JAF is always customer-oriented and our aim is to have close relations with the customer.

Business

MELANIJA PAVLOVIĆ, General Manager, JAF d.o.o. Nova Pazova

Customers see JAF as a reliable partner who, always and at every moment, offers them good and well-delivered services, with an exceptionally wide range of products As an architectural engineer, an expert on construction materials and a woman who monitors trends, could you tell us what interior designers are most often choosing?

The trends for 2022 are timeless “natural concrete”, grey tones, wood décors in all shades, structures, imitation wood and Scandinavian white, or the Scandinavian style that is characterised by many simple forms. I also mustn’t forget something that’s been trending for the last few years and remains very current: marble décor, in all hues, colours and large format panels.

Also trending will be compact panels for furniture, tables in hospitality venues and compact panel façades on substructures.

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Business

JELENA TADIĆ, Executive Director, PPP Investment

Public Private Partnership Value For People

Serbia has become a leader in the region in the application of the PPP model because we were capable to recognise that we live in a time of enormous challenges in the financial and economic sense, but also in terms of preserving human health and the environment. As existing public resources are not enough to meet all the challenges, we have placed more confidence in private capital

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he European PPP Expertise Center (EPEC) and the UN Economic and Social Council (UNECE) have published new manuals for the implementation of PPP projects. According to Jelena Tadić, they overcome the previous weaknesses in the implementation of PPP and define the methodology for evaluating PPP for the goals of sustainable development Today, more than ever, we need private initiatives and the use of private

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capital to overcome challenges in the public sector. Is a public-private partnership the right model for this?

Combining the public with the private sector in the right way, especially through a PPP model, creates additional value for both public and private partners in terms of reducing public expenditures, making transparent profits for private partners, increasing the quality of public service,

In practice the PPP model has shown the need for continuous development, and the legal and procedural framework has to follow these changes caring for the environment and especially satisfying end users. In practice the PPP model has shown the need for continuous development, and the legal and procedural framework has to follow these changes.

International financial institutions provide a high-level framework for conducting public-private partnership procedures and facilitate states in preparing the legislative framework.

Is Serbia far ahead of other countries in the region in terms of public-private partnerships?

Serbia is definitely the leader in the region in applying the PPP model. Some data show that according to this model, we have invested about three billion euros of private capital in projects that serve to overcome public challenges. More and more local self-governments in Serbia are

showing interest in this type of project, in introducing order, especially in utilities, and in providing high quality services for taxpayers’ money.

Does the essential value of the PPP model lie in saving money that can be used for everyone’s benefit?

When analysing the potential of PPPs to promote sustainable development, it is important to keep in mind its limitations and advantages. In order to achieve a social value above their economic value, public-private partnerships must be “fit for purpose”. Through years of development, public-private partnerships have gone from a mere funding tool to an instrument that provides “value for people” and “value for the planet”.

Since time immemorial, women have known how to distribute the household budget, how to save and how to make two dinars from one.

Does this also apply to women in public-private partnership projects?

PPP’s investment team is dominated by women. Some with extensive experience in various projects, and some at the beginning of their careers. The common feature of all women in our team is dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism.

When you have these qualities, success is guaranteed in any business you do. Of course, there are many women in other companies, institutions, who are working on the same or similar tasks, with whom we are happy to cooperate and who make a great contribution to the development of PPP models in Serbia.

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ublishing company BIGZ školstvo is the inheritor of a tradition dating back almost two centuries – from the 1831 founding of the first state printing house in the then Principality of Serbia, which developed over many decades and ultimately, by 1970, had grown to become the Belgrade Publishing-Graphic Institute (BIGZ).

The core business of BIGZ školstvo today relates to the publishing of textbooks.

The development of the highest quality textbooks and teaching resources for pri-

Synonymous With Good Books mary schools includes, first and foremost, the participation of a large number of experts: authors and reviewers from various fields, copy editors, proof-readers, graphic designers and illustrators.

BIGZ školstvo’s publishing production also partly encompasses literature not intended exclusively for students and teachers. Included among such editions is historian Uroš Milivojević’s book Supruge srpskih vladara iz dinastija Karađorđević i Obrenović [The Wives of Serbian Rulers from the Karađorđević and Obrenović Dynasties], which addresses a period of Serbian history covering a century and a half,

Business

Publishing company BIGZ školstvo is the inheritor of the Belgrade Publishing-Graphic Institute (BIGZ), one of the former Yugoslavia’s largest and the most prestigious publishing companies.The BIGZ name is synonymous with good books – whether those books cover scientific literature, fiction, journalism or historiography

viewed from the perspective of influential women. The author’s intention is to emphasise the importance of the historical role of these strong and distinguished women, thus correcting the injustice which has most often seen them – in a predominantly masculine view of the past – unfairly overlooked and left in the shadow of their husbands. The book is written in such a way as to represent interesting reading for a wide variety of readers – from historians and history lovers, to fans of biographical novels – because the destinies of this book’s heroines often surpassed the imaginings of even the most talented novelists.

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Business

“My mother told me to be a lady.

And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice

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Business

Bosch is one of the most important investors and employers in Serbia, a company that records exceptional growth and has been among the country’s 15 biggest exporters for years. Bosch is also known for offering equal development opportunities to members of both sexes and for its active and strong support to the development of women

ROBERT BOSCH D.O.O.

Bosch Encourages Diversity

JOVANKA JOVANOVIĆ, General Manager

Benchmark For Equal Opportunities

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joined Bosch in Serbia 17 years ago to take on the position of general manager, at a time when Bosch was organised as a representative office with just 13 employees. It was a real challenge to be part of a high-tech, innovative company that registers more than 5,000 patents per year and employs tens of thousands of engineers of various profiles, but it was also a great pleasure that provides many opportunities to learn, advance and prove that you can also do something significant in your own country.

Bosch in Serbia is today a company that records exceptional growth, both in terms of employee numbers and across operations as a whole, from production in the automotive industry, via services, including IT services in particular, the development centre in production, distribution of a wide range of products and participation in large, important projects.

I’m particularly proud of the fact that this development was achieved thanks to the contribution of our team of 2,500 employees, consisting of an almost equal number of male and female colleagues, and the fact that a significant number of female colleagues also hold important leadership positions in all segments of operations. The culture of the company and its respect for diversity provides equal development opportunities for members of both sexes, and empowering and developing female colleagues is a special area of focus for the company. Within the scope of the Bosch Group globally, Bosch in Serbia stands out in particular due to the number of female colleagues in leadership positions, so we represent a benchmark in this area.

BOJANA ANDRIĆ, Commercial and Financial Manager

Creativity Is A Must

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’ve been doing what I love since my first day at Robert Bosch d.o.o., and that hasn’t changed to this day. For a large organisation like ours to function, rationality isn’t enough, rather creativity is also required. Creativity is our personal stamp, which illustrates the character and personality of each individual. Every project or business challenge we face provides us with the opportunity for different forms of self-realisation, while creativity and experience help us to identify - easily and in an interesting way - the simplest possible solution and route to achieving our goal. The constant and continuous development of employees is the basic prerequisite for maintaining top results and satisfaction.

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MILANA RADOVANOVIĆ, Group Leader Purchasing Quality Assurance

Abandon Your Comfort Zone

Work #LikeABosch

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he goals that I set for myself provide strong motivation for a successful career. Motivation is something that drives me to work #LikeABosch. Apart from being driven by my convictions regarding what will bring me happiness in life, my goals are determined by the way I envisage the future. My desire to achieve, and my need to utilise my professional knowhow and abilities, contributed to me overcoming the greatest challenges to the development of my career. I wanted to be recognised for my professionalism.

That’s actually why I’m in a leadership position as part of a Bosch company that values and encourages diversity.

Bosch supports the development of women actively and strongly, by accentuating the characteristics of women in the best possible way and enabling women to abandon their comfort zone and show what they’re capable of doing.

I’ve had opportunities to work with executives of both genders, but I’ve always admired the way women lead a job. When a woman is in charge, decisions are somehow made simply and quickly. The role of women in the business world has changed a lot over recent years.

Women are increasingly interested in developing their careers. That’s why I believe we’re moving towards gender not playing any role whatsoever in business success, rather only one’s ability and competence to perform certain tasks.

DANIJELA ŠAROVIĆ, Department Leader for Business Digitalisation Organisation, Power Tools division

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Equality Is Reality

s equality also your reality? In the case that it isn’t, I understand that it’s hard to believe that equality is our reality, because we have opportunities every day, through the media or social networks, to witness different cases of gender inequality. Every working mother encounters a large number of challenges and pressures on a daily basis, the overcoming of which mean her personal and professional success. The basic cause of all inequality, including gender-based, is unconscious prejudice (bias). The most common prejudice faced by young mothers when returning from maternity leave is the belief that they will not demonstrate the same level of productivity and efficiency as they did prior to realising herself in this wonderful role. Here employers have a key role to play in eliminating such prejudices and providing support. Diversity is part of our corporate strategy at Bosch and, more importantly, it is an active part of our daily work, and us employees feel that. Diversity and inclusion can be observed at multiple levels and, apart from gender equality, we also focus on age, international and diversity of the working environment. As the leader of an IT department that has more than 100 members, I also have a responsibility to apply this approach within my team, to create a culture of compassion and empowerment, to accept different perspectives and ensure the inclusion of all team members. I note with pride that our team has an equal number of male and female colleagues, and not only among team members, but also in leadership positions. Likewise, a fifth of the members of our department are aged under 25 and we have a great responsibility to be good mentors to them, but also an opportunity to learn from them. If you want equality in your workplace, you have the right to demand the respect you deserve and to act as if inequality doesn’t even exist, to practise the mindset that equality is reality.

IVANA NESTOROVIĆ, Product Testing Department Manager

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Mutual Respect And Support

ngineers ordinarily usually become engineers because they like to make something, to construct and see a finished product as the result of their work. I have the satisfaction of seeing an entire manufacturing plant as the result of my work – the main and the largest Bosch plant for the production of windscreen wiper systems in Europe, located in Šimanovci. The initial team of around ten of us from Serbia, but also more experienced colleagues from Spain and Germany were scattered around Bosch’s European locations in order to gain our first experiences with Bosch and, more importantly, to acquire knowledge that we can transfer and implement in our own country. It isn’t difficult to achieve success with a good team striving toward a common goal, and the result is evident: from the ten or so of us to a plant that employs approximately 2,000 people; today we deliver our “Made in Serbia” products to all major car manufacturers worldwide (BMW, Audi, JLR, Audi, Stellantis, VW, Aston Martin, Ford, Dacia etc.). I often mention to my younger colleagues that I very much appreciate that the quality and content of my job at Bosch in Serbia, is the same as it would have been if I’d stayed to work in Michigan, U.S.A. The work in an international team, with mutual respect and support, in a technology-orientated company with a focus on quality – those are the key ingredients of our recipe for success.

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Business

DR NATAŠA MRATINKOVIĆ, MND Dental

A Smile Reflects One’s Personality

Photo: Andreja Damjanović; Make up: Nataša Brašanac

Thanks to the fact that Dr Nataša Mratinković always strives to keep pace with the times and new trends in dentistry, MND dental is the county’s first specialist practice for Invisalign therapy, one of the most relevant contemporary therapies for correcting adults’ teeth with opportunities to learn, improve and advance, both for me personally, for the practice and for all those who have been or remain part of the practice. We always try to keep pace with the times and new trends in dentistry, so we’ve often been the first to bring cutting-edge therapies to Serbia from around the world. That is certainly something that gives me an infinite sense of pride. So, for me, this path looks like an eternal quest for more innovative and better treatments that help patients acquire the smile they’ve always wanted.

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y female and professional inquisitiveness is the biggest “culprit” for my insatiable desire to seek out new therapies and solutions. I’m happy that I’m able to share this curiosity of mine, but also the knowledge and skills that it has brought me, with my colleagues through education - notes a proud Dr Mratinković.

The MND Dental specialist practice has entered its second decade of operations under its current name. How would you describe the path you’ve traversed to date?

Challenging? Inspirational?

I’m very proud of the tradition and durability of our practice. This path has certainly been challenging, initially difficult, but also filled 36

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You have more than 2,000 regular patients who place their trust in you over and over again. How did you “bind” them to you? It was certainly through more than mere technical proficiency...

I don’t think technical proficiency is something that should be overlooked, while it is certainly implied, but there are naturally other factors that patients consider when choosing which dentist to trust. First and foremost, we strive to ensure our patients feel comfortable while at the practice. It is very important for us to devoted ourselves to each patient and to listen to them.

We also strive to always provide our patients with innovative services and to monitor global trends. This is something that our patients really know how to recognise and appreciate.

Each patient represents a new challenge for us, which we approach with excitement.

At your dental practice, the term

“Hollywood smile” means – apart from beautiful and healthy teeth – retaining the client’s individuality. Do you think that’s important?

Of course! An aesthetically perfect smile doesn’t necessarily mean the same for everyone. As I’ve stated, we care about listening to each patient and finding the right route to their desired smile. We insist on dental health and oral hygiene, because that forms the basis of a beautiful and healthy smile. When a person has the kind of smile that they want, there is an immediate change for the better when it comes to self-confidence. A smile is what people often first notice about us, which is why it should reflect our personality. Each of us is different, and thus it is unrealistic to expect everyone to have the same perfect smile.

Indeed, we see beauty as being in diversity.

It is believed that, when it comes to teeth, men will prioritise health and functionality while women will place an emphasis on the aesthetic element.

Is that a correct assumption?

Health, functionality and aesthetics are almost impossible to separate. Functionality is extremely important and is a major problem when neglected for the sake of aesthetics. It is true that this element is very important for women, but experience has shown that men are also very concerned about the appearance of their smile. Quite

simply, teeth are an extremely visible part of our face or body. It is precisely for this reason that we constantly consider health and functionality when seeking a solution for a patient who has come to us due to an aesthetic problem. Thus, when it comes to teeth, all three aspects are universally important, and that’s something that the majority of patients intuitively understand and accept.

Your practice employs women exclusively. Is that by design or coincidence?

Apart from myself, three doctors, a dental nurse and a desk manager currently work at the practice. I’m very proud of our small but select team. The fact that we are an all-woman team allows us to understand each other with ease, which is extremely important for any job. These are really very talented, diligent and ambitious young women. For me, it has always been important that my colleagues and I share and strive to implement the same vision. I wouldn’t say it was a coincidence that precisely these five ladies earned my trust. Although I’ve had both male and female colleagues, women have always been closer to me and I’ve found it easier to establish trust and

good communication with them. They are devoted and nothing can stop or distract them when they have a goal that they’re striving to realise.

Is it that famous female inquisitiveness that has led you to constantly research and improve your skills? Given that you are also engaged in education, we can’t avoid also asking you about the latest trends...

My female and professional inquisitiveness is certainly the biggest “culprit” for my insatiable desire to seek out new therapies and solutions. I’m happy that I’m able to share this curiosity of mine, but also the knowledge and skills that it has brought me, with my colleagues through education.

As for trends, when it comes to straightening/ correcting teeth, there are treatments like the Myobrace System and Invisalign. These are both solutions that don’t use metal braces, which ensures that they are more comfortable to wear, while this fact doesn’t have a detrimental effect on their efficiency.

The Myobrace System is applied to children, and it is sufficient to wear the device for just an hour or two during the

day and overnight, in combination with daily exercises, for the teeth to be straightened. This system is great for children because it fixes their bad oral hygiene habits, which are a common cause of dental problems. Additionally, children also find

Photo: Andreja Damjanović; Make up: Nataša Brašanac

Dentistry is constantly advancing, turning towards a minimally invasive approach to treatment, digitalisation, new technologies etc. And this is not the future for you, but rather part of your daily work already?

We are the first specialist practice for Invisalign teeth correction treatment. This is a very well-known therapy around the world that’s now also one of the most relevant contemporary treatments in our country for correcting adults’ teeth. This treatment involves the wearing of clear aligners that are tailored to each patient with the help of 3D technology. Likewise, with the help of ClinCheck® software technology, the patient can also see how the treatment plan will unfold, as well as the end result. Invisalign is the world’s first treatment of its kinds and I’m happy to have succeeded in making it available to my patients in Serbia, while at the same time realising a dream from my student days. New technologies and treatments enable our patients to achieve their desired results easier and faster.

Although I’ve had both male and female colleagues, women have always been closer to me and I’ve found it easier to establish trust and good communication with them this treatment very interesting because it includes an application that is educational for both children and their parents.

The Invisalign technique, on the other hand, is intended for grownups and young adults and represents the most relevant and technologically advanced treatment for correcting teeth. Thus, new trends in dentistry strive towards combining effectiveness with the most pleasant experience for the patient.

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Business

Happy Children

Become Happy Adults TATJANA RACKOV SINADINOVIĆ, Manager and Owner of Happy Kids Preschool With 10 facilities and around 800 children enrolled on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, HAPPY KIDS preschool has been operating for more than 15 years, has won more than 20 national and international awards, and is known as an economic leader in the field of private preschool institutions

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n order for the largest possible number of children to receive a high-quality education and the possibility of a happy and healthy upbringing, HAPPY KIDS has prepared a gift campaign for the end of 2021 and the first months of 2022 that’s intended for the parents of all children who aren’t entitled to subsidised tuition.

Happy Kids is ranked number according to quality of work, number of facilities, number of enrolled children, cost of tuition fees etc. Are there other preschool institutions that manage to emulate the high standards that you’ve set?

The preschool institution HAPPY KIDS has been operating on the territory of the Republic of Serbia for more than 15 years. We

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have 10 facilities and around 800 enrolled children, which makes us the economic leader in the field of private preschools. HAPPY KIDS offers a rich and recognisable range of basic and additional services, which are

HAPPY KIDS offers a rich and recognisable range of basic and additional services, which are unrivalled according to quality of content, organisation and price unrivalled according to quality of content, organisation and price. Our premises are tailored and equipped superbly, harmonised

with the prescribed working standards. We are the recipients of over 20 national and international awards – in recognition of the special achievements of our children, personnel or institutions as a whole.

The doctrine of the work of the HAPPY KIDS Preschool Institution is being upgraded constantly, in accordance with the development trends of society and preschool education as a whole. The standards that we’ve set can be imitated by others, but not attained.

Your preschool facilities aren’t merely places for providing childcare, but rather oases of a happy upbringing, where children get acquainted with the world, acquire healthy habits, adopt true life values, learn new skills etc. Are these future successful people?

The values of our work are: love, expertise, responsibility, creativity, excellence and ambition. Our mission is to use love, knowhow and devotion to create a better world.

According to our vision, the happy children

of the present are the successful people of the future. We believe that the children of the HAPPY KIDS Preschool are the future leaders of this society, great and recognised minds, forgers of a better living environment and creators of a more beautiful and easier life for people in the future.

At HAPPY KIDS preschool, Children have all the conditions required to develop their natural potential to the maximum and to become happy, self-actualised and successful people.

Everyone can be kind, but not everyone can be filled with love, which children are well aware of and can feel. Is that one of your criteria when it comes to choosing personnel who will work with children?

All employees are carefully selected, on the basis of their psychophysical abilities, qualifications and experience. We love our employees, care for them and show respect for their wishes and needs, and that’s something they are aware of and that ensures they feel both acknowledged and respected.

Our employees respect and support the company that employs them. They love their job and do it from the heart and “as though for self”. People who work with youngsters are aware of the role they play in forming the personality of each child, which is why their relationship towards the children is devoted, responsible and filled with love.

How is it possible that you succeed in helping every single child develop their potential and talent despite having such a large number of facilities and children under your care?

At HAPPY KIDS preschool institutions, we work with children in small age-based/ pedagogical groups. Each child is monitored on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.

We cultivate an open model of engagement and intensive individual cooperation with the families of children. Our facilities are equipped for 24-hour online video monitoring, which families can access constantly. This engages parents in the educational process actively.

When a child is placed at the centre of interest of both their family and the educational institution they attend, it is simple and easy to recognise that child’s personal potential and talent, as well as their support needs.

You are aware that people entrust their greatest treasure to you. How do you gain their trust?

Trust is gained through honest relations towards the children and their parents, dedicated and selfless commitment, and engaging with the aim of ensuring the children’s well-being.

Health and safety are always your top priority, and that’s especially so now. How are you handling the pandemic? Has it caused a slowdown in your plans to open new institutions throughout Serbia and around the region?

At HAPPY KIDS preschools we collaborate intensively with the Institute for Health Protection and adhere to all prescribed preventative hygiene and sanitation measures. As such, the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus doesn’t threaten the flow of our education work with children.

However, as a socioeconomic phenomenon, the pandemic has caused major disruptions to our business plans and slowed down the very development of the business, as well as the process of expanding institutions.

Despite a challenging economic situation, you endeavour to help your pupils and their parents by providing benefits, promotions, discounts, subsidised tuition fees etc. Do you have any special offers in the works?

Flexible working hours that are harmonised with the needs of families, as well as full- or half-day childminding services during weekends, public holidays and multi-day parental absences, represent our exclusive service.

During November and December, we’ve had a special offer for all children who aren’t entitled to subsidised tuition fees. We will also continue this gift campaign during

Full-or half-day childminding, during weekends, public holidays and multi-day parental absences, represents our exclusive service the first few months of 2022, with the aim of providing the largest possible number of children with a high-quality education and the possibility of a happy and healthy upbringing at our institution.

In 2022 and the following years, our wish is to continue shining and to continue being surrounded by people with whom that shine is even brighter and more beautiful.

We want to dream, to imagine, to set new goals and shift boundaries. Our knowhow represents a value, an investment and a passport to the future. Our wisdom and experience are our wings, which is why we want to always fly higher than others!

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Business

Gorda’s Strengths:

Love, Heritage And Tradition TIJANA ŠKORIĆ TOMIĆ, co-founder and CEO, Veljko i sinovi

Company Veljko i sinovi [Veljko & Sons] is headed

by Tijana Škorić Tomić, the creator of the concept of “Gorda”, one of the best-selling Serbian rakija brandies. This spirit with the fineness of cognac was initially produced exclusively from plums, while today its range is complemented by “Gorda dunja” [quince] and “Gorda kajsija” [apricot]

we had within our family. From today’s perspective, those are beautiful memories that have shaped both me and “Gorda”.

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he most important struggle of Veljko i sinovi is to turn Serbia’s fruit rakijas into a recognisable brand.

They require global market visibility and recognition that would consequently lead to increased exports, which provide an extremely important source of funding for further growth and development.

Despite the name of the company, Veljko & Sons is actually run by dau40

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ghters instead of sons. There’s surely a beautiful family story hidden behind that fact...

You will certainly have noticed that daughters are referred to as “sons” in Serbia. My mother would also often call me that. The three of us transfused the great sorrow caused by my father’s death into the founding of the company Veljko i sinovi. We wanted the name to serve as a reminder of all the bitter quarrels that

Men like good spirits and cigars, while women like everything that resembles a ritual, has satisfying aesthetics and, of course, is backed by implicit quality Love, heritage and tradition...

Those are the most precious factors to you?

Love, heritage and tradition were the key motivational factors prompting the

creation of “Gorda”, and they represent its strengths. It might sound like a cliché, but the most precious thing for us is the satisfaction of our customers and the loyalty they’ve shown to “Gorda”.

Their trust has had infinite meaning, because without it there would be no “Gorda”. You know that there are many high-quality products, but there aren’t many that endure for a long time and traverse different generations. At our company we are very proud of that.

Rakija is considered a man’s drink in our country, while producing rakija is men’s work. The awards that you receive show that this second statement is incorrect, while the first one is also debatable, right?

Men have certainly been, and will continue to be, the primary consumers of alcoholic spirits. This is shown by all research and confirmed by experience.

Despite the fact that there are always oscillations in consumption levels, I don’t expect any significant change in the future. Men like good spirits and cigars, while women like everything that resembles a ritual, has satisfying aesthetics and, of course, is backed by implicit quality. This difference drives new ideas and products for us in the future.

“Gorda” is your brand of top rakijas that are produced from pure fruit and are also sold and consumed beyond the borders of Serbia.

What makes them so special?

One very important part of the process is the harvest itself, i.e., the picking of the fruit. Specifically, “Gorda” is a single variety rakija that’s produced from the Čačanska rodna variety of plum. These plums mustn’t be harvested, but rather screened by hand in orchards to ensure they meet the technological standards set. The plums partly come from our own orchards, and partly from suppliers with whom we’ve realised long-term cooperation, due to the expansion of production. Their quality is controlled by our agronomists, while the fruit is additionally checked upon arrival at the distillery, after which the process of

Corporate experience is essential and important, but it has an expiry date for those who desire development, responsibility and challenges preparing them for fermentation begins.

Once this process is complete, the distillate is left to age in oak barrels, which gradually give the rakija that silky, cognac-like note. The barrels for aging rakija are made from a single type of oak that is specially prepared for us. It is known that each different type of oak leads to a different process of enriching the spirit with tannins and a different process of oxygenation, thus giving different organoleptic properties to the actual rakija. The final stage in the process is the blending of distillates of varying age structures that are already in the cellar.

This unbelievably unique and creative process is the responsibility of the chief technologist, i.e., our master blender.

Prior to dedicating yourself to the production of rakija, you had forged a successful career for yourself at a large international company. What compelled you to abandon that security and excellent earnings?

Earnings are a relative thing for each of us, given that it’s been proven that monetary incentives aren’t the most effective motivational mechanism. It is absolutely vital, but very short-lived.

Working in a corporate environment is a valuable experience, but limits arise when you reach the point at which you can no longer develop or no longer have decision-making freedom. In other words, a corporation is dangerous in terms of getting “stuck” as a mid-level staff member or an employee who represents part of the management structure but isn’t among the essential decision makers.

Based on my experience to date, I consider that corporations create mediocrity among workers (though there are always remarkable and professional exceptions) and don’t provide the security you mentioned in the question, and all of that is the worst in cases where the ownership and management have not been separated on time. Corporate experience is essential and important, but it has an expiry date for those who desire development, responsibility and challenges.

Which aspects of your “former” corporate life proved useful when it came to running your company?

Is it difficult to be a woman entrepreneur in Serbia?

A sense of belonging to the company, team motivation, speed of decision making, credibility and transparency in relations are essential for a successful business. However, it is equally important to have high-quality, focused and timely communication, both within the company and externally.

Remaining afloat in entrepreneurial waters is equally difficult whether you’re a man or a woman. We are struggling for a better industrial framework, easier conditions for doing business, reduced costs, fair competition, control of the grey market etc.

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Business

ZORICA POPOVIĆ, Elixir Group General Manager

No Secrets To Success Elixir is a leader in Southeast Europe’s chemical industry, which has two complexes – in Šabac and Prahovo – and is one of only six European producers of phosphoric acid. Approximately 70% of its total production is sold in more than 70 countries

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he circular economy is our future and represents a key segment of sustainable development. We don’t only develop our core business in this way, but also contribute to the shared further progress of the communities in which we operate, as well as the economies of our country and the region, notes Elixir Group General Manager Zorica Popović.

You are one of the few women to head a large domestic company, and a special curiosity is represented by the fact that the company in question is engaged in the chemical industry and agribusiness.

How difficult is it to lead such a large and complex system?

The business vision is the foundation, and it is in accordance with that vision that we set goals and create and build a team of people who share the same values. When that is the case, no question is raised over whether something is difficult, rather challenges are overcome through serious and dedicated work, synergy among employees and cooperation with the community in which we create. It is on the basis of the conviction 42

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that people are our greatest strength that we realise our vision to “create a heritage through sustainable development, to the benefit of the community.”

Our strategic priorities are innovation, development and operational excellence.

This means planning responsibly and developing continuously, with the implementation of the best available technologies and business models that contribute to sustainable development, such as the circular economy, green and/or CO2 neutral products, which are very relevant strategic topics in the scope of the EU Green Deal and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

We are developing the strategically important Prahovo Industrial and Chemical

Elixir has more than 1,600 employees today, with production levels exceeding a million tons at two locations and products sold on all continents Park project with a view to the examples of similar parks around the world, thereby contributing to economic growth and the rational use of resources.

You export mineral fertilisers to more than 70 countries around the world. Are you satisfied?

Having a presence on the global market requires responsibility, the applying of cutting-edge technologies and the continuous improving of knowhow. Since the 2012 privatisations of the chemical complexes in Prahovo and Šabac, Elixir has invested more than 180 million euros in capacity building, technology and

environmental protection, while we plan to invest more than 250 million euros in further development over the coming years.

We are satisfied with the successes achieved, which have created new development potentials. Our engineering teams work continuously on new projects and developing the product portfolio. A priority is projects for increasing the capacity to produce phosphoric acid, with more phosphoric acid purification phases to achieve a quality that has applications in various industries.

In parallel and in synergy with production processes, we are developing multiple circular economy projects (waste to chemicals, waste to energy) and planning very significant investments in that area.

The company was founded by your brother, Stanko Popović, while your sister, Slavica Brkić, works as sales director and there are other family members in the company. Is that one of the secrets of your success?

I believe that there are no secrets to success, except knowhow and responsible, dedicated work. Elixir has more than 1,600 employees today, with production levels exceeding a million tons at two locations and products sold on all continents. This is only possible thanks to the exceptional team of experts and dedicated people, professionals who overcome numerous and varying challenges. Family members are part of this team, but the whole of Elixir is actually one broad family, because we share concerns, hold the same values, build trust and together follow the same vision. We are in tune with one another, have worked together for a long time and mutually respect and support one another.

“Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady

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Business

The policy of Steel Impex is the maximum utilization of collected waste, so-called zero waste.

This is not a distant vision for this reputable company, but strict design and management of treatment processes – in other words reality

MAJA ŽIVKOVIĆ, General Manager, Steel Impex Ltd.

Steel Impex Is Run By Women their persistence and resilience, without too much attention.

Does your company feel your energy at work and a woman’s practicality in finding the best solutions?

Women have qualities that have a positive effect on business, including our Maja Muškinja, who balances between sales,

Our Steel Impex women’s team is very well organised, loyal and, above all, determined to finish the job successfully

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e have recognised renewable energy sources as a good potential for the future of business. That is why it was decided to satisfy our entire electricity needs through solar energy and contribute to protecting the environment in yet another way. We hope to complete this project in January 2022.

establish a recycling system that shares the responsibility between all participants, from producers, operators who perform sorting, transport and recycling, and operators who perform final disposal. Waste has a negative impact on the environment if it is not managed wisely, and on the other hand it is an immense resource.

For Serbia, waste is a project in development, with huge potentials that are not yet used. How to change that?

The Republic of Serbia is one of the countries in Europe that does not yet have an effective waste management system. The problem is not only laws and bylaws, but also the situation on the ground, which begins with inadequate primary sorting. Amendments to laws and bylaws are currently being made through joint work between the state and NALED, but with cooperation from operators and companies. The goal is to

There are not many women in your business. How do your colleagues, suppliers, local and foreign partners see you?

For many years, women have had success in the business world, also in the recycling industry. Strength and perseverance make us unique, but despite our dedicated work and exceptional results, we have not yet received the place we deserve in society.

However, unlike many companies operating in Serbia, the management of Steel Impex is mostly made up of women who overcome challenges and prejudices with

Empowered Women 2021

logistics and the environmental sector. Our women’s team is very well organised, loyal and, above all, determined to finish the job successfully. There is no problem-free work, and when a problem arises, I have full confidence in the abilities and decisions of the team I work with, so with cooperation, problems are easier to overcome.

Is this the right time to promote the sorting of household waste and environmental knowledge?

Our goal is to contribute together with suppliers and business partners to the goals of the Republic of Serbia, which has committed itself to reducing gas emissions by 33.3% by 2030. It is always a good time to spread knowledge about the environment and the circular economy. Besides a project for the transition to renewable energy sources, Steel Impex participated less than a month ago in an international project to promote the sorting of primary waste in households in Kraljevo. The project was carried out by high school students who educated their peers and family members with the knowhow of our staff.

Swiss-Serbian E2E Project Deploys Gender Intervention Strategy Empowering young women at the very beginning of their careers and providing them with adequate support in choosing the right career path is one of the priorities of the “Education to Employment” (E2E) project, an eight-year partnership project of the governments of Switzerland and Serbia that’s designed to create preconditions for faster youth employment

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acing various stereotypes and socially-imposed choices, girls most often choose occupations that are exclusively in the domain of “womanish”.

That also applies to young men, who are usually seen as being appropriate for some “hard-working, male-dominated” jobs.

In order to avoid such conventoinalised and ingrained career decisions, the E2E project is making various interventions.

The main E2E activities within the gender intervention strategy include: • Providing tailor-made and gender-orientated career guidance and counselling activities; • Facilitating work-based learning programmes (non-formal training organised within companies); • Promoting gender-related success stories and activities through different forms: social media posts, various videos and brochures.

Through tailored career guidance and counselling measures, trained career practitioners within the E2E project are organising group thematic career workshops with a special focus on gender issues, or how gender stereotypes influence the career

decisions of young girls and boys and how these young people can reflect and overcome those gender stereotypes. Furthermore, career practitioners organise real-world encounters in which one person presents and speaks about their occupation: how they succeeded in an occupation traditionally dominated by the other gender, what gender-related obstacles they encountered and what practical advice they would offer to overcome such obstacles. The aim is to increase self-esteem and self-efficiency among young people, especially young women and young girls, who mostly face various gender stereotypes in their career planning and when making career decisions.

On the other side, the E2E local partners on the ground, supporting companies in the organising of work-based learning programmes (WBL), aim to create equal access to those programmes for both male and female participants, in order to promote particular WBL models in a way that renders them open to all. Although some occupations are male-dominated or vice versa, the training programme

The aim is to increase selfesteem and self-efficiency among young people, especially young women and young girls, who mostly face various gender stereotypes in their career planning and when making career decisions should be presented in a way that makes it open and attractive to both male and female participants. E2E local partners are using gender-sensitive language and terms, images, creating and defining equal criteria during the trainee selection process, working with employers and in-company

Business

REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE NIRAS - IP CONSULT GMBH

mentors, and presenting the benefits of having female/male trainees.

During the implementation of WBL programmes, we have seen a few positive examples of female trainees in male dominated occupations/male trainees in female-dominated occupations, such as Marija Nikolić - the first E2E female WBL mentor in welding. She has received only words of praise from her young trainees, who emphasise that she is the one who teaches them the most.

“In the beginning, the trainees were kind of ‘amazed’ to see that training for welders is conducted by a woman, considering that they believed it’s a ‘man’s job’.

“To be honest, even when I started to work on this job, everybody found me ‘intriguing’. I believe that they were sceptical about me knowing how to do it, until they saw for themselves that I do know. All in all, I adore what I do and I love my co-workers, who are always here to help me. I simply love my job,” says Marija.

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Interview

The Swinging Of The

Equality Pendulum

WE ARE OBLIGED, AS A SOCIETY, TO PROVIDE A BETTER LIFE FOR WOMEN BRANKICA JANKOVIĆ, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality The consistent application of laws, strengthening local capacities, work on shifting awareness of approaching the problems faced by women – these are all important steps towards changing the cultural code that creates gender stereotypes and pushes women towards inequality

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espite great efforts and numerous strides having been made, women continue to be presented as housewives responsible for raising children, while men are presented as successful businesspeople, athletes and car owners. These rigid models of patriarchy, which are deeply rooted and which so-called “guardians of tradition” want to preserve at all costs, unfortunately received a “tailwind” during the pandemic. We spoke with Commissioner for the Protection of

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Equality Brankica Janković about how to re-enter the enduring struggle for women’s rights with fresh energy.

“The pandemic that first confronted us almost two years ago has brought major and numerous changes in almost all segments of life – the way we work has changed, the way children are educated and go to school has changed, our social habits have changed and all of that together has impacted on the society as a whole,” says Janković. “Though

on women significantly more, because women have carried, and continue to carry, the heaviest burden of the health crisis. According to the statistics, this is the situation in as many as two-thirds of cases, and gender inequality has become more evident on both work and personal fronts – women, like men, worked from home, but alongside that they were also much more often in charge of their children’s online schooling and homework.

That pressure was too much for many women to bear.”

On the other hand, notes our interlocutor, women whose professions were particularly important during the crisis – nurses, doctors, shopkeepers, teachers and caregivers – also paid the high price of the pandemic. “Nor should we forget about women who fall victim to violence, single mothers, women with disabilities, Roma women, and those working in the grey zone who were left jobless.”

Work from home is still an actual trend, and it has been a particular cause of controversy because it led to

INJUSTICE

POTENTIAL

IMBALANCE

I concur on the necessity to legally regulate the work of women in the domain of cleaning and care for children and the elderly, but it is still difficult to understand why this gruelling work, which is mostly done by women, pays so little

I think we’ve started to realise all the things we can gain if we offer older women a chance to be useful members of society

The crisis mobilised women to provide and contribute much more, thus additionally burdening them, so the pendulum of gender equality shifted, in relative terms, to the detriment of women

an increase in the amount of unpaid work among women who have found themselves in a situation where they are taking care of both children and the sick, and taking care to keep their jobs. How much, if at all, were public policies sensitive to such situations?

This year [2021], the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, with the support of the European Union – within the scope of the WoBaCa project – and together with the Estonian Commissioner and the City of Heidelberg, conducted a survey entitled “Gender Equality and Work-Life Balance”, and the very first question posed to respondents who have children showed how much striking a balance is a more difficult and sensitive issue in the case of women.

The majority of women, as many as 82% of those surveyed, said that they exercised their right to take leave from work in order to care of their children, while only 14% of surveyed men exercised that same right.

Women also still generally spend much more time caring for their children than men (e.g., 33% women from 10-30 hours per week; 47% men up to 10 hours per week). However, the picture is nonetheless changing, and that is demonstrated by the examples of Belgrade and Western Serbia.

Men in Belgrade engage in housework and childcare much more than in any other region of Serbia, while the importance of intergenerational solidarity is evident in western parts of our country, where parents receive much more support in raising children from their extended family than is the case elsewhere in Serbia.

We received the long-anticipated Law on Gender Equality in the past year. Looking at that legislation now, at a distance of half a year since its adoption, how would you rate it?

It’s too early to assess the effects of implementing the Law on Gender Equality, because Serbia has already taken great

strides in this area, thanks primarily to the implementing of the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination and the great involvement of the Commissioner. It is important for the adoption of the law to be accompanied by engagement on the ground, and it is essential for there to be systemic and continuous support that will encourage women to exercise all the rights that they have. No law will eliminate or

Citizens with disabilities, women, members of the Roma national minority, the elderly and youngsters often complain to us about the conceited or unacceptable behaviour that they face. That’s why I fear that tolerance will become an obsolete word with a meaning that few will remember reduce gender inequality on its own. These problems have their roots in stereotypes and prejudices that have been fostered over decades and are extremely widespread in all spheres of society.

One of the topics it addresses is the unpaid work of women. Does the existing Draft Law on Work Engagement due to Increased Workload properly address yet another neglected area of work that is mostly done by women?

The existing Draft Law on Work Engagement due to Increased Workload has been the target of numerous critics from the non-governmental sector. One of the criticisms refers to the fact that reviewing the jobs covered by this draft law reveals that they are the lowest paid jobs and that they are mostly performed by women. This is primarily a reference to jobs in the areas of hospitality and tourism, home help jobs

and cleaning residential buildings. The current draft regulates, to an extent, work in these areas that had previously been known largely as “undeclared work”, but the mechanisms of legal protection are much weaker than those achieved by permanent workers, which is later reflected in the position of women in their later years – in terms of pension level etc.

You’ve also been focusing on the rights of older women for a long time.

Why did we need so long to take notice of them?

The institution that I head has spent many years pointing out that elderly citizens are not, and must not be treated as, an obligation, a burden and an expense of society. We have devoted an entire Special Report on Discrimination to the elderly, precisely in order for us to define their most pressing problems and propose solutions.

Of course, older women are in a particularly sensitive position, as they are more exposed to violence – physical, financial, sexual, neglect, because they often find themselves on the margins, forgotten and alone, not knowing what rights they have and how to exercise them. And they could be something completely different, as they show us ever-more clearly: counsellors to younger women just starting out in their careers or creating families; they could be volunteers in associations and thus continue contributing to society; they have a lot of knowledge and continue to create new values. That’s why older women are an advantage for a society and that’s why society must venerate them, providing them with a dignified life, alongside full respect for their rights.

We have yet to receive a new strategy on the elderly. Is the fact that we’ve spent six years waiting for a new strategic framework a sign that this section of the population is being disregarded?

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of measures and activities. Thus, the strategic framework is important because it represents a kind of guideline for the implementing of essential activities in the solving of problems, but that doesn’t mean that we should sit around and wait if a strategy doesn’t exist or has expired.

You have stated yourself that citizens very often turn to you due

The failure to adopt a strategy isn’t a sign that the elderly are being neglected, but the strategy should be adopted because it monitors the very complex conditions of the demographic and socioeconomic framework of old age and aging, which we - as an institution - constantly highlight through recommendations. The demographic dynamics are so complex that I understand the fears of the authorities engaged in the process of drafting this document. Serbia shares the fate of Europe, where one in every five citizens is over 65. The Republic of Serbia also shares the fate of Europe and the world – our country is home to around 1.4 million people aged over 65.

Ever-more people are aged over 80; there are almost twice as many elderly women, but there are also 180,000 more women in the total population; a depopulation trend is particularly pronounced in rural areas.

The mentioned data say enough about the challenges of aging and the essential need for effective action from all competent stakeholders in society. This certainly also implies the adoption of a new strategy, because the old one expired in 2015. In that context, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality sees its role not only as an observer of the situation, but rather as a proactive and credible partner of all state bodies and civil society organisations, which is why we compiled the Special Report on Discrimination against the Elderly.

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I’ve just been convinced of how important this topic is at the global level through my participation in the Ministerial Conference on Demographic Resilience “Shaping Europe’s Demographic Future, Pathways for Societies to Thrive in a World of Rapid Demographic Change”, which was held in Sofia.

On the other hand, we received a new Gender Equality Strategy and a Strategy for Combating Gender-Based Violence. To what extent can this strategic framework help us to better cope with the pains of our society and many others?

No strategy is a magic wand that will solve problems on its own, but they are important legal documents that provide guidelines for solving problems in every society, including ours. That’s why the Commissioner states in the recommendations of measures in each Regular Annual Report that it is necessary to draft new versions of strategic documents and action plans that have expired or are about to expire (such as strategies for prevention from, and protection against, discrimination, the development of social protection, the prevention and protection of children against violence, the development of adult education, corporate social responsibility, strategies for aging etc.), in order to ensure continuity in the implementation

It is easy from a “Belgrade armchair” to say your husband mustn’t beat you, you have the right to protection, your employer mustn’t fire you if you are pregnant or ask if you’re planning to have a child, but a problem arises when those words don’t correspond with their experience. You simply need to reach out to people and encourage them to believe in the system of institutional protection to all kinds of injustices, and not due to something that is defined as discrimination. How much have we progressed or regressed in terms of tolerance and respect for others during this period?

When it comes to complaints, we are still mostly addressed by citizens with disabilities, women, members of the Roma national minority, the elderly, youngsters, who often complain about the conceited or unacceptable behaviour that they face.

That’s why I fear that tolerance will become an obsolete word with a meaning that few will remember. According to psychologists, the crisis has intensified everything – it has made the good better and the bad worse. It is certain that we’ve increased our sense of solidarity and become more humane, but we are simultaneously increasingly illiberal and exclusive. Hence the impression that tolerance has regressed in society, which is by no means exclusive to Serbia.

Business

VESNA BAUR, Owner of company Basna and President of the Nadežda Petrović Business Women’s Association

Biochar, For A Healthy Environment Since its establishment back in 2010, Čačak-based enterprise Basna has been pursuing its vision of applying sustainable environmental technologies in Serbia, relying on existing resources, innovative technologies and scientific breakthroughs

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ccording to company owner Vesna Baur, relations towards employees, the environment, the community and the market represent Basna’s greatest value, as it is also reflected in its offer of innovative solutions that provide a positive contribution to combat climate change.

You deal in the production of European Certified Biochar (EBC) using pyrolysis technology, which satisfies stringent quality requirements, thanks to which it has broad applications.

What is it used for?

The EBC certificate guarantees the sustainable production of biochar. It was introduced in order to provide customers with a reliable standard of quality, while providing us manufacturers with the opportunity to demonstrate that our products satisfy well-defined, rigorous and recognised standards. Biochar is featured on the list of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) as a technology that should be incentivised in the struggle to combat global warming.

Thus, this is a product with a recognised and confirmed value that has broad applications

in agriculture, livestock farming, anaerobic digesters, construction etc.

Through the application of biochar in general, you transfer CO2 from the air in the soil where it improves soil fertility and acts as a carbon sink for centuries, For example, in agricultural application we combat one of the most difficult and severe environmental problems: the loss of humus and organic matter on arable land. Apart from increased plant yields, there are also many other positive effects, such as preventing the leaking of nitrate and pesticides into the groundwater and also saving irrigation water.

Our main focus lies on biochar as animal feed additive. Studies and our own experiments have shown that biochar absorbs a wide array of mycotoxins and pesticides from animal fodder and bacterial toxins from the animal’s stomach. And the manure will still contain the Biochar and can have positive plant growth enhancing effects.

You are known as someone who doesn’t accept anything less than the best and strives to be among the first when it comes to innovations. Can we expect something new soon?

I would firstly like to emphasise our respect for the basic postulates of corporate social responsibility. Our relations towards employees, the environment, the community, the market represent our greatest value.

In 2020, we received the Đorđe Vajfert National Award for Corporate Social Responsibility, which was awarded to us by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

This recognition also represents a promise that our daily operations will always promote true values. This also relates to our offer of innovative solutions that provide

a positive contribution to the fight against climate change. That’s something we work on continuously.

Our latest innovation is a mixture of enzymes and biochar, which increases the milk yield by three litres per cow per day.

In that way, Biochar will clearly increase the profit for the farmer, while the struggle against climate change becomes profitable.

You are also at the helm of the Nadežda Petrović Association. Is every woman a little bit Nadežda?

The Nadežda Petrović Association has existed and operated for 12 years. It comprises business women from the city of Čačak – both entrepreneurs and women in managerial positions. The association is

Biochar is a product with a recognised and confirmed value that has broad applications in agriculture, livestock farming, anaerobic digesters, construction etc. recognised as a trusted partner in the implementation of a large number of projects that are led by state institutions and NGOs and have the common goal of empowering women for a safer and fairer society.

We proudly carry the name of Nadežda Petrović – a woman who always wanted more than herself and who pursued her interests tenaciously. Her life symbolises self-initiative, courage and fearlessness.

She was a woman of exceptional energy who led the way in everything and always inspires us. Yes, we can recognise Nadežda in every woman.

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Masters Of

Cargo Transports MELITA ROZMAN DACAR, Managing Director of SŽ Cargo [SŽ-Tovorni promet], Slovenian Railways – Freight Transport SŽ Cargo is the freight transport division of the Slovenian Railways Group and one of Slovenia’s leading logistics companies. SŽ Cargo [SŽ-Tovorni promet] is certainly one of key companies in the field of transport and logistics in Central and Southeast Europe

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espite constant market changes and many challenges, SŽ Cargo enters the new year with optimism. Thanks to its professional and loyal employees, the company is able to plan its further growth for the coming years.

Could it be said that you are among the most important logistics companies simply because you connect the countries of Central Europe with those of Southeast Europe?

We offer our customers comprehensive logistic and transport services tailored to their expectations. Over recent years, we’ve been accelerating the development of markets

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across the region, where we’ve established ourselves as one of the important hauliers

I’ve been managing SŽ Cargo as its director for nine years and I know that we wouldn’t have been successful without the creating of synergies with our colleagues and business partners and initiators of cooperation on the development of new products. We offer services with our own traction in Slovenia, Austria

and Croatia, and we intend to expand to new markets very soon. Our key goal is to internationalise our operations in the key markets of Central and Southeast Europe.

We will continue offering customers new modern logistics solutions, focusing on their needs. We will connect flows of goods even more efficiently along the longest possible transport routes and redirect as much cargo as possible from roads to railways, thus taking care of the environment even in places where we aren’t yet present. We will support our development with new investments in modern vehicles.

The past two years have brought us a pandemic and major business challenges. How are you dealing with them?

European railway undertakings were already facing negative trends in the last quarter of 2019, especially in the automotive and steel industries, where we perform a lot of transport. However, many major customers significantly reduced their production levels

due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a further negative impact on our business.

We, at SŽ Cargo, immediately implemented measures to protect the health of our employees and adjusted our work processes accordingly. Additionally, we maintained constant contacts with customers and adapted to their expectations. Together with customers, we streamlined domestic transport significantly. Despite many optimisation measures and the poor situation, we managed to retain transports, which didn’t stop for a single day, even during the most critical period. We weren’t able to achieve our goals in 2020, like other railway carriers.

In 2021, however, despite the continuing pandemic and the significant intensification of competition from other carriers, we have managed to transport more cargo than we were able in the preceding year.

We can’t help but ask you how you found yourself in this job, which is traditionally considered a man’s job?

We must admit that, in the field of transport and logistics, men still dominate and there are few of us women in management positions in the logistics segment, especially in rail freight transport. You are asking about how I found myself in a world that’s traditionally not typical for women? You have to get a chance first. If I’m honest, I must admit that, in order for men to accept you in their “club”, as a woman you have to prove yourself even more, mainly through professionalism. But when they do accept you, you are respected. I have no major problems, or I’ve never had to deal with such problems, because I’ve always had the support of my closest colleagues. I’ve been growing in this company for 28 years, holding leading positions for two-thirds of that period. I have worked in several positions – from clerk to director – and thus forged a business network, both at home and particularly abroad, so we are able to successfully connect and build loyal and trustworthy cooperation. I’ve been managing SŽ Cargo as its director for nine years and I know that we wouldn’t have been successful without the creating of synergies with our colleagues and business partners. A director isn’t someone who can attribute successes or failures to themselves, rather a director

is someone who directs or leads their team towards reaching a goal that they all believe in. At SŽ Cargo, we currently have a lot of challenges when it comes to managing less experienced employees to whom we’ve given an opportunity, while we also face an increasingly competitive environment.

My mission is to involve young people and connect them with the goal of sustainable leadership. We women are able to more quickly recognise areas in which we are a slightly less successful and thus respond quicker to change. Men are more focused on achieving short-term goals. I also think that women take a slightly broader look at every matter, and view such matters over the longer term. However, we cannot be successful without each other.

Do you think that Slovenia has enough women in management positions? Are there enough female managers in the wider area?

Slovenia is one of the leading countries when it comes to gender equality. According to the report of the World Economic Forum, Slovenia ranks 7th in terms of progress in gender equality among 144 countries in the field of education, politics, economy and health. According to EU data, 42 per cent of managerial position in Slovenia were held by women in the third quarter of 2020. The European average was 34 per cent, despite women accounting for 46 per cent of all employees in the EU. Thus, at first glance, Slovenia is very successful in ensuring gender equality. However, the picture in Slovenia is different when it comes to the highest leading and supervisory positions. In 2017, women represented just over 29 per cent of the members of supervisory boards in the country, while only 21 per cent of the members of boards of directors were women. And that situation hasn’t changed significantly over the subsequent years. Unfortunately, we still face gender stereotypes in recruitment and promotion, as men continue to dominate our business culture.

You are an active member of the management board of the Female Managers’ Section. What are your mission and key areas of focus?

The Female Managers’ Section within the Managers’ Association of Slovenia connects many female managers who hold the most responsible and leading positions in Slovenian companies. In designing and implementing our activities, we have a clear goal: to increase the representation of women in leading positions in Slovenian companies to 40 per cent. Our section advocates for female management and represents the main initiator and supporter of women managers in Slovenia. It is clear that the ambition to act at the strategic level of a company and the ability to lead at the highest level do not belong exclusively to one gender, but rather depend on the abilities of individuals, regardless of gender. Therefore, the main mission of our Female Managers’ Section is, on the one hand, to build support for the business

Our strategy is to be a reliable and sustainable provider of modern and competitive services environment to increase the balance of management and, on the other hand, to advance professional development on the ground. That’s why we are constantly updating our database of professional articles, interviews and research papers that are available on our website. We are thus creating the largest knowledge base in the field of women’s management in Slovenia.

With our mentoring programme, we take care of the transferring of knowledge from more experienced managers to new leaders.

At the end of June 2021, the 6th generation of the Mentoring Network, which included 50 female managers or 25 couples, completed their mentoring stories. The association also presents the annual Artemis Award to leading female managers in Slovenia for taking on the highest management positions. We also promote the development of female managers through various projects and the organising of events. Among them, I can mention the Conference of Excellence of Managers, which is the largest professional conference on women’s management in Slovenia.

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Business

VIOLETA BELANOVIĆ KOKIR, General Manager, Sekopak

Proud Of CO2 Savings In Serbia Sekopak is a company that has already spent 15 years contributing, together with its partners and clients, to raising awareness of the importance of recycling and primary waste selection among all citizens.

Despite the difficulties, it has attained a leadership position that it carefully protects

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ekopak has more female workers than males, but all employees are there because of their competence, not their gender. I like seeing that there are ever more women holding top positions in companies and that people’s confidence in female leadership is ever-increasing - notes one of Serbia’s most successful lady directors These are turbulent times and the market is turbulent, but your company has no intention of relinquishing its leadership position. Do that give you a great sense of responsibility?

Success also brings great responsibility. We need to preserve our leadership position, and we strive to achieve that through the expanding of our network of associates, innovation, caring for our colleagues and providing support that implies not only support that’s specific to the field of packaging waste management, but rather entails looking at the bigger picture as it relates to environmental protection.

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According to the report of the Environmental Protection Agency, Sekopak recycled the greatest quantities of packaging waste over the previous year. I’m proud that Sekopak deserves the credit for more than half of all contributions to reducing CO2 emissions in Serbia, through its system of packaging waste operators. We saved the equivalent of 54,000 tons of CO2 and celebrated 15 years of successful operations at the CO2 conference held in October. We didn’t have an opportunity to gather for last year’s CO2 conference, due to the COVID situation, so this year’s celebration had a certain charm and brought together a large number of our associates.

You’ve been growing in parallel with your clients and associates for the past decade and a half, by listening to the market and adapting to the changing demands. Does this provide an explanation for the fact that you satisfy and even exceed the goals set?

The packaging waste management system in Serbia is still developing, and it is our mission to introduce innovations to that system and improve it. We succeed in that both by listening to the needs of our clients and implementing projects that aim to test the market and advance the system.

We’ve been working on two major projects during this year, each of which is innovative in its own way. Through the Management of glass packaging in the Western Balkans, we want to establish a cost-effective system for recycling glass and create a guide for local governments, in order for the towns and villages not participating in the project to also benefit.

The Recycling to Driving project involves researching the way citizens react

to a reward system related to recycling, and this experience will definitely serve both us and the state when it comes to improving the system of packaging and packaging waste management. We are preparing another project for next year that will get us ready to face the challenges of the future, but we’ll discuss that more next year.

Although Sekopak employs more women than men, you nonetheless believe that a successful team depends on all individuals, regardless of their gender.

The circular economy suggests that every link in the chain is vital, which is why it’s important to us that we and our associates do our jobs well and that everyone is able to stand behind the work they’ve done.

Through the Management of glass packaging in the Western Balkans, we want to establish a cost-effective system for recycling glass and create a guide for local governments I’m happy that we have associates that I can rely on and that I have a team that is productive and sees the bigger picture when it comes to environmental protection.

However, research shows that there is still a lack of trust in women leaders, even when it comes to developed countries. That is changing with the new generations and I hope that we’ll no longer have to fight this battle, but rather that the younger generations will be able to focus on the work and not on proving their worth.

“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” ~ Coco Chanel, Fashion designer

Business

KRUNA GAVOVIĆ, CEO at the Lean Six Sigma Company CEE and TMS CEE Marketing and Academy Manager

We Need A Work-Life Balance The Lean Six Sigma technique is today the most significant method – not only in manufacturing, but also in service organisations. When a company starts using the Lean Six Sigma approach, apart from experiencing significant economic effects, the organisation also begins to “think”

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e need huge energy to achieve balance in our life nowadays.

Employees should always be treated beyond the work environment alone, and the goal is to provide them with the opportunity to fully enjoy the most significant moments in their life, advises CEO Kruna Gavović Both small and large companies are struggling to survive in these difficult, uncertain times. What would you advise they do in order to improve their market position, reduce costs and improve quality controls?

I always recommend the use of proven methods, such as standards (ISO 9001 and other) and techniques like Lean Six Sigma.

It is important to emphasise that these

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methods should be used in an essential way - systemically bringing order and quality to our business, so we can always be competitive. To skimp the work here or go for the cheapest solution can be counterproductive. At TMS, we help clients to always be more successful.

In terms of cost cutting, Lean Six Sigma is the most significant method – not only in manufacturing, but also in service organisations. When a company starts using the Lean Six Sigma approach, in addition to significant economic effects, the organisation also begins to “think”, which is very important for the managers, who are then also relieved of a large burden of operational work.

Many companies view their employees exclusively as a human resource, and not as social creatures and emotional beings. How can that be changed? How can women be helped when it comes to more easily harmonising their work and family responsibilities?

We need huge energy to achieve balance in our life nowadays. The need for a work-life balance doesn’t only affect women, but also men. The biggest challenge for every employee is balancing their career, family, free time and social life. An imbalance may affect both the employees and the companies they work for. Unbalanced work leads to higher stress-related health problems, lower productivity and increased staff turnover.

Employees should always be treated beyond just the work environment and the goal is to provide them with the opportunity to fully enjoy the most significant moments

in their life. It is very important to work within an organisation that creates an environment that supports parents through flexible working hours, work reintegration plans after childbirth etc. The employees are crucial for work processes and long-term success of a company. The Family Friendly Enterprise (FFE) is the best-known concept for achieving a work-life balance.

You learn constantly, as someone who believes in education and lifelong learning. Do you give the same advice to your daughter: to believe in herself and work on herself?

One role in my life is eternal and essential – to be a mother. My daughter is very curios.

She likes to read books and is doing great

The Family Friendly Enterprise (FFE) is the bestknown concept to achieve a work-life balance in mathematics and art, despite only being five years old. But apart from all that, her charisma, sense of humour and persistance are her most notable qualities.

I’m not an ambitious parent. It is primarily important to me that my daughter is happy, loved and healthy. I try to teach her to maintain her sense of empathy, to rationalise her expectations, block sources of negative energy and learn how to become a good listener. I’m there to support her on the life path she chooses.

And considering her personality, I can be proud to be her mother.

CWP Is Mission-Driven

CWP is developing a portfolio of renewable energy projects, in Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine with a total capacity of 1.6 GW, including 500 MW in Serbia. The team in Belgrade is growing constantly and today consists of 23 highly educated and motivated employees who work diligently to implement projects

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erbia has yet to show that it has the capacity for more than two or three serious players, but that will also change slowly, says an expectant Maja Turković, who believes that the Law on Renewable Energy Sources will contribute to facilitating the development of wind and solar projects, as well as enabling easier financing.

You quickly went from being a group of lovers of alternative energy sources to their most successful developer in the region. As a woman in a male world, are you personally satisfied with what you’ve achieved?

I consider it obvious that women have a stronger awareness of why it’s important to preserve nature, both for us and for future generations. This is visible through politics and activism, and even in business.

Women in Serbia are very active in the field of environmental protection, and some hold important positions in institutions and private companies, but there are of course many challenges. Our company has

achieved what it has in such a short time because we are all really “mission-driven”, and that’s reflected in the motivation, ambition, enthusiasm and work of employees.

I think we’re advancing quickly because we believe that what we’re doing will be crucial for the future of the planet and Serbia, and we are not exclusively chasing profit.

Women in Serbia are very active in the field of environmental protection, and some hold important positions in institutions and private companies The development of renewable energy sources is a lengthy process and it is necessary for people and companies to know why they are getting involved in it. I’m satisfied because I think this is a business model that is complemented by a slightly more feminine sensibility.

Business

MAJA TURKOVIĆ, CWP Senior Vice President for Development in Europe

Serbia has the potential to develop more than 4 GW of green projects over the next ten years. Does the will, knowledge and determination exist to work on that, in order to realise this potential?

The will certainly exists, we increasingly encounter companies that have significant ambitions in the field of renewable energy sources. The obstacle is that it is a matter of very complex and demanding projects that also require great expertise, investments and a certain determination. You need to be persistent, to cooperate with a large number of stakeholders at the local and state level, and to employ lots of experts.

Serbia has, unfortunately, yet to show that it has the capacity for more than two or three serious players, but that will also change slowly. The Law on Renewable Energy Sources will certainly contribute to facilitating the development of wind and solar projects, as well as enabling easier financing.

CWP certainly has serious plans, so we will contribute our share to those 4 GW, in order for us all to progress as quickly as possible.

What are the chances that Serbia, along with the rest of the world, will be a “carbon free” society by 2050? What is the alternative to that?

I think it’s difficult to talk about carbon neutrality at the global level at the moment, because it’s extremely clear that different countries are advancing at different speeds.

Serbia still has much to do before we can even consider how to reach these goals for 2050.

What I find encouraging is that it seems to me that there is growing awareness among citizens on the topic of nature conservation and environmental protection, but for now I don’t see a sufficient engagement on the part of institutions. I think that the business world, in Serbia and everywhere around the world, will play a crucial role, because in the end we’re the ones who invest in projects and introduce certain changes. There is no existing alternative to a carbon free society.

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SANDRA MARINKOVIĆ, External Affairs Lead, Merck Sharp & Dohme

Women Are Born Leaders

In 2020, Bloomberg estimated that according to the Global Gender Equality Index, MSD is above the global threshold in four key areas: statistics (share of employees by gender), company policies, community engagement, and products and services.

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he pharmaceutical industry provides a good example of affirmative action based on education, talent, experience and commitment, which has resulted in a significant reduction in gender inequality in leadership positions - explains Ms Marković, whose personal example shows that things are changing.

How are you coping with the pandemic in the pharmaceutical industry and at your company MSD? At the very beginning of the pandemic, MSD responded quickly to the challenges, first by increasing production and continuously supplying all medicines needed in both intensive care units and for chronic patients. We provided assistance of almost 100,000 euros to the state and the non-governmental sector, volunteered to create a medical database, and quickly adapted to digital communication channels. The biggest support from MSD came in recent weeks when the first results and the first regulatory approvals for the early use of the first oral antiviral drug, which is expected to significantly contribute to the global end of the pandemic, were published. What is especially important for us is that Serbia is one of the first countries in Europe and the world to provide sufficient quantities of the drug Molnupiravir.

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ties for promotion are increasing.

Does this have an encouraging effect on girls of all ages?

The number of women entering the medical and health workforce around the world has increased in the last few decades. They are

Both men and women are involved in the activities of the MSD Women’s Network with the aim of empowering members to realize their potential receiving recognition for their contribution, but this comes at a price. So in the future we will have to find a way to prevent the negative effects of long working hours, increased stress and burnout on mental health, and to achieve a balance of private and work life that is particularly important in the female population.

Today, women run many pharmaceutical companies. Is this the same here in the Balkans?

Only ten years ago, the number of women in leading positions was insignificant, whereas today women lead many of the

world’s top pharmaceutical companies, both globally and in the Balkans. A 2016 study shows that women outperform men in 11 of the 12 key competencies of emotional intelligence, which may be one of the competitive advantages for women at work.

These competencies include emotional self-awareness, empathy, conflict management, adaptability and teamwork - all necessary skills for effective leadership in the workplace.

MSD shows that it cares about women. Are you proud of that?

I believe that all the staff of MSD Serbia are very proud of our corporate culture, which is characterized by innovation, support for the staff in work and development, and socially responsible awareness to positively influence the society in which we live. For the last two years I have been leading our Balkan Women’s Network, a business group in MSD that has been dealing with the topic of gender equality and women’s development in the business world for almost 30 years. Both men and women are involved in the activities of the MSD Women’s Network with the aim of empowering members to realize their potential in an environment that provides support and mentoring.

Photo: Nebojša Babić

Executive Search Firm Lands In Southeast Europe There have been many advances in professional services over the last decade in Serbia and throughout the region - not least of which has been the pronounced milestone of N2Growth finding a home in Belgrade for its Southeast European hub. This firm is recognised as representing the elite of executive search boutiques that’s consistently ranked among Forbes’ Top 15 executive search firms globally.

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eadhunters, or executive search consultants, are powerful change agents in the workforce. Their work has long surpassed the simple search and selection mission, as they have increasingly become crucial players in the organisational (re)shaping of advisory boards on key placements, and sometimes even ahead of schedule, bringing high-level prospects to clients. Executive search is a proxy for business success.

While strong business acumen, networking capacity and confidentiality are mandatory focal points for all operators in this space, one name has stood out from the crowd in the oversaturated executive recruiting market. Teodora Ćosić was named

Partner Southeast Europe at N2Growth exactly a year ago, bringing the innovative next practices of this highly competitive industry to the Balkans. Having run a successful regional boutique executive

Today, anyone working in the recruiting business can have a database of candidates and call it a network, but that’s not what it is. The ability to truly connect with professionals and nurture these connections is what separates successful headhunters from the rest search firm prior to making this switch, she was no stranger to the industry. Last year she took on a role that links executive search with leadership advisory services and developing candidates for C-level and board succession.

Being a charismatic person and a natural networker, this career calling perfectly fits Teodora’s personality. As she herself points out: “Today, anyone working in the recruiting business can have a database of candidates and call it a network, but that’s not what it is.

The ability to truly connect with professionals and nurture these connections is what separates successful headhunters from the rest.” This also reflects on her work style: “In executive search, as a special niche area of recruiting, connecting ability is additionally prominent, because there are both potential candidates and clients among the same

Business

TEODORA ĆOSIĆ, Partner Southeast Europe, N2Growth

target group. I’ve picked up many failed searches and successfully serviced clients that dropped my competitors due to negligence.”

N2Growth’s industry-leading intellectual property portfolio gives it a technological edge. Still, it’s the firm’s commitment to thought leadership and a complete innovation of traditional search practices that make it a favourite among clients.

Nowadays, ambiguity and disruption put corporate leaders in every industry to the test on a daily basis. All face the pressures of digitalisation, followed by other business transformations. Teodora focuses on those who understand how technology and other disruptors impact the business, develop a strategy and adapt it to take the organisation further. And how does she know when someone is the right fit? “Apart from a proven track record and professional background, I try to find out what truly motivates the candidate, their values and the environments they enjoy working in. I invest the time to assess their personality and how well they’ll align with the client’s culture. Apart from the interviewing process, I use state-of-the-art assessment tools to determine candidates’ competencies, personality and drives.”

In addition to the culture fit focus, N2Growth is also a devoted believer that diversity equals strength. Diversity, across areas such as gender and race, only helps produce greater diversity of thought and perspective in an organisation, impacting business outcomes positively. She concludes: “The human aspect of my work is extremely important. It’s impossible to create added value without it.”

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Business

HOMEMADE - A COMPANY LED BY WOMEN, WHOSE SWEET PRODUCTS HAVE DELIGHTED SERBIA

We Care About What We Do When it comes to work, women are recognised for their strength, consistency, compassion, communicativeness, team spirit and ability to multitask on several projects simultaneously. And these qualities can be summarised in just one word: dedication “There are many jobs in the world that don’t require you to submit your love and passion.

Making cakes isn’t one of them. With us, everything revolves around emotions, and that’s the only way for us to be different and to distinguish ourselves with our quality among a wide competition.

“The diligent hands of our employees and their limitless imagination make magic on a daily basis. It is a great responsibility, but also an incredibly nice feeling, to head such a wonderful team. I’m proud of them because they really care about what they do,” says HomeMade Director Zorica Mladenović Džodić

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omen really are dedicated to the work they do, but also to the people close to them. That makes them successful and demonstrates the love and passion they have for everything they do. They are also often characterised by perfectionism; by an urge to always do a high-quality job.

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Specifically, among the company’s total of 60 employees, as many as 51 are women!

From the owner, director and marketing manager, to confectioners and colleagues in production, HomeMade is a company that demonstrates the true female strength and entrepreneurial spirit.

That’s why dedication, love, passion and quality can be felt in the taste of every HomeMade dessert.

From enticing chocolate sticks to the magical Eight Flavours cake, from scrumptious vegan snacks to refreshing ice creams and famous original macarons, HomeMade specialities are always irresistible. Lots of time and great effort are invested in creating them, because every sweet dessert is made by hand from top quality ingredients and decorated with special care.

Nothing is left to chance, and yet so much passion is woven into their delights.

Over the 13 years of the company’s existence to date, HomeMade has grown from a small family business to become a company with

a modern production facility, a recognisable name and three retail outlets. Today, the industrious hands of the confectioners of HomeMade prepare a large number of buns, tarts and cakes of various flavours and shapes every month!

And apart from the employees of this company caring about what they do, the very customers who buy HomeMade desserts are also people who want to show that they care... about quality, about bringing someone happiness, about being original and choosing a gift that will remain remembered. That’s precisely why the HomeMade company slogan is “When you care”.

Given the significant number of women employed at HomeMade, we can note unreservedly that, by choosing HomeMade, we also demonstrate that we care about supporting women in business. There aren’t many companies in Serbia, or even around the world, that are both run by women and employ such a large percentage of women.

Many people know just how special this story really is, and they always return for those sweet HomeMade flavours.

If you haven’t done so yet, try these desserts that are made from top quality raw ingredients and according to the best recipes, and that carry within them quality, creativity, love, passion and dedication.

These are sweet treats that you’ll definitely return to once you’ve tried them, and that you’ll want to give to everyone for whom you really care.

Time Of New Records

Alongside the opening of new stores and the rearranging of existing ones, in accordance with a new, more inspiring Scandinavian concept, JYSK is also continuing to develop its digital platforms in an effort to set new records for online sales

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he pandemic brought the entire world a series of unexpected challenges that have changed the way we live today fundamentally. We have a different perspective, with a deeper appreciation for the role that the home plays in our daily lives, which has partly contributed to JYSK’s turnover growing.

You’ve just ended another great year with record-breaking results. How much of a contribution to that was provided by the pandemic, which ensured that we travelled less and turned more towards home, partly in order to work from there?

With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many people started working, exercising and socialising from home, which made it more important than ever to properly furnish, arrange and adapt our living spaces. It is a fact that many of our customers invested in arranging their homes and gardens, given that our opportunities to travel have been restricted.

And behind us is indeed a wonderful year with record-breaking results. But the situation with the pandemic is only one side of the coin.

The other, much shinier side is represented by our employees - who are continuously developing and educating themselves and advancing - the development of the range to include more sustainable components, and the great emphasis on expansion and the refurbishing of existing stores. All of this in combination creates a great formula for success that has seen us achieve on Serbian market turnover growth of 22.3%.

To what extent is JYSK’s success based on its balance between online shopping and inspirational stores?

In the 2020/21 financial year, the company once again succeeded in utilising the synergy of physical stores and strong digital platforms in order to set new records. The share of online sales has been growing over the years, and that trend only accelerated with the outbreak of the pandemic. Our JYSK.rs webshop had 16.6 million visits last year alone. However, a new format was presented to the Serbian market this year with the opening of our XL store in Novi Sad, representing a concept that differs from the regular format in terms of a larger surface area, which provides customers more inspiration and wider range of products. And as the premises spread over a greater sale area, alongside a larger space for presentation of articles, this format also provides customers with an opportunity, for the first time, to see and buy items that JYSK ordinarily sells exclusively through its webshop.

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VESNA KUKIĆ LONČARIĆ, Country Manager at JYSK for Slovenia, Croatia, BiH and Serbia

Although webshop sales are an ever growing trend, customers require expert advice prior to making some purchasing decisions, as well as to try out the products, and our competent staff are there to provide that service.

What are all the steps that JYSK has taken with the aim of achieving greater sustainability of operations?

We’ve already defined our Sustainability Strategy and implemented a lot of excellent projects. In our own operations we place a great focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing waste. We are in the process of transforming packaging to a more sustainable design. We have gradually eliminated PVC packaging and replaced it with recyclable alternatives. We’ve already spent many years working with the world’s

We recently celebrated the opening of our 3,000th store at the global level, and immediately set ourselves the new goal of opening 5,000 most credible eco-labels in an effort to ensure that the materials used to make our products are sourced responsibly.

Does your conclusion that the Serbian market has great potential mean that you are still focused on expansion nationwide?

We recently celebrated the opening of our 3,000th store at the global level, and immediately set ourselves the new goal of opening 5,000. And every country should provide its own contribution to that, including Serbia.

Our aim is to ensure an equal experience for all our customers and completely rearrange all of our stores in accordance with the new concept by 1st September 2024, and that also applies to Serbia, where we will continue our strong expansion.

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European Institute for Gender Equality 2021

Businesses Are Not G Women’s Territory – Yet The domain of political and economic power is one of the few areas in which the 2021 index of the European Institute for Gender Equality shows slow but considerable progress over time. It is becoming much more commonplace to see women in parliaments, governments and at the helm of businesses. And yet, the EU is only halfway towards achieving gender equality, and business seems to represent the toughest nut to crack by far.

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ender balance in decision-making is one of the three main pillars of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025. This strategy emphasises the importance of having women in leadership positions across political, economic and social spheres, and has an accompanying action plan that aims to make gender equality the norm at every level of decision-making.

The domain of power comprises three subdomains: the subdomain of political power relates to the representation of women and men in national parliaments, governments and regional/local assemblies; the subdomain of economic power examines the ratio between women and men on the corporate boards of the largest nationally registered companies and central banks; while the subdomain of social power includes data on decisionmakers

in research funding organisations, public broadcasters and the most popular national sports’ federations.

When it comes to political power, the most progressive EU institution in terms of gender equality at present is the European Commission, where women and men are almost on par – with 13 women (48%) and 14 men (52%). The European Parliament consists of 39% women and 61% men, which is also a positive result. However, if we observe national parliaments across the Union, we see that women account for only one in three members of EU national parliaments.

Among the most impenetrable fortresses of male dominance are corporate boardrooms: in large companies, fewer than 1 in 10 board chairs or CEOs are women, while – viewed as a whole – women account for only 30% of company leadership positions.

Even in areas where the presence of women has increased, such as research, media and sport, this increase hasn’t translated into increased influence over decision making. This was illustrated well during the pandemic. While women took on the burden of protecting the health of their families during the viral outbreak and were also among the majority of front-line first responders to the pandemic, they were barely present among pandemic emergency decision-making bodies. For instance, across 87 UN Member States, only 3.5 % of the 115 COVID-19 decision-making and expert taskforces had gender parity, while men represented the majority in 85.2% of cases.

The reasons for the systemic underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions are similar to the reasons for their underrepresentation in other areas.

Stereotypes, coupled with the heavy burden of housework and home care duties, persistently limit the active presence of women in public life, while these issues are only exacerbated by workplace discrimination and gender-based violence.

As noted above, EU institutions have increasingly turned their attention towards advancing the representation of women in political and economic decision-making.

Among the ground-breaking steps that brought this question into the limelight was the European Commission’s 2021 decision

to propose a directive to improve the gender balance among non-executive directors of listed companies, with a minimum target of 40% of the underrepresented gender, but that directive has since been blocked in the Council.

Progress on gender equality in decision-making has nevertheless been seen since 2010. The EU score for the domain of power has increased by 13.1 points, including a 1.9-point increase between 2018 and 2019 alone. And yet, the overall score of 55 points remains the lowest of all domains.

Advances towards gender balance equilibrium in the subdomain of economic decision-making – such as on the boards of the largest companies and central banks – was evident and mainly driven by binding legislative measures and other government actions in several countries, which peaked

Nationally, rapid progress on the gender balance in decisionmaking has been achieved since 2010 in France, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany and Spain, while that change has gone in the opposite direction in Czechia and Hungary between 2012 and 2016 and have since slowed noticeably.

Gender equality in political decision-making was also driven by government action. From 2010 to 2019, countries with legislative electoral quotas nearly doubled the proportion of women in parliament on average, compared with those lacking such quotas.

In areas not covered by such measures, progress was scant. Marginal progress has been achieved when it comes to the inclusion of women in decision-making processes in research, the media and sport, with the biggest gender imbalance to be found in sport, where women accounted for just 17% of the members of boards of the 10 most popular national sporting federations in 2020.

In Spain, for example, women were included in several decision-making bodies and institutions in 2019, particularly

in government units and on the boards of public broadcaster RTVE, as well the national federations of the 10 most popular sports. The Netherlands has moved closer to gender parity on the management boards of its central bank and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, while Belgium saw significant progress towards a gender balance in its central bank and government, according to the EIGE 2021 report.

The representation of women in corporate leadership is also improving, albeit slowly. In 2021, women accounted for 30% of board members of the largest publicly listed companies in EU member states. Although this figure marks an all-time high, it is still the smallest annual increase since 2010.

Legislative action in a few countries may have driven boardroom progress, but many countries need to do more to catch up with the numbers in France, where at least 40% of each gender is on the boards of the largest companies, with women holding 45% of all board seats. And France is followed closely

by Belgium, Italy and Sweden.

Overall, 23% of the largest companies in the EU have boards that include at least 40% of each gender, though nearly a fifth of these companies still have all-male boards.

In Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary more than half of the largest companies have no female board members whatsoever.

Measures for the greater inclusion of women on boards span from ‘soft’ measures that encourage companies to self-regulate and take independent action, to ‘hard’ regulatory approaches that include quotas combined with sanctions for non-compliance.

Both hard and soft measures have so far yielded the following results: Spain has equality legislation recommending a minimum of 40% of each gender on company boards, but that recommendation is not enforceable. Meanwhile, Slovenia has a legislative quota of 40% when nominating government representatives to the boards of public companies, but non-compliance is not sanctioned. Other countries in this group have opted to encourage companies to self-regulate in order to redress the boardroom gender imbalance. The remaining 11 EU member states have not initiated any substantive action.

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Feature

WHAT IS THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN SERBIAN BUSINESS?

Many Exceptional Women

Have Yet To Shine With Full Splendour

According to Statista, Serbia is currently in 21st place in terms of the proportion of women in leading positions, better than Germany but far behind the Nordic countries. Behind these differences are many similar stories about what hinders women’s progress. We spoke with presidents of the mixed chambers of commerce in Serbia, who shared their experiences.

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s early as 2019, research by IBM showed that improving the position of women in business is not a priority for companies around the world, and that the gender gap in leadership is likely to last until 2073 without suitable initiatives at corporate level. Despite this gloomy prognosis, the last 10 years have seen an increasing gender balance for women in the field of economic decision-making, but from a low basis. Unfortunately, even this modest improvement was not accompanied by equally positive changes in the gender pay gap. We took the opportunity to ask women who hold important positions in society and the business community why the gender gap is so difficult to bridge.

DORIS DANILOVIĆ, Deputy Director, German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

Mutual Support Is Extremely Important There is a growing trend in the number of women in high positions, which is an excellent sign, but it is still important to address the essential problems that are not statistics but the real situation

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s Deputy Director of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, I cooperate with many companies that have mostly foreign capital, our member companies of which there are over 370, mostly with a share of German or foreign capital. Of these companies, 70 have women as legal representatives. Compared to 10 years ago, that is a significant step forward and should encourage and motivate us. We can also mention that based on data researched by Statista, a German statistics company, Serbia is currently in 21st place in terms of the proportion of women in leading positions. In our country, the percentage is as high as 33.5%, while in Germany it is lower, 28.4%. What I can confirm from my experience is that cooperation with companies in which women are in management positions has sometimes been easier because there is a slightly greater or broader sensitivity, The “glass ceiling”, officially invisible, but attention to detail and operational flexibility. And I am glad that to my knowledge, a really existing limit for careers and even this impression is shared by most of the business world, so I cannot attribute it to women’s income in Serbia, is a legacy of a subjectivism or some kind of women’s solidarity or support. deeply traditional, patriarchal culture that We should all work together to break down the restrictions in the form of a ‘glass we are not succeeding in shifting. ceiling’, imposed prejudices, to work on support, which we need from everyone.

And when we talk about the importance of support, I cannot fail to mention another personal example, just how important mutual cooperation and support can be to us so-called “chamber women” (as we are known in the jargon), who do a very specific and complex job in our bilateral organisations. This kind of support and cooperation has also brought prosperity, generally economic, to all our organisations, and thus to their member companies. I can mention with satisfaction on behalf of all my women colleagues in other bilateral organisations that we have excellent cooperation, which we also nurture through mutual support whenever needed. It also comes from an awareness of the necessity of the same, from the sensibility of each of us individually, and certainly from understanding and seeing the bigger picture and wider goals than individual ones, in the sense of common and general prosperity.

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VERA NIKOLIĆ DIMIĆ, Executive Director, AmCham

Discrimination With A Ribbon The differences between women and men are equally present, they are just less visible and more subtly expressed, and prejudices are everywhere among us

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here are certainly shifts in gender balance, but I would say that they are still small and insufficient and that everything depends on which part of society you look at, whether it is women in companies or women who do unregistered jobs, those who work illegally and have no employment rights. There are also differences depending on whether you are in a city or a village, a type of profession, a part of Serbia. Awareness of the differences and the opportunity to put yourself in the “other person’s shoes”, in this case the other woman, is not at an appropriate level. Differences still exist, and now on a much more subtle and hidden level than before, where they were obvious in all parts of society. Prejudices still exist, and we have a long way to go, and recent decades have not been too much in our favour.

The most vulnerable are women who work in the grey economy, who are the least visible and in the most unenviable position

SANJA IVANIĆ, General Director, CCFS

Women Run Sectors With Less Power And Money In positions of power, the division of roles and men’s advantage is still very visible - this is especially expressed in the management structure of big business and among sole traders.

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omen in Serbia withdrew noticeably from the public sphere after the 1990s, and that is why today we are noticing a certain improvement in gender balance in business and politics. Progress is noticeable precisely because we are starting from such a low starting position, so the margin for progress is large. However, these “positions of power” in which we find women still apply mostly to certain sectors, such as civil society and non-governmental/non-profit organisations, and generally in sectors where there is less money and power, and which are therefore less interesting to men. There are many fewer women at the head of large companies, and even fewer as sole traders.

The reason for this is that such a role requires great commitment, and that in our society many still believe that only a woman should take care of the household, the family, everything that is part of the private sphere, while men are still completely free of such duties. That is why the task of taking care of the family and the household is a deep political and gender issue. Every kind of division of tasks and duties in the family affects the roles of women and men in the public sphere.

Gender parity in decision-making positions, in politics, and violence against women are some of the topics on which our society must work and find solutions. Nor must we forget educational policies, to increase the presence of women in fields and positions that are still considered ‘male’.

Feminism and women’s networking, the principle of solidarity and the global association of women are the key to improving our society. Very few women are present, for example, in peace processes and if women participated equally in local and global political life, this world would surely be a much better place.

The task of taking care of the family and the household is a deep political and gender issue, because it is this burden on women that hinders their careers

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Feature

MARIJA RADULOVIĆ, President of the Croatian Business Club

Fathers And Mothers Should Take Equal Care Of Their Children Last year, the Croatian Business Club encouraged the use of parental leave by fathers as a contribution to fostering gender awareness

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large body of research shows that economic dependence contributes to violence in a relationship, and that the degree of economic dependence of women on men is higher than the opposite. But civil society organisations have noticeably raised the level of awareness of gender equality in the general population: while women have been informed about the possibility of achieving economic independence, men have been taught about the benefits of living in a gender-balanced environment. These activities seem to have intensified in the last decade, which is probably one of the reasons why women have made considerable progress in economic decision-making.

At the same time, it is becoming more common in companies for women and men to be equally represented both in the staff and in top management. This should eventually lead to equal pay for the same qualifications and jobs.

The fact that we are involved in many projects that promote gender equality, such as this last year’s project to encourage the use of parental leave by fathers, shows that members of the Croatian Business Club are gender-aware.

Civil society organisations have made major contributions to promoting women’s equality and economic independence

IVA PETROVIĆ, Executive Director of the Nordic Business Alliance

We Need More Women In leadership Positions Four Nordic countries are at the very top in respecting gender equality, but more generally, the next generation of women will have to wait for gender parity for 135 years

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or the 14th time, the World Economic Forum has published the Global Gender Gap Report, and according to the report for 2021, the next generation of women will have to wait 135 years for gender parity. That is how long it will take our global civilization to see a world with equal views and opportunities.

The widest gap is still where the most important decisions are made, in politics. It is estimated that it will take women 145 years to become equal state leaders.

There is progress in the world of business, but the gap is so great that this year it is estimated at 267 years. The share of women in highly qualified professions has continued to grow, as has progress towards equal pay. On the other hand, overall income disparities are still only partially bridged, and there is a persistent shortage of women in management positions, as women hold only 27% of all managerial positions.

On the list of the most successful countries in achieving equality, as many as four Nordic countries are at the top, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

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The widest gap is still where the most important decisions are made, in politics.

It is estimated that it will take women 145 years to become equal state leaders

DANIJELA FIŠAKOV, President of the Slovenian Business Club

Equal Pay Is A Difficult Goal There is no longer any area of management in which women have not proven at least their equality with colleagues but are not paid equally for the same work. In Slovenia, this gap is about 8%

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hroughout human history, women have never been banned from working. But what they have been denied is the right to decide and the right to a reward appropriate to their work. In the last ten years, there have been an ever greater number of women in a growing number of companies and institutions whose efficiency and effectiveness exceed that of their male colleagues. The share of women employed in the world economy is estimated at over 45 percent, and managers in some multinationals occupy up to 60 percent of important positions.

There is no longer any area of leadership in which women have not proven at least their equality with their colleagues. However, despite the Treaty of Rome on equal pay for equal work, already signed in 1957, even the practice of the developed world still shows a completely different picture. There are still differences in earnings. In EU countries for example, women are paid on average 14% (20% in Austria and 8% in Slovenia) less than their male counterparts for regular work, not to mention the size of bonuses.

In the last ten years, a growing number of women who manage companies and institutions significantly surpass their male colleagues in their efficiency and effectiveness.

ALEKSANDRA PETROVIĆ, Financial Advisory Director, testifying financial expert and Leader of the SheXO initiative at Deloitte Serbia

Business

Deloitte Encourages Women’s Leadership As one of the few experienced female financial experts in international arbitrations, I observe the lack of gender diversity in the arbitration world.

Various studies show that female arbitrators or providers of expert testimony are selected to serve on arbitration panels at a rate of renumeration that is lower than that of their male counterparts. As such, the empowerment of women and advocating for gender parity in the workplace are extremely important

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e, at Deloitte, have long championed the advancement of women through different programmes focused on empowering them in the workplace. We understand that we need to support women individually. Regardless of the phase of life that they happen to be in or the goals they’ve set to achieve, we aspire to enable them to achieve their individual goals. It is also crucial to build a network of female business leaders who will enhance the capacity to play according to the same rules as male leaders. One such initiative is the SheXO Initiative, a programme consisting of various activities aimed

at advocating for women’s advancement in the workplace across the region.

It is also crucial to build a network of female business leaders who will enhance the capacity to play according to the same rules as male leaders Our objective isn’t just to empower women and advocate for gender parity in the workplace, which is implied in and of itself, but rather to building a network

and doing business, retaining talent and mirroring clients’ priorities.

Visibility in the industry is essential and involves a lot of networking, travelling, active participation in conferences and article writing. Building the eminence and reputation in business is a long and thorny road, but I strongly encourage all talented and qualified women not to shy away from this challenge. Choosing to be a woman in leadership shouldn’t mean choosing between your work and your private life, but rather a choice for yourself. And that would achieve the objective of Deloitte’s SheXo Initiative.

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History

Small Nation, Great Pride These are just a few of the women who have marked the history of Serbia over the last century.

They educated themselves, made careers and left a tremendous impact on a society whose laws and rules of behaviour were crafted by men

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hey were heroines who in wartime fought against an occupier, and in peacetime with the traditions and prejudices of their surroundings. Some of them went out into the world to study, create, celebrate, but they returned to their country to build, raise and help without asking the price. Many of them paid dearly for their choice, but today represent the great pride of a small nation, even though attitudes towards them were often a disgrace to that nation. Fortunately, the court of history has finally given them their rightful place.

In spite of their circumstances, the zeal of these women held noble and selfless sacrifice as a genuine commitment to defend all values, but most of all the value of dignity.

They did everything in their power to change reality for the better. They did this with a firm conviction and their own view of the

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world. Many of them had not even had role models of their own, but they themselves became role models for all future generations.

We cannot conceive of our historical, social and individual identity without reminding ourselves of their outsized contribution to social and cultural change.

THE FIRST WOMAN DOCTOR

DRAGA LJOČIĆ (1855–1926) was twenty-four years old when she returned from Zurich, the only city where a woman could study medicine, as the first female Serbian doctor – to be disqualified in every way in Serbia. She did not receive the same salary as a man, which did not prevent her from being a front-line doctor in every war that befell her: the Serbian-Turkish, Serbian-Bulgarian, the Balkan wars and the First World War.

MIlica Tomić

She was allowed to work only as a medical assistant in a state hospital, and was fired after ten years. She continued with private practice and successfully treated her patients.

It was only in 1919 that she received the full title of doctor, and in 1924 she acquired the right to a pension.

She was married to Raša Milošević, one of the founders of the People’s Radical Party, the first party founded in Serbia. They had a son and four daughters. In 1906, together with other prominent women in Belgrade, she founded the Serbian People’s Women’s Council, which united all the women’s associations in Serbia at the time.

THE FIRST FEMINIST

MILICA TOMIĆ (1859–1944), a fighter for women’s emancipation, was formed alongside her father Svetozar Miletić, the most

important Serbian politician in Hungary in the 19th century.

She entered politics publicly at the age of less than twenty, while her father was in prison from 1876 to 1879. She married Jakov, Jaša Tomić, a journalist, politician and writer, who was one of the most prominent Serbs in the National Assembly, which in 1918 made the decision to join Banat, Bačka and Baranja to the Kingdom of Serbia.

As an ardent supporter of women’s emancipation, Milica started a women’s magazine in Novi Sad, which was published from 1911 to 1914 and from 1918 to 1921, and at that time had a revolutionary role. Milica was the first woman to speak publicly about the unworthy position of Serbian women. She wrote and translated texts on the position of women in Europe and America and informed readers about women’s actions and progress in the field of women’s emancipation. Woman was a modern, feminist magazine, right at the beginning of the twentieth century, and clearly played an immense role.

THE FIRST FEMALE ACADEMIC

ISIDORA SEKULIĆ (1877–1958), a writer who was welcomed into the world of literature by the evil spirit of the critic Jovan Skerlić, who buried her first book

Companions, and her second, A Letter from Norway. Even more unworthily, the powerful party figure Milovan Djilas attacked her in the magazine Borba in 1952, on the occasion of her life’s work To Njegoš - a Book of Deep Devotion. After his political downfall, Djilas attempted to get in touch with Isidora, but she resolutely refused to receive him. She never forgave him or Skerlić for the evil they had done to her, to women and to writers.

It was said that she was the most literate Serbian woman since Jefimija. She was admitted to the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts as the first woman in this institution of the greatest national importance. She studied in Budapest, graduated from the Group for Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and received a doctorate in Germany. She retired as a teacher at the Second Women’s Gymnasium in Belgrade. She spoke German, English, French and Russian, and translated from Norwegian and Swedish.

A PIONEER OF WOMEN’S ARCHITECTURE

JELISAVETA NAČIĆ (1878–1955) was the first female Serbian architect to graduate in the first generation of students at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade at the age of 22. She began as a cartoonist in the Ministry of Construction, then passed

Isidora Sekulić Jeslisaveta Načić

the state exam and took work in a Belgrade municipality as the only woman. Among her works is today’s eight-grade school Kralj Petar in Kralja Petra Street in Belgrade, she designed parts of Terazije, Veliki and Mali Kalemegdan ... Her greatest work is the parish church of Alexander Nevski in Dorćol, Belgrade, built in neo-Byzantine style.

Like many intellectuals and patriots, she was interned in the Nežider camp in Hungary in 1916. There she met an Albanian revolutionary and intellectual named Luka Lukai. She married him and in 1917 they had a daughter, Lulu. Under her influence, Lukai was a great advocate of the rapprochement of Albania and Yugoslavia. Due to their revolutionary activity, both were expelled from Albania and in 1920 settled in Dubrovnik where they remained until their deaths.

A WARRIOR FOR HISTORY

MILUNKA SAVIĆ (1892–1973), volunteered in the Balkan War in 1912, registering as Milun Savić. She fought as a man for a while, until she was wounded in the Battle of Bregalnica. In the First World War, she volunteered again, and as a part of the elite Iron Regiment, she stood out as a grenadier at the Battle of Kolubara. She was wounded again, the second time out of four, but as soon as she recovered, she went to the Thessalo-

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Ksenija Atanasijević niki front and dislayed courage once more at the Battle of Kajmakčalan, capturing 23 Bulgarian soldiers.

She received the highest medals for bravery – the Karadjordja star with swords, the Milos Obilić medal for bravery, the Légion d’Honneur. She is the only woman in the world with the French Order of the War Cross with the Golden Palm, which was presented to her by the French General Franchet d’Espèrey. She was admired by the Allies and respected by her enemies. The French General Charles de Gaulle invited only her from all of Serbia to his inauguration. The French government offered her to live in France as a knight of the Légion d’Honneur and receive a pension, but she refused.

Milunka Savić is the woman with the most decorations in the history of Serbia.

THE FIRST PH.D.

KSENIJA ATANASIJEVIĆ (1894–1981) was a philosopher, the first woman to receive a doctorate from the University of Belgrade.

In a male world that was unforgivable, so at the Faculty of Philosophy, where she taught philosophy, she experienced mistreatment and persecution from many colleagues. Her doctoral dissertation on Jordan Bruno has

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MIlena Pavlović Barili been included in the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Many believe that her most significant work is from ancient philosophy, a study of Epicurus, which she published in 1927 in Paris.

After World War II, one of her colleagues became dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, academician and president of the War Crimes Commission, and he demanded the death penalty for her! He took revenge on her for refusing his invitation to cooperate with Bolshevik agitators in Paris in 1921, when she was writing her doctoral dissertation.

However, she was released from prison, only to be deprived of her civil rights, and all her books were placed on the banned list.

She was buried in Belgrade’s New Cemetery. The grave site was dug up and sold to new owners, and all the gravestones were destroyed. There are no monuments or preserved earthly remains of this important Serbian woman.

THE FIRST IN VOGUE

MILENA PAVLOVIĆ BARILI (1909– 1945) was one of the most interesting and talented Serbian women of the 20th century.

Her mother Dania was from Karadjordjević, and her father Bruno Barili was a composer, poet, bohemian, war reporter, a black sheep

in a rich and snobbish family environment, originally from Parma.

With a degree from the Royal School of Art, she continued her painting studies in Munich in the autumn of 1926. Her role model was the painter Giorgio de Chirico, whom she would later meet. From 1930 she spent ten years in Spain, Rome, Paris, London...

She met Paul Valeri, Jean Cassou, Jean Cocteau, Andrea Breton, befriended Giancarlo Menotti... She exhibited in prominent galleries of the time in Belgrade , London, Paris, and Rome. In August 1939 she sailed for New York. There she painted, exhibited, struggled, was the first and remained the only Serbian woman to appear on the cover of the American fashion magazine Vogue.

In her native Požarevac, there is a gallery that bears her name and which houses the largest collection of her works.

A MAGICIAN IN THE THEATER

MIRA TRAILOVIĆ (1924–1989) was a theater director by education, the founder and director of Atelier 212 and the founder and director of Bitef. She will be remembered for bringing the world to Belgrade and bringing Yugoslavia to the world. She succeeded in

Mira Trailović all this at a time when a membership card of the League of Communists was required for any serious position, yet she died without joining any party. She married Dragoljub Guca Trailović, a journalist who would later be director of Politika, and who was ejected from the Party because he married a bourgeois.

There were no more capable and successful women in the field of culture in Yugoslavia during the 1960s, for as long as she lived. She brought to Belgrade, more precisely to Bitef, the biggest theater stars such as Bob Wilson, Elena Stewart and La Mama, Eugenio Barba, Roberto Chuli, Jerzy Grotowski, Samuel Beckett, Peter Brook, Yuri Ljubimov, Peter Stein, Pina Bausch ...

She staged Hair at the Atelier, as the first European premiere of the famous musical.

For two years, she ran the Theater of Nations in Nancy at the invitation of the French Minister of Culture, Jacques Lang.

A WOMAN OF THE NEW AGE

ZORICA MUTAVDŽIĆ KNEŽEVIĆ (1924–2011) received an offer from the newspaper Politika in 1964, to start the first magazine for women and families in postwar Serbia. At that time she had a husband, two children and a respectable career as a

Zorica Mutavdžić Knežević journalist in the cultural sections of Tanjug, Duga and Radio Belgrade. She travelled the world as a reporter, interviewed Ivo Andrić, Sartre, Stravinsky, Vivienne Lee… She conceived the concept of the first civic magazine in socialist Serbia, and her husband, a sports journalist and editor of Radio Belgrade, Predrag Knezevic Kneza, gave it its name – Bazaar. It was also her fate to surround herself with the best.

In Bazaar, Momo Kapor wrote Notes of an Ana, a column that brought him great popularity, the fashion editor was a magician among creators Aleksandar Joksimović...

Zorica was the first pen of Bazaar, and she initiated the selection of the most beautiful girl in Yugoslavia. Among the first winners was Nikica Marinović from Dubrovnik, who in 1966 became the first runner-up in the Miss World pageant!

For ten years, this capable woman was editor-in-chief and the main promoter of civic values, which she advocated in the magazine and in life. With a vast circulation.

THE CHESS QUEEN

MILUNKA LAZAREVIĆ (1932-2018), a chess grandmaster who was and remains the best in the history of this game in Yugoslavia and Serbia! She was six times the chess cham-

Milunka Lazarević pion of Yugoslavia, and for twenty-five years she played non-stop in world championships.

She was proclaimed the first active woman chess grandmaster in Yugoslavia, won a silver medal at the Olympics in Split ... She was the only Yugoslav chess player to play twice in the world championship – in 1964 and 1971 – and won third and fourth place.

As a journalist, she was the best reporter from the Fischer-Spassky match in Iceland in 1972 and her interview with Bobby Fischer was memorable. When the young poet played in Leningrad in 1964, the future Nobel laureate Josif Brodski was her most ardent fan. While the organisation FIDA was president of the Women’s Chess Commission (1970-1978), she introduced reforms that have not been changed to date. When Dr. Max Eve proposed her as president of FIDA in 1974, she refused because she still wanted to play, write, travel.

She was the mother of one son and a grandmother of six.

Radmila Stanković (For this text, I used the book Exceptional Women of Serbia, written by Dr Neda Todorović and myself, based on an idea of Madelene Zepter. The photo editor is Goranka Matić, publisher of Zepter Book World).

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Exhibition

Great Women Of Serbian History –

At Jevrem Grujić House From 17th January 2022, Jevrem Grujić House in Belgrade will host the exhibition Great Women of Serbian Culture, which will present women from our history who, with their works, courage and contributions, not only to culture but to the whole of Serbian history, have influenced the development of Serbian thought and society in general. This exhibition is organised by four women from Jevrem Grujić House and the Office for Cultural Diplomacy.

W

hat does the great woman mean in Serbia? Often marginalised, even more often forgotten, our great women paved the way for new generations of painters, writers, doctors, scientists, philosophers, feminists, fighters for a better social position for women in professional life. These were nurses and warriors, with medals, ranks, in many ways the first in their city, country, and even in Europe. The first to study, the first with a diploma, the first doctoral students, the first managers,

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members of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, founders of art associations, but also societies for the protection of women. Always patriotic, they often balanced between the struggle for personal realisation and the shackles imposed upon them by a patriarchal society, and even more often remained misunderstood in the struggle to realise personal, artistic, social and life goals. Celebrated abroad, misunderstood in Serbia, often in the fight against patriarchy, bureaucracy, laws and unwritten rules, they

paved the way for new generations.

Milica Stojadinović Srpkinja, Mina Karadžić, Poleksija Todorović, Draga Ljočić, Beta Vukanović, Nadežda Petrović, Isidora Sekulić, Jelisaveta Načić, Marija Maga Magazinović, Vidosava Kovačević, Anica Savić Rebac, Zora Petrović, Desanka Maksimović, Leposava St. Pavlović, Milena Pavlović Barili, Ljubica Marić, Ljubica Cuca Sokić and Soja Jovanović will tell the visitors their life stories, destinies and achievements. Let us not forget them, because they are the great ones.

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