The regional ESG conference “Strengthening Resilience in a Changing World” was held in Skopje from June 3–4, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable business practices. Jointly organized by AmCham Serbia and AmCham North Macedonia, in collaboration with other regional AmChams, the event laid a strong foundation for advancing regional cooperation in promoting ESG standards.
The conference gathered over 150 representatives of companies from across the Western Balkans, offering them the opportunity to hear from leading experts from international organizations such as UNEP-WCMC, EBRD, Transparency International, ASEF, EIT, and Finance in Motion/Green for Growth Fund, as well as from companies at the forefront of ESG implementation.
The discussions centered on strengthening corporate resilience through ESG tools, especially in light of evolving EU sustainability regulations. It was emphasized that aligning with ESG principles not only reduces risk but also enhances competitiveness in export markets—particularly for access to the EU.
Key topics included:
improving waste management systems and introducing packaging deposit schemes,
creating conditions for wider use of alternative fuels,
enhancing renewable energy infrastructure, and
preserving biodiversity as an integral part of sustainable transition.
Dr. Sebastian Dunnett of UNEP-WCMC highlighted the importance of integrating nature conservation goals into corporate strategies, warning that even so-called “green” technologies can negatively impact nature if not planned carefully and responsibly.
On the topic of social responsibility, various corporate initiatives were showcased, including efforts to promote digital inclusion, vocational education, and the revitalization of local communities—such as Delta Holding’s “Naše selo” (“Our Village”) project. Marija Savić, Director of the Intesa Foundation and Chief Economist at Banca Intesa Belgrade, stressed the importance of institutionalizing philanthropy and adopting a strategic approach to supporting vulnerable groups.
In a compelling “one-on-one” session, Bogdan Gecić (Gecić Law) and Ivan Šteriev (Macedonian Stock Exchange) discussed restoring trust through responsible corporate governance, sharing concrete examples of both best practices and failures due to weak internal controls.
The conference concluded with a panel on the role of the financial sector in supporting sustainable practices, underscoring the need for a combination of regulatory mechanisms, innovative financial instruments, and strategic partnerships to accelerate the green transition and improve access to funding for sustainable projects.
You can view photos from the event here.
