From April 9-11, 2025, Tivat, Montenegro hosted the third ESG Adria Summit – Southeast Europe’s premier business and policy gathering on sustainability, responsible leadership, and the evolving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda. This year, Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) played a visible and active role in the Summit through their participation in the dedicated NextGen Programme, which elevated the voice of youth in shaping the region’s sustainable future.
As part of the NextGen Programme, developed by Sustineri Partners and powered by the Regional Cooperation Council’s Western Balkan Youth Lab 2, selected young leaders between the ages of 18 and 30 were given the opportunity to join critical conversations on climate action, innovation, leadership, and resilience. Among these were eight YEAs: Emilija Bojić, Edina Osmanović, Ilir Kiçmari, Adi Softić, Antonio Grujevski, Rita Behadini, Klajdi Kaziu, and Alek Barović who actively engaged with regional and global decision-makers through panels, high-level discussions, and mentorship opportunities.
The programme also included a closed-session Regional Fireside Talk with High-Level Officials, connecting young changemakers directly with institutional leaders. These exchanges promoted intergenerational dialogue and emphasized the value of youth-driven perspectives in regional cooperation and ESG implementation.
Highlighting the role of youth voices, Anastasija Đorđa Bosančić took the stage as a keynote speaker, representing “World Youth Voices in Action” and delivering a powerful message on youth inclusion, sustainability, and leadership. Her participation exemplified the potential of young people to influence high-level platforms and contribute meaningfully to global and regional agendas.
In addition to those in the NextGen cohort, the YEA network was proudly represented by Marija Blažević and Elif Su Çakmak, who participated in various panels and discussions throughout the Summit. Marija reflected on her experience:
“Being part of the ESG Adria Summit in Tivat was an incredibly valuable and inspiring experience. I had the opportunity to engage in conversations with global leaders, decision-makers and young changemakers who are actively shaping their communities. Listening to their stories, achievements, and advice gave me a strong sense of motivation and direction on how we, as young people, can grow and lead with purpose.”
The panels they attended touched on leadership, AI, women in leadership roles, crisis management, youth inclusion, and the transformative role of art in society – themes that align closely with the values promoted by the YEA network.
The 2025 ESG Adria Summit brought together over 700 participants from the Western Balkans and beyond – including government representatives, international organizations, private sector leaders, academics, and civil society. Through the active involvement of YEAs in its NextGen Programme, the Summit reaffirmed its commitment to intergenerational dialogue and building a more sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking Adria region.
As the global conversation on ESG continues to evolve, the participation of young leaders like the YEAs ensures that the region’s future is being shaped not only by experience but also by fresh ideas, courage, and a deep commitment to positive change.
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