Meet Daniela Kortoçi, a civil engineer with a passion for preserving cultural heritage. As a NextGen participant from Albania, Daniela brought a unique perspective to the ESG Adria Summit, blending her dedication to cultural heritage restoration, with her active involvement in youth empowerment and women's rights.
After five years in the construction sector, she transitioned to focus on the restoration of cultural heritage, playing a key role in the EU4Culture programme in Albania. Her work in restoring cultural sites damaged by earthquakes reflects her commitment to building a sustainable future while honouring the past. Beyond her engineering achievements, Daniela is also a published poet and a strong advocate for women’s rights and education. Daniela is dedicated to empowering young people in rural areas and ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved as a foundation for inclusion, equality, and belonging.
Reflecting on her experience at the ESG Adria Summit, Daniela shared the following remarks:
What can #NextGen do next for ESG and a sustainable future in our region?
This is the question I have elaborated with myself, on my way back from Tivat, Montenegro and since. The inspiration that I took with me home, after participating for three days in the ESG Adria Summit, where I was representing Albania in the #NextGen programme.
If you belong to this region, probably you have heard about ESG Adria Summit and their dedication to furthering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Yes, it is possible to apply and participate in many levels, but it is a different responsibility and experience when you get invited through #NextGen programme as I did. For the first time this year, 8 young leaders from Western Balkans 6, Croatia and Slovenia, were offered a platform to contribute to the ESG Adria Summit and learn from experts.
We were not just participating and listening but we were invited in discussions, not just to tick their agendas but to take the time even when it falls out of their schedule. You cannot talk about the future without having the next generation in the room, and Ms. Biljana Braithwaite with her team, would walk the talk when it comes to really engaging us during the Summit.
On a personal note, this is my first important event to have been invited as a brand new mom. My son turned 4 months old on the last day of the summit and of course we had to travel as a family of three so that I could not miss it. For me it was encouraging to meet with wonderful people from this region and feel the empathy and commitment to empowering women. I had to step in and out of the session to breastfeed my baby, but I never felt like I did not belong in this team at any point.
I am glad I made it to Tivat (despite our region needing significant improvements in road connectivity), because I have learned a lot.
Firstly, it was a unique opportunity to gain insights into regional issues directly from those at the forefront of research, policy-making, and innovation. While engaging in discussions allowed us to deepen understanding of complex challenges on environment, social and governance towards sustainability.
Moreover, this Summit served as catalysts for forging meaningful connections with peers and experts from the region and beyond. We have built relationships, exchanged best practices, and explored potential collaborations.
The group of 8 young leaders where I now belong, and our influence extends beyond the Summit itself, as I am sure that the ideas we discussed and commitments that each of us has, will bring actionable change in our communities and the #NextGen Program next year.
In essence, I see the participation of young people is not merely about attending sessions or delivering presentations; it is about actively engaging in the regional dialogue aimed at shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all the generations. While young people may lack extensive experience, we offer a distinct perspective and energy at the table that enriches the variety of ideas and initiatives aimed at tackling common challenges.
To answer my first question, #NextGen Program made it possible for one young leader from their team to come back home inspired to finally start working on ideas I had been drafting for a long time because there in the Summit I have learned that every small contribution that we give in our local community will someday impact our region. By harnessing our creativity, innovation, and passion, we young people can contribute to building a resilient and environmentally conscious region for generations to come.
The NextGen programme brought together eight young sustainability leaders from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Serbia, to the ESG Adria Summit. During the three day event, these young leaders had an opportunity to not only attend the ESG Adria Summit but also to meet and learn from government officials, business leaders, and sustainability experts. NextGen participants met with prominent figures, including Federica Mogherini, Biljana Braithwaite, Dunja Mijatović, Nevena Dičić Kostić, and key representatives from Universal Capital Bank AD Podgorica, to discuss youth's role in bridging borders for sustainability and shaping a prosperous European future.
The NextGen Programme is powered by Sustineri Partners and Universal Capital Bank AD Podgorica.
More information on the NextGen initiative can be found here.
