Tivat, 9 April 2025 — The third ESG Adria Summit, the leading regional platform for sustainable development and responsible leadership, was officially opened today in Porto Montenegro. This year, the event will bring together more than 700 participants from the region and around the world, including representatives of governments, international organisations, companies, academia, and the civil sector. Over the next three days, the participants will attend a programme filled with numerous panels and engaging speakers, along with the anticipated launch of several important regional initiatives in the fields of energy, sustainable finance, start-up entrepreneurship, and youth inclusion.

The Summit, held under the patronage of the President of Montenegro and in partnership with the Government of Montenegro, was opened by Biljana Braithwaite, founder of Sustineri Partners and Director of the Summit.

“We are proud to be doing this in Montenegro – a country that has often exceeded expectations, especially when it comes to bringing people together around a common goal. A place where collaboration and international dialogue truly take root. And if I may say personally: for those of us who grew up in this region, the very fact that we are here today – not talking about conflict, but about investment, innovation, and sustainability – is no small thing.

I remember a time when this region was seen as unstable, fragmented, and divided. And now it stands as one of the most dynamic corridors of opportunity in Europe. That change didn’t happen overnight. And it didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of many small acts of courage, connection, and cooperation – and it is exactly these values that this Summit continues to honour and strengthen,” said Braithwaite. The gathering was also addressed by David Margason, General Manager of Porto Montenegro, and Željko Komnenović, Mayor of Tivat Municipality.

“News images of extraordinary social, environmental, and now economic events have become an everyday occurrence, lowering our level of reaction and increasing the risk of indifference to these systemic threats to a habitat which has undoubtedly already been pushed to its limits,” said Margason.
“Like many other cities in Europe and the Balkans, Tivat faces challenges of rapid development, large-scale construction, inflation, labour shortages, and the green transition – all of which are felt even more strongly at the level of local government. Local communities can easily recognise these issues and are often the first to offer solutions. That is why now, more than ever, we need to strengthen local governments, give them resources and the freedom to act, while also providing them with the necessary support from central institutions,” added Komnenović.
After the opening, participants had the opportunity to hear remarks from the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović.

“For the Adria region, ESG is not just a global trend – it is a necessity. These are the foundations on which we must build a better society together. And to build such a society – we need people. That is why this year I want to place special focus on the role of youth and the importance of education.
Our youth are not only the future – they are the present. Their energy, innovation, and ideas are key to creating a world where sustainability is the rule, not the exception. But for young people to actively participate in ESG processes, we must provide them with quality education that will empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the challenges they face.
The education system must be directed towards developing critical thinking, digital literacy, and environmental awareness so that young people become drivers of positive change in society.
That is why today, from this very place, I am pleased to announce an important initiative that I, as President of Montenegro, will launch together with Sustineri Partners and in cooperation with Mtel, the Summit’s gold partner – an initiative through which we will financially support young people from Montenegro who have enrolled at top universities around the world – thereby providing funding for excellence,” stated President Milatović.
As the Summit’s platinum partner, Universal Capital Bank is one of its key sponsors. Miloš Pavlović, Chairman of the Board of Universal Capital Bank, emphasised the importance of today’s event for Montenegro.

“At Universal Capital Bank, we believe that the financial sector must play a key role in building a sustainable future. Our partnership with the 2025 ESG Adria Summit – as a platinum partner – reaffirms our commitment to ESG principles, innovation in sustainable finance, and support for the development of the green economy. We are proud to lead the development of green financing in Montenegro and to actively contribute to positive change through our credit programmes and community-oriented business strategy,” said Pavlović. 

The Summit’s gold partner, M:tel Montenegro, provided strong support through innovative digital initiatives. The company’s CEO, Zoran Milovanović, stated:

“At M:tel, we are actively investing in digital infrastructure and smart solutions – from developing the 5G network and supporting smart city initiatives to projects that ensure energy efficiency.
We believe that technology must serve people, and forums like the ESG Adria Summit enable the exchange of concrete experiences and partnerships that lead to a more sustainable future.
We are proud to be part of that dialogue,” said Milovanović.

Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Eagle Hills, the Summit’s gold partner, will deliver a presentation of his projects and programmes tomorrow at 10:35 a.m.