Meet Sandra Veljković, a political scientist renowned for her work in political participation and youth engagement in decision-making processes. As a NextGen participant from Serbia, Sandra brought her expertise and passion for empowering youth voices to the ESG Adria Summit.

Sandra works as a Program Manager at the Centre E8 in Belgrade, where she coordinates the "Ide Glas" campaign, the largest socio-political campaign in Serbia which aims to strengthen the democratic capacity of citizens in Serbia. By emphasizing political education and encouraging active participation in societal processes, Sandra's work directly aligns with the core objectives of the ESG Adria Summit.

Reflecting on her experience at the ESG Adria Summit, Sandra shared the following remarks:

Participating in the ESG Summit stands out as one of the most significant experiences in this year so far. This was a unique opportunity to meet prominent figures and engage in discussions that shape the future of our society and environment.

At the Summit, I had the honor of meeting and speaking with Dunja Mijatović, former Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, and Federica Mogherini, the former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Their insights and experiences are invaluable, and these conversations further enriched my understanding of complex issues related to human rights.

I would particularly like to highlight my meeting with Brankica Janković, the Commissioner for Gender Equality in Serbia. As a political scientist, I deeply value her work and dedication to the fight for gender equality. Through my work, I am involved in projects aimed at empowering the LGBTQI+ community, and collaboration with institutions such as the Commissioner for Gender Equality is crucial. The conversation with her provided me with a deeper understanding of the challenges and achievements in the field of gender equality in our country, directly relating to my professional interests and engagement.

One of the key segments of my participation in the Summit was the NextGen program. Through this program, I had the opportunity to meet with young leaders from the region, participating in dynamic discussions. This interaction with talented and ambitious individuals further developed my enthusiasm for ongoing work and contributed to my professional engagement.

Networking was an indispensable part of the Summit. Meeting new people, exchanging ideas, and establishing professional connections enriched my daily work. Every contact and acquaintance I made at the Summit represents a potential opportunity for future collaboration, which is invaluable for the development of my projects and initiatives.

Meeting and speaking with representatives of various ministries was also very meaningful to me. As someone employed in the NGO sector in Serbia, I typically do not have the opportunity to collaborate with the Government and ministries. This interaction allowed me to gain valuable insights and opened the door for potential future cooperation.

Overall, the ESG Summit was an extraordinary experience that significantly impacted my professional growth. The knowledge gained, contacts made, and inspiration received at this event motivate me to continue addressing issues of sustainable development, social responsibility, and the advancement of human rights. The Summit provided me with a platform for the exchange of experiences and ideas, and strengthened my support network within the region, which will be of great importance for my future engagements.

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.