Visa, the global leader in digital payments, is committed not only to connecting millions of people worldwide but also to sustainable business practices, whether it's through supporting innovation, or empowering communities. The company's mission to enable an inclusive and sustainable economy, serves as a guideline that directs their operations toward reducing environmental footprint, promoting social justice, and supporting entrepreneurship, particularly among women and youth.
The company has been conducting operations across South East Europe for over four decades and during that time they have introduced a multitude of innovative solutions, starting with the first Visa debit card back in 1983. It marked the first step in this region towards digital payments evolution that followed. In the years to come, the company has introduced the first contactless card, digital card, mobile wallet and many more.
During all that time, working with payment innovations, Visa has also been building the digital capacities of the economy focusing on supporting the SME sector and entrepreneurship.
Resilience Through Sustainability
Visa has taken significant steps to minimise its environmental impact worldwide. The company uses 100% renewable electricity in all of its offices and data centers and has achieved carbon neutrality as of 2020 in its operations. Visa also encourages its employees to adopt environmentally friendly commuting options by providing 140 on-site electric vehicle charging stations.
" Our commitment to sustainable future begins with our continued efforts to minimize the environmental impact of our operations and activities “within Visa”—the footprint of our offices, data centers, business travel, employee commuting, procurement, and other areas. Considering these areas and how they interconnect allows Visa to develop innovative eco-friendly initiatives for different aspects of our business. Sustainability is an integral part of all our partnerships and initiatives, starting from providing sustainable payment card options to powering sustainable travel and public transportation worldwide. Our goal is to empower individuals, businesses, and economies that have the knowledge and tools for success. And this we aim to accomplish by developing payment and digital capabilities for the future", Ana Drašković, Vice President and Country Manager of Visa South East Europe said.
Driving Business Improvement, Women and Youth Entrepreneurs
Visa has a long history of supporting innovation and the development of digital payments. A particular focus is placed on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and fostering entrepreneurship.
Further, through the "She's Next" initiative, Visa provides support to female entrepreneurs across the globe. She’s Next, empowered by Visa, is a global advocacy program that aims to support women-owned small businesses through funding, training, and mentorship to help them take their businesses to new heights. Just in South East Europe this program gathers over 13 000 ladies with desire to achieve their own business ideas.
Partnership with the ESG Adria Summit: Transforming the Region Together
Visa's participation in the ESG Adria Summit 2025 is a natural extension of its efforts in sustainability and social responsibility.
"Visa is recognised as a global leader in sustainable business, and we are delighted to have them as partners of the Summit. Their experience and expertise will be invaluable to all attendees, especially entrepreneurs and business community, who want to integrate resilient and innovative principles into their operations," Biljana Braithwaite, Biljana Braithwaite, CEO of Sustineri Partners, organiser of the Summit reflected on the partnership.
Visa will be a key asset to the Summit, by sharing its experiences, presenting global best practices and how they can be implemented in the region, and contributing to developing a sustainable business environment in the region.
