In the course of continuing the initiative of the International Institute for Climate Action (IICA), on May 10, 2024, in the ceremonial Emerald Hall of the Esplanade Hotel, the 2nd international conference “Future GREEN Business” was successfully organized with the partnership of the American Embassy, the European Commission and sponsorship of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in the Republic of Croatia on the topic “EU-USA COOPERATION ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS” with the main topic “EU and USA – cooperation in the climate crisis affecting the economy”. The indispensable driver for the successful organization of the conference was the unselfish support of the conference sponsors; Croatian Post Bank, Coca-Cola HBC, Končara, Orbico Group, ACI, Fortenov, Agroproteinka and Greengreen Advisory.
At this year’s conference, the International Institute for Climate Action (IICA) had the opportunity and honor to present prominent speakers whose participation also enhanced the conference, such as the main organizer of the conference, the president of IICA, Marija Pujo Tadić, the head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, Zrinka Ujević, and ambassador of the USA in Croatia, Mr. Nathalie Rayes, who emphasized the following at the conference, among other things: “If the world does not respond to the climate crisis with decisive actions and innovative solutions, the economy will suffer the consequences. Planning for a green future is simply good business sense, and our green future is only possible with the help of a motivated and empowered private sector.”
Zrinke Ujević, head of the Representation of the European Commission in Croatia
Nathalie Rayes, US Ambassador to Croatia
Major changes require thorough action and mutual cooperation, and the peculiarity of the “Future GREEN Business” conference is manifested in the mutual connection of gathered experts from the business sector, academics and policy makers, as well as distinguished guests who had the opportunity to become aware of new knowledge about the importance of sustainable business and to be inspired and encouraged towards the realization of much-needed strategies and projects for a more sustainable economy. Above all, via video call, all present conference participants had the exclusive opportunity to hear a great speech by General Philippe Lavigne, NATO’s Supreme Commander for Transformation, who also emphasized his support for the Future Green Business conference and called for mutual action against the climate crisis.
U kontekstu gosta predavača „Future GREEN Business“ konferencije, glavni direktor za energiju i održivost tvrtke Urban A&O te međunarodno priznati izvršni arhitekt, vizionar, istraživač, stručnjak za politiku i klimatske teme, g. Joe MacDonald istaknuo je primjere iz prakse, čija je interesantna prezentacija prikazala autentične, transformacijske i futuristične arhitektonske projekte diljem svijeta te vrijedne nadahnuća u pogledu Clean Tech rješenja za podatkovne centre.
In addition, the conference was followed by the first presentation of the new IICA initiative “WOMEN GREEN LEADERS CLUB”, a non-profit, non-political, supranational and international branch (club) with the aim of connecting, empowering and networking women who are recognized as leaders within their own business communities. green transitions such as Marija Pujo Tadić (International Institute for Climate Action (IICA)), Anita Cvetić Oreščanin (Poslovna inteligencija), Ivana Krajinović (Ernst & Young), Manuela Šola (Komunikacijski laboratorij), Monika Mikac (NAD Capital), Sanje Ančić ( Provectus Capital Partners), Silvija Vig (Codupo Compliance) and Vlasta Zekulić (NATO), i.e. women who are leading the transition to a sustainable economy, under the patronage of Ambassador Nathalie Rayes. The WGLC was also founded as a sign of unity and support for women in the aforementioned area, whose activities are aimed at the implementation of the EU Green Climate Plan at the national level and the Paris Agreement at the international level, as well as other current and future valid regulations in the field of “green and sustainable economy” along with the implementation of ESG and respecting the principles of ethics and transparency, are leading in their community by acting towards a sustainable economy.
The main reflection of the aforementioned theme “Future GREEN Business” of the conference was the interactive panel discussion on the topic “EU and USA – economic cooperation in the climate crisis”, which enabled all conference participants to gather information about future cooperation between the European Union and the USA. Representatives of large companies such as Coca-Cola, Končar, Hrvatske poštanska banka, Orbic and Vertiv, together with the International Institute for Climate Action (IICA) took part in the panel discussion.
Member of the Management Board of Končar Group d.d., Mr. Ivan Paić points out the following: “Today, green energy transitions are based on electrification and increasing energy efficiency at all levels, which without new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can hardly lead to the necessary strides towards a sustainable future . The KONČAR Group has been present on the world markets for a long time, and although in the first quarter of this year 83% of newly contracted deals relate to export, our goal is to make this step forward in the future even more significant precisely through the use of such advanced technologies in all our products and solutions. and services. Therefore, we continue with intensive investments in the digital transformation of not only our products and solutions, but also the production processes in all our factories, all with the aim of increasing operational efficiency.”
Then, Marko Badurina, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hrvatske poštanska banka (HPB) continues with the following: “Hrvatska poštanska banka has been recognizing the positive and negative impacts of business for many years and is actively working to raise awareness of how we can contribute more significantly to the betterment of society and the preservation of the environment. As a confirmation of our progress towards sustainability, numerous awards and recognitions that we have received over the years prove – from awards for corporate governance, for transparent business, for environmental management, for investment in employee development, to recognition for contributing to the community through our volunteer actions. As one of the first prerequisites for building a sustainable business model, a key change in business strategy is what HPB did when it defined sustainable business as one of its strategic pillars.
Furthermore, Stjepan Roglić, vice president of the Supervisory Board of Orbico grupa d.o.o. noted: “By participating in and sponsoring the “Future GREEN Business” conference, we confirm the commitment of our company ORBICO to sustainable development and climate actions. We will continue to invest efforts in the implementation of environmentally responsible practices and support initiatives that contribute to the preservation of the environment. We thank the International Institute for Climate Action for the invitation to participate and look forward to future collaborations on similar projects.”
While Dora Strezova-Nikolova, CEO, BU Adria Coca-Cola HBC, shared her impressions after the conference: “It was an honor for us to participate in the “Future GREEN Business” conference, where we had the opportunity to present our commitment to sustainability through innovative practices and common efforts with all our stakeholders. The conference provided valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration, strengthening our shared commitment to a sustainable future.”
In conclusion, all panelists provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by sustainable finance, while discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the role of ESG in investment decision-making and the impact of climate change.
The conference, like last year, was used to announce the winners of the pre-selection for the ESG WORLD SUMMIT & GRIT AWARDS, where congratulations were sent to HPB, Fortenova and Končar. While this year’s award for the most educated in the field of ESG was presented to Adriatic Croatia International Club (ACI) d.d.
Josip Ostrogović, member of the Board for Investments, Marketing and Retail ACI d.d.
The Future Green Business conference was a big step towards a sustainable future, confirming the commitment of the International Institute for Climate Action (IICA) in connecting the business sector with the political creators of climate change and, most importantly, raising awareness and encouraging the fight against the climate crisis and achieving sustainable business, together in the context of achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. In an effort to achieve the same, the International Institute for Climate Action (IICA) continues with the organization of the “Future GREEN Business” conference, while integrating relevant and current topics for sustainable business intended for the business and financial sectors.
The comment of Marija Pujo Tadić, president of the International Institute for Climate Action (IICA), concludes the stated purpose of the “Future GREEN Business” conference organization: “In order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, all EU countries, as before, must work together to promote common values that include peace, freedom, solidarity, democracy and the rule of law. Bearing in mind that at the last climate conference COP28 in Dubai (UAE), the EU and the USA demonstrated their strong cooperation in solving key climate challenges, increasing ambitions regarding the increase of the share of renewable energy sources in total consumption and in financing projects that contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions , the “Future GREEN Business” conference was an ideal opportunity to connect the main stakeholders in the economy and consolidate our leadership in response to the urgent global challenge that the climate crisis brings with it for the economy, which we can only solve together. In building a safer, more peaceful and stable future for all of us, even in the climate crisis – we are stronger together!”
The mentioned article is published in Suvremena magazine no. 3.