Third ESG Adria Summit Held from April 9–11 2025 in Montenegro
The third ESG Adria Summit, the leading regional platform for sustainable development and responsible leadership, took place from April 9th to 11th in Porto Montenegro, Tivat. Organised by Sustineri Partners and Porto Montenegro, in partnership with the Government of Montenegro and under the auspices of the President of Montenegro, the Summit delivered a clear message: the Adriatic region is not just keeping pace – it’s moving from dialogue to delivery. With over 700 participants from more than 30 countries – including government and business leaders, investors, international financial institutions, entrepreneurs, experts, more than 150 globally renowned speakers, and over 50 youth delegates – the Summit affirmed one thing: the region is forging its own path with ambition and a shared sense of purpose.
While rooted in sustainability, this year’s agenda addressed broader regional transformation – from infrastructure and digitalisation to governance, finance, energy, health, and innovation – and was notably action-driven. Biljana Braithwaite, CEO and founder of Sustineri Partners and Director of the Summit, announced that starting next year, this flagship event will be rebranded as the Adria Future Summit, expanding to cover a wider scope of topics and areas of interest.
“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.
“Through this year’s panels – from central banks and investors to civil society – the message was clear: without legal certainty, there can be no sustainable economic development. The region’s drive for modern arbitration, stronger rule of law, and better governance isn’t just part of reform processes, it’s the foundation for attracting investors and creating new opportunities. During the Summit, we emphasized that the energy and climate transition must be designed with justice at its core. We need to ensure decarbonization policies create, not destroy, pathways for inclusion, employment, and local resilience,” said Braithwaite.
This year’s discussions placed particular emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence and climate change.
“The consensus is that the region must not only adapt to innovation but help shape it – through an ethical framework of laws and solutions tailored to our local context. From energy markets to youth-focused programs, this is our moment for cross-border cooperation. There’s enormous potential here – and so much reason for hope. In times when public trust is low, people often believe nothing positive can happen here. But these past days, by gathering people from across the region, we’ve seen how much collaboration is truly possible. I have great faith in the EU and all it can offer this region. When that moment arrives, our borders will matter much less,” Braithwaite added.
The Summit was formally opened by Biljana Braithwaite, alongside David Margason, Managing Director of Porto Montene gro, and Željko Komnenović, Mayor of Tivat. “News images of extraordinary social, environmental, and now economic events have become a daily reality, dulling our reactions and increasing the risk of indifference to these systemic threats to our already overstressed habitat,” noted Margason.
“Like many other cities in Europe and the Balkans, Tivat faces challenges of rapid development, major construction, inflation, labor shortages, and the green transition. These challenges multiply and are felt most acutely at the local government level. Local communities are best positioned to recognize them and are often the first to offer solutions. That’s why now, more than ever, it’s essential to strengthen local governments – to give them the resources and freedom to act, while providing essential support from central institutions,” added Komnenović.
President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, at the opening ceremony delivered a keynote speech highlighting the centrality of ESG principles for the region’s future.
“For the Adria region, ESG isn’t just a global trend – it’s a necessity. These are the foundations upon which we must build a better society together. And to build such a society, we need people. That’s why this year I want to place special focus on the role of young people and the importance of education. Our youth are not just the future – they are the present. Their energy, innovation, and ideas are essential for creating a world where sustainability is the rule, not the exception. But for young people to actively participate in ESG processes, we must equip them with a quality education that empowers them with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle today’s challenges. Our education system must foster critical thinking, digital literacy, and environmental awareness so young people can become drivers of positive change,” said Milatović.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, speaking on the panel “Certainty, Confidence, Growth” focused on investments and legal certainty, remarked:
“Montenegro wants to be an example that economic progress can be achieved while respecting all the rules. We want to, taking full political and legal responsibility, create conditions for new jobs, economic growth, and a better quality of life for our citizens.”
He also stressed that Europe must find a way to keep pace with other rapidly advancing global regions.
Among the event’s key partners was Universal Capital Bank, a platinum sponsor.
Miloš Pavlović, President of the Management Board, at Universal Capital Bank, underscored the significance of the Summit for Montenegro:
“At Universal Capital Bank, we believe the financial sector must play a key role in building a sustainable future. Our partnership with the ESG Adria Summit 2025, as a platinum partner, confirms our commitment to ESG principles, sustainable finance innovations, and supporting the development of a green economy. We’re proud to lead in green financing in Montenegro and to actively contribute to positive change through our credit programs and community-oriented business strategy,” Pavlović stated.
M:tel Montenegro, the Summit’s gold partner, backed the event through innovative digital initiatives. Zoran Milovanović, CEO of M:tel, remarked:
“At M:tel, we actively invest in digital infrastructure and smart solutions – from developing 5G networks to supporting smart city initiatives and projects that improve energy efficiency. We believe technology must serve people, and forums like the ESG Adria Summit provide invaluable opportunities to exchange practical experiences and forge partnerships that drive a more sustainable future. We’re proud to be part of that dialogue,” said Milovanović.
Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Eagle Hills and another gold partner, presented on his company’s work and philosophy:
“Good and honest work delivers good results. If one day I have the opportunity to realize projects in Montenegro, it will be a great honor for me,” Alabbar said, while highlighting the importance of socially responsible business practices as the core of his company’s mission. He also discussed supporting young people and small entrepreneurs through entrepreneurship programs and scholarships for talented students.
“In every location where we develop projects, we rely entirely on the local population. I believe the real power lies in people, and that’s why we have to support them,” said Alabbar, one of the world’s most influential investors.
Among this year’s distinguished speakers were Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Former Prime Minister of Iceland; Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development, Oxford University and former World Bank Vice President; Fatih Karahan, Governor, Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye; Vice-Chairman and CEO, Munich Security Conference (MSC); Raphael Ghiandai, Chief Financial Officer at Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco; Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council; Dex Hunter-Torricke, Silicon Valley Communications Expert; and other leaders across business, politics, and civil society.