What kind of vision of Serbia exists from the perspective of the civil sector, what the economy proposes and how these views support the idea of offering a better and more successful Serbia – this was the theme of the 2^nd “Serbian Visions” two-day multi-congress, which was staged under the organisation of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (AHK) and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia (CCIS).

Various panel discussions and workshops included talks about human rights issues, problems in European integration, new ideas for dialogue between Priština and Belgrade, the economy, education, culture, health, environmental protection, strengthening the role of civil society in the country and creating a favourable economic environment. But there was also discussion about to secure employment for women aged over 50, how to improve the commercial exploitation of highways, what kind of situation we have in the textile industry, where we are in terms of the green economy, how much we offer young people and children, how the problem of loans in Swiss francs can be solved, or about the benefits of yoga, the vision of the media, killer habits of employees etc.

“For the second time we have organised this event at which we brought together dozens of organisations that employ people who are engaged in various fields. It is important to note that this multi-congress is not a German vision for Serbia, but rather the vision of Serbian organisations for a better future for Serbia. Around 60 non-governmental and other organisations from the most varied industries and civil society in Serbia attempted, during two days of workshops, lectures and other formats, to find common ideas about how to do things a little better – says Martin Knapp, director of AHK Serbia, speaking to CorD Magazine.

It could be heard from participants that Serbia still lacks enough platforms via which the economy, or businesses, can communicate with all that is happening in the various sectors of civil society.

When it comes to the rule of law, the problem is that existing laws are not applied, that there is huge corruption, that our elites flee from politics, thus the best and most educated people do not influence the creation of society

-The Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia supports this event, which connects, in a completely innovative way, non-governmental organisations, civil society and the business sector, contributing to the creation of a favourable business environment – said CCIS President Marko Čadež, adding that the contacts established at such events are very important because exchanging experience and knowhow, along with responsible business practices, contribute to improving the community as a whole.

It was already clear in the announcement that several topics will be in the focus of interest. There was discussion about Serbia’s EU integration, the opening of more negotiation chapters, human rights, but also dual education. It was stated during the panel debate “Education tailored to the economy – the dual system” that by mid-January 2017 the law on dual education in Serbia should be completed, while AHK’s consultant for dual education, Oliver Heerlen, explained that two-thirds of students stay on to work at the companies where they are educated.

-When it comes to the rule of law, the problem is that existing laws are not applied, that there is huge corruption, that our elites flee from politics, thus the best and most educated people do not influence the creation of society – said Marko Savković, of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, announcing some new ideas about the talks between Belgrade and Priština in an effort to overcome the current impasse and eliminate obstacles to Serbia’s faster integration into the EU.

The “Serbian visions” multi-congress also had a small stand for CorD Magazine, as media sponsor of the event, at which the latest editions of our publishing house, aim, were presented and immediately snapped up by visitors.