REDI SUMMIT returns with its second live event. The first REDI SUMMIT was held online, in December 2020, and it featured high level speakers from the European Commission, European Parliament, and SMEs. The second edition of REDI SUMMIT was held in November 2022, in Skopje.
09:30 – 10:00
Presenter: Ognen Janeski
Roma Inclusivity in Green & Digital – Innovation and Environmental Equity
Opening of REDI Summit – Welcome speeches
Petrică Dulgheru
Speaker
Executive Director, REDI International
Fatmir Bytyqi
Speaker
Deputy President of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia in charge of economic affairs
Gjoko Velkovski
Speaker
Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Government of the Republic of North Macedonia
Zeljko Jovanovic
Speaker
Executive Director, Roma Foundation for Europe
Elvis Memeti
Speaker
Advisor for Roma Inclusion to the Prime Minister, Government of the Republic of North Macedonia
10:00-10:30 Press Media and Coffee Break
In the face of unique financial challenges, this session explores alternative pathways to financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community development. We will delve into the transformative impact of impact investing, microfinance, community-based funds, and public-private partnerships while sharing inspiring success stories and best practices. By forging actionable policy recommendations, we aim to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for Roma communities.
10:30 – 11:30
Roma Inclusivity in Green & Digital – Innovation and Environmental Equity
PANEL I – UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES: EXPLORING INNOVATIVE FINANCING FOR ROMA ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Raluca Andreica
Speaker
Chief Executive Officer, Patria Credit
Lazar Nedanoski
Speaker
Executive Director, Macedonian Foundation for Enterprise Development (MRFP)
12:00-12:15 Coffee Break
In this dynamic panel, we navigate the path to inclusive growth, envisioning new job opportunities, and embracing the digital horizon. We delve into strategies, policies, and innovations that equip marginalized communities with the skills and tools needed for the jobs of the future. In this panel, we will explore potential investments, measures, and programs aimed at bridging the skills gap, fostering employment, and preparing Roma communities for the future job market, particularly in digitalization.
12:15 – 13:45
Roma Inclusivity in Green & Digital – Innovation and Environmental Equity
PANEL II – EMPOWERING TOMORROW: PROMOTING INCLUSIVE GROWTH, NEW JOBS AND DIGITAL HORIZON – WESTERN BALKANS EU ACCESSION EXPEDITION FOR MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES
David Timiș
Keynote Speaker
Global Communications & Public Affairs Manager at Generation; Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum; AI & Future of Work Expert
Cristina Marian
Moderator
Senior Project Office, Council of Europe
Sofija Osmanovic
Speaker
Head of Department for improving the position of Roma, Government of the Republic of Serbia
Redjepali Chupi
Speaker
Interim Co-Director, Roma Education Fund
13:45 - 15:00 Networking Lunch and Entrepreneurship Fair
12:00 - 16:00 Roma Entrepreneurship Fair
This panel discussion will focus on the critical intersection of solar panel initiatives and marginalized communities, aiming to address the disparities in access, adoption, and benefits of solar energy. The conversation will explore strategies, challenges, and success stories in promoting solar equity to ensure that the sustainable energy transition is inclusive and empowers communities that have historically been marginalized. The panelists will have the opportunity to discuss the carbon footprint and the involvement of Roma communities in the green horizon and carbon mechanisms.
15:00 – 16:30
Roma Inclusivity in Green & Digital – Innovation and Environmental Equity
PANEL III – BRIDGING GAPS FOR ROMA IN SUSTAINABLE GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION
Ciprian Stănescu
Keynote Speaker
CEO, Social Innovation Solutions
Neda Korunovska
Moderator
Division Director, Roma Foundation for Europe
Kurto Dudush
Speaker
Mayor, Shuto Orizari Municipality
Emilija Jovanova Stoilkova
Speaker
Regional Manager for the Western Balkans in the regional program of SIDA, RECONOMY
Margherita Calderone
Speaker
Principal Economist, Economic Inclusion, EBRD
Suad Skenderi
Speaker
Executive Director, Institute for Research and Policy Analysis Romalitico
Marko Bislimoski
Speaker
President, Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia
16:30 – 17:00
Roma Inclusivity in Green & Digital – Innovation and Environmental Equity
Fireside chat with redi business club members
Veli Asan
Keynote Speaker
Owner, Klima Connect
Zudija Hopic
Moderator
Owner, E-reciklaza
16:30 - 17:00 Awards and Certificates Ceremony
17:00 – 17:30
Roma Inclusivity in Green & Digital – Innovation and Environmental Equity
Closing Remarks
Petrică Dulgheru
Speaker
Executive Director, REDI Network
Nadire Redjepi
Moderator
Deputy Director for Western Balkans, REDI Network
The COVID pandemic showed the world the importance of the digital presence of the businesses. Looking at the issue locally, this need for a digital shift showed us that Roma entrepreneurs lack the knowledge and skills to use digital tools in their business. A very limited number of entrepreneurs are using digital platforms and smart work. The majority do not have access to educational sources on business digitalization. They are neither aware of the importance of using digital tools in scaling up their income and visibility on the market. This panel aims to discuss the importance of digital transformation of Roma owned businesses, digital trends in business and market requirements.
10:10 – 11:30
Limra Room 1 & 2
DAY 2: Digital Transformation and Access to Finance of Roma Businesses
Digital Transformation of Roma Businesses
Marta Garcia Fidalgo
Speaker
Roma Policy Adviser, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations for Western Balkans in European Commission (Zoom)
Marin Piperkoski
Speaker
CEO Advisor, Clearing House KIBS AD Skopje, North Macedonia
Aleksandar Klashninovski
Speaker
Executive Director of Next College Brainster
In the last quarter of 2022, the governmental institutions from North Macedonia that provide public funding opportunities are preparing their new operational plans. In order to facilitate the access of vulnerable communities to public funds, this panel will discuss the commitment of the institutions to ensure the socio-economic inclusion of Roma communities. The panelists will discuss the strategic position of the government and the public institutions on the accessibility of the vulnerable communities to their programs, measures and subsidies.
12:00 – 13:00
Limra Room 1 & 2
DAY 2: Digital Transformation and Access to Finance of Roma Businesses
Use of Public Funds as grants and guarantees to enable job creation in poor communities
Bekim Murati
Speaker
Director of the Agency for Employment, North Macedonia
Katarina Kreceva
Speaker
Fund for Innovation and Technological Development
Jasmina Useinovic
Speaker
Postal Saving Bank, Serbia
Darko Marjanovic
Speaker
Job Placement Methodology Officer – Development of Relations with Employers, National Employment Service, Serbia
The vast majority of Roma entrepreneurs are using quick loans to finance their business. This type of financing is not enabling their business growth or to explore other funding opportunities. The aim of this panel is to expand the views of the Roma entrepreneurs when it comes to raising capital for their businesses. The speakers in this panel will share certain alternative ways of financing, business models that are stepping out of the traditional bank loans or governmental subsidies system. The focus will be on financing models like microcredits, equity funding, crowdfunding and business angels’ investments.
14:00 – 15:00
Limra Room 1 & 2
DAY 2: Digital Transformation and Access to Finance of Roma Businesses
Alternative finance contribution on financial inclusion
Andrea Limone
Speaker
President at Permicro, Italy
Pavol Kapsdorfer
Speaker
Network and Partnership Manager, Microfinance Centre, Poland
Vase Davaliev
Speaker
Executive Director, Microcredit Foundation Horizonti
15:00 – 16:00
Limra Room 1 & 2
DAY 2: Digital Transformation and Access to Finance of Roma Businesses
Hackathon: project presentations and awards
16:00 – 16:30
Limra Room 1 & 2
DAY 2: Digital Transformation and Access to Finance of Roma Businesses