MAY 30TH 2022 (DAY ONE)

MAY 30TH 2022 (DAY ONE)

9:00 – 10:00

Registration

9:00 – 10:00

Registration

10:00 – 10:15

Welcome note

Mr. Fatmir Besimi

Minister of Finance, Republic of North Macedonia

10:00-10:15

Welcome note

Mr. Fatmir Besimi – Minister of Finance of the Republic of North Macedonia

10:15 – 10:30

Opening address

Mr. Dimitar Kovachevski

Prime Minister, Republic of North Macedonia

10:15-10:30

Opening address

Mr. Dimitar Kovachevski – Prime Minister, Republic of North Macedonia

10:30 – 11:00

Keynote Address

Mr. Paul Krugman

Distinguished Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York
Recipient of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics

10:30-11:00

Keynote address

Mr. Paul Krugman – Distinguished Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Recipient of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics

PILLAR 1. MACROECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN TURBULENT TIMES

11:00-11:40

Keynote Speakers

Ms. Anna Bjerde

Vice President of World Bank for Europe and Central Asia

Mr. Johannes Hahn (online/video message)

EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration

11:00-11:20

Keynote Speakers

Ms. Anna Bjerde – Vice President of World Bank for Europe and Central Asia

Mr. Johannes Hahn (online/video message) – EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration

11:40-12:40

Panel 1: Fiscal Policies

The pandemic exposed major differences and inequalities between and within regions and countries. Governments provided massive fiscal support to economic recovery, limiting the scars of the pandemic, and, more recently, engaged actively in the markets to curb the energy crisis impact. How to mitigate the social consequences of higher food and energy inflation? Can fiscal interventions continue under elevated public debts? How to find the delicate balance between fiscal consolidation and further support for growth? Central banks are signaling interest rate rises are coming soon. What would be the implications from rising interest rates? Will inflation be brought under control? How could this be best achieved without compromising the recovery?

Panelists

Mr. Fatmir Besimi

Minister of Finance, Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Sinisha Mali (tbc)

Minister of Finance, Republic of Serbia

Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj

Minister of Finances and Economy, Republic of Albania

Mr. Hekuran Murati

Minister of Finances and Economy, Republic of Kosovo

Mr. Vjekoslav Bevanda

Minister of Finance, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mr. Aleksandar Damjanovic

Minister of Finance, Montenegro

Moderator:
Mr. Aleksandar Stojkov, Iustinianus Primus Law Faculty, UKIM
Ms. Blagica Petreski, Director of FinanceThink

Written summary by:

11:40-12:40

Panel 1: Fiscal Policies

The pandemic exposed major differences and inequalities between and within regions and countries. Governments provided massive fiscal support to economic recovery, limiting the scars of the pandemic, and, more recently, engaged actively in the markets to curb the energy crisis impact. How to mitigate the social consequences of higher food and energy inflation? Can fiscal interventions continue under elevated public debts? How to find the delicate balance between fiscal consolidation and further support for growth? Central banks are signaling interest rate rises are coming soon. What would be the implications from rising interest rates? Will inflation be brought under control? How could this be best achieved without compromising the recovery?

Panelists

Mr. Fatmir Besimi – Minister of Finance, Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Sinisa Mali (tbc) – Minister of Finance, Republic of Serbia

Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj – Minister of Finances and Economy, Republic of Albania

Mr. Hekuran Murati – Minister of Finances and Economy, Republic of Kosovo

Mr. Vjekoslav Bevanda (tbc) –Minister of Finance, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mr. Aleksandar Damjanovic – Minister of Finance and Social Welfare, Montenegro

Moderator:
Mr. Aleksandar Stojkov, Iustinianus Primus Law Faculty, UKIM
Ms. Blagica Petreski, Director of FinanceThink

Written summary by:

12:40 – 12:50

Coffee break

12:40-12:50

Coffee break

12:50-13:50

Panel 2: Monetary policies

Monetary policies were accommodative and broadly supportive to economic recovery. However, inflation has risen sharply in recent months, strongly driven by higher energy and food prices. Central banks are signaling interest rate rises are coming soon. Will inflation be brought under control? Could non-performing loans (NPLs) undermine financial stability? Are the capital buffers sufficient to ensure resilience of the banking systems?

Panelists

Mr. Paul Hilbers (tbc)

Alternate Executive Director (The International Monetary Fund)

Ms. Anita Angelovska Bezoska

Governor, National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Bostjan Vasle

Governor, Bank of Slovenia

Ms. Jorgovanka Tabakovic (tbc)

Governor, National Bank of Serbia

Mr. Dimitar Radev (tbc)

Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank

Mr. Fehmi Mehmeti (tbc)

Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo

Mr. Radoje Žugić

Governor, The Central Bank of Montenegro

Ms. Stephanie Eble (tbc)

IMF Resident Representative to the Regional Office for the Western Balkans

Mr. Vladimir Gligorov

Senior research associate, The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies

Moderator:
Mr. Vladimir Shimic, Professor of Economics, Faculty of Economics (Split, Croatia)

Written summary by:

12:50 – 13:50

Panel 2: Monetary policies

Monetary policies were accommodative and broadly supportive to economic recovery. However, inflation has risen sharply in recent months, strongly driven by higher energy and food prices. Central banks are signaling interest rate rises are coming soon. Will inflation be brought under control? Could non-performing loans (NPLs) undermine financial stability? Are the capital buffers sufficient to ensure resilience of the banking systems?

Panelists

Mr. Paul Hilbers (tbc) – Governor, National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia

Ms. Anita Angelovska Bezoska – Governor, National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Bostjan Vasle – Governor, Bank of Slovenia

Ms. Jorgovanka Tabakovic (tbc) – Governor, National Bank of Serbia

Mr. Dimitar Radev (tbc) – Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank

Mr. Fehmi Mehmeti (tbc) – Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo

Mr. Radoje Žugić – Governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro

Ms. Stephanie Eble (tbc) – IMF Resident Representative to the Regional Office for the Western Balkans

Mr. Vladimir Gligorov – Senior research associate, The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies

Moderator:
Mr. Vladimir Shimic, Professor of Economics, Faculty of Economics (Split, Croatia)

Written summary by:

13:50 – 14:50

Lunch break (Discussion with the Former Ministers of Finance)

13:50 – 14:50

Lunch break (Discussion with the Former Ministers of Finance)

PILLAR 2. RESILIENCE, COMPETITIVENESS, AND REGIONAL COOPERATION

14:50 – 15:30

Keynote Speakers

Mr. Paolo Gentiloni (tbc)

European Commissioner for Economy

Ms. Susan Danger

CEO of AmCham Europe

14:50 – 15:30

Keynote Speakers

Mr. Paolo Gentiloni (tbc) – European Commissioner for Economy

Ms. Susan Danger – CEO of AmCham Europe

15:30 – 16:30

Panel 3: Seizing Opportunities from Regional Cooperation and Euro-Atlantic Perspectives

Energy crisis, supply chain bottlenecks and disruptions, labor turnover and brain drain, wage and input prices’ pressures, regulatory requirements… Doing business in the region of South Eastern Europe is especially challenging in uncertain times. Economic diplomacy can significantly strengthen regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic perspectives. What are the key obstacles for doing business in the region? How to strengthen regional cooperation? Do all businesses need government support? Over the long-term adoption of new technologies may account for a large portion of productivity growth. How to balance the short-term recovery with long-term objectives of adoption of new technologies? How to speed up digitalization? Should Special Economic Zones be central to promotion of technological development? How to build a competitive and resilient business sector? What is the potential of digitization in improving resilience and competitiveness?

Panelists

Mr. Dragan Davitkov

President of Board of Directors, American Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia

Mr. Petar Ivanov

Executive Director of AmCham Bulgaria

Ms. Nikolaos Bakatselos

President of AmCham Greece

Mr. Zivko Mukaetov

CEO of Alkaloid

Mr. Branko Azeski

Economic Chamber of North Macedonia

Mr. Nebi Hoxha

Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia

Mr. Trajan Angeloski

Union of Economic Chambers, North Macedonia

Ms. Aneta Antova Pesheva

The Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT

CEO of A1

Moderator:
Mr. Andi Aranitasi, Head of North Macedonia at European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Written summary by:

15:30 – 16:30

Panel 3: Seizing Opportunities from Regional Cooperation and Euro-Atlantic Perspectives
Energy crisis, supply chain bottlenecks and disruptions, labor turnover and brain drain, wage and input prices’ pressures, regulatory requirements… Doing business in the region of South Eastern Europe is especially challenging in uncertain times. Economic diplomacy can significantly strengthen regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic perspectives. What are the key obstacles for doing business in the region? How to strengthen regional cooperation? Do all businesses need government support? Over the long-term adoption of new technologies may account for a large portion of productivity growth. How to balance the short-term recovery with long-term objectives of adoption of new technologies? How to speed up digitalization? Should Special Economic Zones be central to promotion of technological development? How to build a competitive and resilient business sector? What is the potential of digitization in improving resilience and competitiveness?
Panelists

Mr. Petar Ivanov – Executive Director of AmCham Bulgaria

Ms. Nikolaos Bakatselos – President of AmCham Greece

Mr. Zivko Mukaetov – CEO of Alkaloid

Mr. Dragan Davitkov – President of Board of Directors, American Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia

Mr. Branko Azeski – Economic Chamber of North Macedonia

Mr. Nebi Hoxha- Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia

Mr. Trajan Angeloski- Union of Economic Chambers, North Macedonia

Ms. Aneta Antova Pesheva – The Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT

CEO of A1

Moderator:
Mr. Andi Aranitasi, Head of North Macedonia at European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Written summary by:

MAY 31st 2022 (DAY TWO)

MAY 31st 2022 (DAY TWO)

10:00-10:30

Presidential Addresses

H.E. Stevo Pendarovski

President of the Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Talat Xhaferi

President of the Parliament of North Macedonia

Mr. Klaus Schwab (tbc)

Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum

10:00-10:30

Presidential Addresses

H.E. Stevo Pendarovski – President of the Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Talat Xhaferi – President of the Parliament of North Macedonia

Mr. Klaus Schwab (tbc) – Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum

PILLAR 3. ENERGY, GREEN TRANSITION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

10:30 – 11:00

Keynote Speakers

Ms. Odile Renaud-Basso

President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Ms. Lilyana Pavlova

Vice-President of the European Investment Bank

10:30-11:00

Keynote Speakers

Ms. Odile Renaud-Basso – President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Ms. Lilyana Pavlova – Vice-President of the European Investment Bank

11:00-12:00

Panel 4: Energy and Green Transition

Reducing health and environmental impacts of pollution should factor into the design and conduct of policies and strategies. While the environmental legislation may be in place, its enforcement is still a significant challenge in the region. Whilst aiming reduction of environmental impacts, energy policies are also intertwined with geopolitical issues. Are the increases of energy prices transitory or temporary? How does the current energy price shock impact competitiveness? Should governments aim for effective energy networks or energy independence? What are the prospects for greater reliance on renewable energy sources as a decarbonisation strategy? How to modernize the overall transport infrastructure, including climate mitigation, adaptation and preparation of Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure combined with EV rollout? What are the best practices in improving energy efficiency? How to finance the green transition and build a sustainable economy? Can we build a sustainable municipal infrastructure, which includes air pollution, urban transport challenges, water infrastructure, waste water and solid waste management?

Panelists

Mr. Klaus Müller (tbc)

KfW Director Southeast Europe

Mr. Artur Lorkowski

Director of the Energy Community Secretariat

Mr. David Geer

Head of EU delegation

Mr. Naser Nuredini

Minister of Environment, Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Armen Grigoryan

Resident Representative of UNDP

Mr. Stefan Peter

CEO of EVN

Mr. Marko Bislimovski

Regulatory Commission for Energy

Moderator:

Ms. Aleksandra Nakjeva Ruzin, Professor of Economics, University American College

Written summary by:

11:00-12:00

Panel 4: Energy and Green Transition

Reducing health and environmental impacts of pollution should factor into the design and conduct of policies and strategies. While the environmental legislation may be in place, its enforcement is still a significant challenge in the region. Whilst aiming reduction of environmental impacts, energy policies are also intertwined with geopolitical issues. Are the increases of energy prices transitory or temporary? How does the current energy price shock impact competitiveness? Should governments aim for effective energy networks or energy independence? What are the prospects for greater reliance on renewable energy sources as a decarbonisation strategy? How to modernize the overall transport infrastructure, including climate mitigation, adaptation and preparation of Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure combined with EV rollout? What are the best practices in improving energy efficiency? How to finance the green transition and build a sustainable economy? Can we build a sustainable municipal infrastructure, which includes air pollution, urban transport challenges, water infrastructure, waste water and solid waste management?

Panelists

Mr. Klaus Müller (tbc) – KfW Director Southeast Europe

Mr. Artur Lorkowski – Director of the Energy Community Secretariat

Mr. David Geer – Head of EU delegation

Mr. Naser Nuredini – Minister of Environment, Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Armen Grigoryan – Resident Representative of UNDP

Mr. Stefan Peter – CEO of EVN

Mr. Marko Bislimovski – Regulatory Commission for Energy

Moderator:
Ms. Aleksandra Nakjeva Ruzin, University American College

Written summary by:

12:00-12:15

Coffee break

12:00-12:15

Coffee break

12:15-13:00

Panel 5: Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Trade

Developing infrastructure and services that are viable, green, resilient, well-governed, integrated, and inclusive, can drive sustainable development. A new emerging trend of increased geopolitical importance in trade policies, infrastructure and connectivity poses challenges especially to small countries and their growth prospects. What are the investment priorities in the region of South-eastern Europe? Are the latest events a turning point in regional cooperation? How to balance between short political gains and long-term development impact of infrastructure projects? How to increase implementation capacity to speed up the closing of the infrastructure gap? How to secure a fiscal space for infrastructure investments? How to mobilize the private sector in upgrading the energy infrastructure? What types of infrastructure will be most needed in the next 5, 10, 20 years? How to promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to involve the private sector in the government initiatives? Which sectors lend themselves more to PPPs? How to make the investments in energy successful even with private sector involvement only?

Panelists

Mr. Fatmir Bytiqi

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs

Ms. Beata Javorcik (tbc)

Chief Economist, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Mr. Ary Naïm

Regional Manager, Central and Southeast Europe, International Finance Corporation

Mr. Blagoj Bocvarski

Minister of Transport and Communications

Mr. Alessandro Zanota

Delegation of EU

Mr. Alessandro Bragonzi

Head of Regional Representation of European Investment Bank for Western Balkans

Moderator:
Mr. Borko Handjiski, Head of Strategic Projects and Policies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Written summary by:

12:15-13:00

Panel 5: Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Trade
Developing infrastructure and services that are viable, green, resilient, well-governed, integrated, and inclusive, can drive sustainable development. A new emerging trend of increased geopolitical importance in trade policies, infrastructure and connectivity poses challenges especially to small countries and their growth prospects. What are the investment priorities in the region of South-eastern Europe? Are the latest events a turning point in regional cooperation? How to balance between short political gains and long-term development impact of infrastructure projects? How to increase implementation capacity to speed up the closing of the infrastructure gap? How to secure a fiscal space for infrastructure investments? How to mobilize the private sector in upgrading the energy infrastructure? What types of infrastructure will be most needed in the next 5, 10, 20 years? How to promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to involve the private sector in the government initiatives? Which sectors lend themselves more to PPPs? How to make the investments in energy successful even with private sector involvement only?
Panelists

Mr. Fatmir Bytiqi – Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs

Ms. Beata Javorcik (tbc) – Chief Economist, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Mr. Ary Naïm – Regional Manager, Central and Southeast Europe, International Finance Corporation

Mr. Blagoj Bocvarski – Minister of Transport and Communications

Mr. Alessandro Zanota – Delegation of EU

Mr. Alessandro Bragonzi – Head of Regional Representation of European Investment Bank for Western Balkans

Moderator:
Mr. Borko Handjiski – Head of Strategic Projects and Policies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Written summary by:

13:00-13:45

Lunch break

13:00-13:45

Lunch break

PILLAR 4. BEYOND THE CRISIS: DRIVERS FOR SUSTAINING GROWTH

13:45-14:15

Keynote speakers

Mr. Olivér Várhelyi (video message)

European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement

Sir Tony Blair (video message)

Executive Chairman, The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Mr. Gabriel Escobar (tbc)

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Mr. Artan Grubi

First Deputy Prime Minister

13:45-14:15

Keynote speakers

Mr. Olivér Várhelyi (video message) – European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement

Sir Tony Blair (video message) – Executive Chairman, The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Mr. Gabriel Escobar (tbc) – Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Mr. Artan Grubi – First Deputy Prime Minister

14:15-15:15

Panel 6: Financial Innovations and Investments Under Uncertainty
Emergence of new alternative investment instruments, more intensive and direct engagement of a broad investor public (“democratization of markets”) accompanied by high valuations and increased usage of technology in finance, are some of the trends marking the recent period. Abrupt drastic changes in the markets and the rising uncertainty exposed the potential need for innovation in hedging strategies and instruments. How can financial markets adapt in times of uncertainty? Are the retail investors the new drivers of the markets and how should regulation adjust? Will Fintech revolutionize intermediation and investing? Is the cybersecurity concern an asset for the traditional financial institutions? What is the future of new alternative asset classes? How is the concept of money and investment changing?
Panelists

Ms. Majlinda Bregu

Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council

Mr. Filip Nikoloski

Deputy Minister of Finance

Ms. Nora Aliti (tbc)

President of the Securities and Exchange Commission

Mr. Nikola Popovski

Professor of Economics (International Slavic University, North Macedonia)

Mr. Ivan Steriev

CEO of the Macedonian Stock Exchange

Mr. Gligor Bishev

President of Education Commision (Economic Chamber of North Macedonia)

Mr. Toni Stojanovski

Chief Corporate Officer of Stopanska banka and Macedonian Banking Association

Mr. Bilal Sucubasi

Halk Banka ad Skopje  (Macedonian Banking Association)

Moderator:
Ms. Magdalena Simonovska, Special Advisor, Ministry of Finance

Written summary by:

14:15-15:15

Panel 6: Financial Innovations and Investments Under Uncertainty
Emergence of new alternative investment instruments, more intensive and direct engagement of a broad investor public (“democratization of markets”) accompanied by high valuations and increased usage of technology in finance, are some of the trends marking the recent period. Abrupt drastic changes in the markets and the rising uncertainty exposed the potential need for innovation in hedging strategies and instruments. How can financial markets adapt in times of uncertainty? Are the retail investors the new drivers of the markets and how should regulation adjust? Will Fintech revolutionize intermediation and investing? Is the cybersecurity concern an asset for the traditional financial institutions? What is the future of new alternative asset classes? How is the concept of money and investment changing?
Panelists

Ms. Majlinda Bregu – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council

Mr. Filip Nikoloski – Deputy Minister of Finance

Ms. Nora Aliti (tbc) – President of the Securities and Exchange Commission

Mr. Nikola Poposki – Professor of Economics (International Slavic University, North Macedonia)

Mr. Ivan Steriev – CEO of the Macedonian Stock Exchange

Mr. Gligor Bishev –President of Education Commision (Economic Chamber of North Macedonia)

Mr. Toni Stojanovski – Chief Corporate Officer of Stopanska banka and Macedonian Banking Association

Mr. Bilal Sucubasi – Halk Banka ad Skopje (Macedonian Banking Association)

Moderator:
Ms. Magdalena Simonovska (Ministry of Finance)

Written summary by:

15:15-16:00

Panel 7: New Challenges to Good Governance
Rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime, professional, efficient, and impartial judiciary system are key prerequisites for protection of human rights and creation of a growth-enabling environment. Institutional quality holds the key to prevailing patterns of prosperity around the world. What are the key challenges in promoting good governance? How to speed up public administration reforms? Is there visible progress in fighting corruption in the region? How can institutions support the economic recovery?
Panelists

Ms. Slavica Grkovska

Deputy President of the Government in charge of good governance policies

Mr. Nikola Tupanceski

Minister of Justice

Mr. Bojan Maricic

Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs

H.E. Ms. Rachel Galloway

British Ambassador to North Macedonia

H.E. Mr. Clemens Koja

Ambassador and Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje

Mr. Eric Meyer

Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje

Moderator:
Ms. Besa Arifi, Full Professor of Law, South East European University, Tetovo

Written summary by:

15:15-16:00

Panel 7: New Challenges to Good Governance
Rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime, professional, efficient, and impartial judiciary system are key prerequisites for protection of human rights and creation of a growth-enabling environment. Institutional quality holds the key to prevailing patterns of prosperity around the world. What are the key challenges in promoting good governance? How to speed up public administration reforms? Is there visible progress in fighting corruption in the region? How can institutions support the economic recovery?
Panelists

Ms. Slavica Grkovska – Deputy President of the Government in charge of good governance policies

Mr. Nikola Tupanceski – Minister of Justice

Mr. Bojan Maricic – Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs

H.E. Ms. Rachel Galloway –British Ambassador to North Macedonia

H.E. Mr. Clemens Koja – Ambassador and Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje

Mr. Eric Meyer – Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje

Moderator:
Ms. Besa Arifi, Full Professor of Law, South East European University, Tetovo

Written summary by:

16:00 – 16:45

Panel 8: Human Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Human capital is a major driving factor behind productivity, competitiveness, innovation, long-term growth prospects, and poverty reduction. To improve their human capital, countries must invest more in the quality and equity of education. Can governments devote sufficient policy attention to human capital in (post-)pandemic times? What is the risk of systematic under-investment in health and education? Can we assess the economic toll from pandemic-related losses in human capital and how could this be addressed? How to sustain long-term commitments across election cycles? How to address the brain drain? How to engage the Diaspora in driving economic development?
Panelists

Mr. Jamele Rigolini

Lead Economist at the World Bank (Vienna, Austria)

Akad. Prof. Dr. Taki Fiti

Professor of Economics and Academician (MANU)

Acad. Prof. Dr. Abdylmenaf Bexheti

Professor of Economics and Academician (MANU)

Mr. Trajko Slaveski

Professor of Economics (Faculty of Economics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University)

Mr. Jeton Shaqiri

Minister of Education and Science

Mr. Bekim Sali

Minister of Health

Mr. Jovana Trenchevska

Minister of Labor and Social Policy

Representative of Rosh (Tbc)

Moderator:

Ms. Nikica Mojsoska Blazevski,
Executive Director of Macedonia2025

Written summary by:

16:00 – 16:45

Panel 8: Human Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Human capital is a major driving factor behind productivity, competitiveness, innovation, long-term growth prospects, and poverty reduction. To improve their human capital, countries must invest more in the quality and equity of education. Can governments devote sufficient policy attention to human capital in (post-)pandemic times? What is the risk of systematic under-investment in health and education? Can we assess the economic toll from pandemic-related losses in human capital and how could this be addressed? How to sustain long-term commitments across election cycles? How to address the brain drain? How to engage the Diaspora in driving economic development?
Panelists

Mr. Jamele Rigolini – Lead Economist at the World Bank (Vienna, Austria)

Akad. Prof. Dr. Taki Fiti – Professor of Economics and Academician (MANU)

Acad. Prof. Dr. Abdylmenaf Bexheti – Professor of Economics and Academician (MANU)

Mr. Trajko Slaveski – Professor of Economics (Faculty of Economics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University)

Mr. Jeton Shaqiri- Minister of Education and Science

Mr. Bekim Sali- Minister of Health

Mr. Jovana Trenchevska – Minister of Labor and Social Policy

Representative of Rosh (Tbc)

Moderator:
Ms. Nikica Mojsoska Blazevski, Executive Director of Macedonia2025

Written summary by:

16:45 – 17:00

Concluding Panel: Written Summaries

16:45 – 17:00

Concluding Panel: Written Summaries