The Balkanomics Conference
September 6, 2024Balkanomics Conference 2024: Shaping the Future of Economic Growth in the Western Balkans
The Balkanomics Conference 2024 was a pivotal event dedicated to enhancing the economic competitiveness of the Western Balkans. Organized in strategic partnership with USAID and Titan Albania, this pioneering series aimed to promote regional economic growth, decarbonization efforts, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) policies. Entrepreneurs, development professionals, and policymakers discussed cutting-edge technological innovations and investment strategies that can drive sustainable development.
The third part of the conference, held in Tirana, Albania, on 16 September 2024, brought together 250 participants, focusing on sustainable practices and large-scale environmental projects.
As a Strategic Partner for the event, Titan Albania played a critical role in co-piloting the conference. The company led several exclusive panels on key themes such as decarbonization and ESG integration in urban design.
DECARBONIZATION SESSION: THE LARGEST DECARBONIZATION EFFORT IN EUROPE IS COMING FROM A NEIGHBORING ECONOMY
Prokopios Faidon-Kosmas, Group Head of New Technologies and Manufacturing Decarbonization Titan Group, Dimitrios Dimou, CEO of Titan Albania and Dritan Nako, Legal, CSR & External Relations Manager Titan Albania, discuss Titan’s IFESTOS project. This groundbreaking €234 million EU-funded carbon capture initiative in Greece challenges perceptions about green projects’ origins. They explore opportunities for implementing environmentally sound solutions in Albania, focusing on co-processing Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials in cement production to reduce CO2 emissions, promising to revolutionize sustainable technology across the EU market.
URBAN SESSION: DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE: ESG PRINCIPLES IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
The conference also featured an Urban Session that examined how ESG principles are reshaping contemporary architecture and urbanism in the Western Balkans. Hosted by renowned architect Simon Battisti from the “Relationship Center” and Albanian architect Olsi Eftimi from Atelier 4, this session highlighted how sustainable design practices can transform cities while minimizing their environmental impact. From eco-friendly buildings to greener urban planning, the session explored innovative ways to incorporate sustainability into the earliest stages of urban development.
EXCLUSIVE SESSION: THE LAUNCH OF THE FIRST ALBANIAN ESG NETWORK
Another key highlight was the Exclusive Session marking the launch of Albania’s first ESG Network. Mario Bracci, President of ESG Network Albania, along with Csaba Toth from BALFIN Group, Enida Cara from Deloitte Albania, and Erand Ibrahimi from Kastrati Group, unveiled the Network’s mission and vision. This groundbreaking initiative aims to promote sustainable, responsible, and ethical business practices across the region, emphasizing collaboration to address critical environmental, social, and governance challenges.
As the region looks ahead, the lessons learned and connections made at Balkanomics will play a crucial role in fostering economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and a shared commitment to responsible growth.
