Her Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Katherine attended the First Serbian Women’s Forum “Making a difference” at Hotel Metropol Palace in Belgrade today and addressed the participants at the formal opening.
HRH Crown Princess Katherine has emphasized in her speech: “Serbia has re-joined the IMF, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. We are in serious contention to be admitted into the European Union, joining our European neighbours in pursuit of a brighter economic future. To achieve our greatest vision for Serbia’s future, we must face reality that all nations confront on their path to prosperity: Empowering women is the number one tool we have in order to improve economic stability, education, health care, and create a just and peaceful future for generations to come. As women we have many challenges to face in society. There are laws we must pass and behaviour must change. This is not easy. But in doing so, we will create not only a more equal Serbia, but a more powerful Serbia as well: as we empower our daughters, our sisters, our mothers, we will find that we empower our sons, our brothers, and our fathers be their best selves as well.”
Beside HRH Crown Princess Katherine the participants were also addressed by Mrs Jorgovanka Tabakovic, the National Bank Governor, who officially opened the Forum, Mrs Stacey Kennedy, Managing Director South East Europe, Philip Morris Serbia, Mrs Isidora Zebeljan, famous Serbian composer, member of Serbian Academy of science and arts (SANU), Mrs Branka Djukic, director of “Tanjug” news agency, Mrs Mirjana Bobic-Mojsilovic, author, Mrs Svetlana Kisic, and Dr Nada Macura, spokeswoman of the Emergency Medical Assistance Service.
Different topics were discussed at the Forum, including “Women and power: Is this a men’s world?”, “Female leadership: A competitive edge for the future”, “Gender equality in the labour market”, “Climbing up the political ladder”, “Business Strategies to recruit and develop top female talent” and “Compete – Cooperate – Create”.
The Forum is organized by TGI, an International Company operating in Serbia and the region, under the auspices of the First Women’s Club and the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce.