M6 Step Forward · Leader Talks
Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-food Systems
Challenges and Solutions for Western Balkan Countries
The second conference from M6 Step Forward was organized by M6 Educational Centre together with the Italian Embassy in North Macedonia.
The conference created a platform for discussion around the challenges, possible solutions and opportunities for building more resilient agri-food systems, while inspiring regional and foreign investors, businesses and individuals to prioritize activities in this sector.
Leader Talks
Speakers
The conference brought together international experts, government representatives, business leaders and sector specialists to explore the future of agriculture and food systems in the Western Balkans.
01
Mr. Maurizio Martina
Special Adviser to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
02
H.E. Mr. Andrea Silvestri
Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in North Macedonia
03
Dr. Stefano Vaccari
CEO and Director-General of CREA
04
Mr. Goran Damovski
Team Leader at Increasing Market Employability Program
05
Mr. Svetozar Janevski
M6 Investment Group
06
Mr. Boban Ilic
Secretary General of SWG
07
Mr. Gjorgi Petrusev
General Manager of BiMilk, Mlekara Bitola AD
Conference Program
Agenda
17:00 – 17:10
Conference Opening and Welcoming Address
Elena Mladenovska Jelenkovikj, CEO of M6 Educational Centre
17:10 – 17:30
Food Challenges and Trends in the World – What Is the Future for Domestic Production in the Post-COVID Era?
Mr. Maurizio Martina, Special Adviser to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
17:30 – 17:50
Italy’s Experience in Building Sustainable Agri-food Systems
H.E. Mr. Andrea Silvestri, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in North Macedonia
17:50 – 18:00
Short Break
18:00 – 18:30
Panel Discussion #1
Implementing New Technologies and Innovations as an Imperative for Agri-food Sector Development
Dr. Stefano Vaccari — CEO and Director-General of CREA
Mr. Goran Damovski — Team Leader at Increasing Market Employability Program
18:30 – 19:20
Panel Discussion #2
Recommendations for Building Resilient Agri-food Sectors in Western Balkan Countries
Mr. Boban Ilic — Secretary General of SWG
Mr. Svetozar Janevski — M6 Investment Group
Mr. Gjorgi Petrusev — General Manager, BiMilk Mlekara Bitola AD
19:20 – 19:30
Closing Remarks
Mrs. Elena Mladenovska Jelenkovikj
Discussion Themes
Key Areas of Discussion
Panel Discussion 01
New Technologies and Innovation
Exploring how new technologies and innovative approaches can contribute to the development, modernization and resilience of the agri-food sector.
Panel Discussion 02
Resilient Agri-food Sectors
Discussing recommendations and practical approaches for strengthening agri-food sectors across the Western Balkans and improving their ability to respond to future disruptions.
Building a More Resilient Food Future
The conference brought together international perspectives and regional expertise to explore how innovation, investment, cooperation and sustainable practices can strengthen agri-food systems across the Western Balkans.
