Serbian Deputy Prime Minister for EU integration Bozidar Djelic today opened the Friends of Sustainable Serbia conference, at which more than 100 projects related to sustainable development, environmental protection, social policy and the development of the economy and know-how will be presented.

left, Mr.Miodrag Andric director Notos d.o.o/Green Star Alternative Energy Inc. ,
center Mr. Bozidar Djelic Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration
and Minister of Science and Technological Development Government of Republic of Serbia,
right, Mr. Antonije Pusic, Artist and Environmental Spokesman

Djelic, who is chairing the conference, said that €100 million is needed for the projects and that they will be implemented over the next three years. He said that some organizations, such as the German Organization for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency have already expressed interest in some of these projects. The Serbian government has shown that even in these difficult times it is looking for new sources of finance so that Serbia’s development does not come to a halt, stressed Djelic, adding that the aim is to encourage donors to invest in development projects. He said that the Serbian government is seeking donations as well as cheap loans in order to deal with the economic crisis.

Djelic stressed that Serbia also has the financial support of international financial institutions, for instance the Council of Europe Development Bank. Which has invested €28 million in projects for Serbia. He said that projects to be presented by five ministries today include projects for the city Bor, river cleanup and wild life preservation, social housing and the development of computer networks in educational institutions.

Djelic said that last year the national strategy for sustainable development and an action plan for its implementation were adopted, adding that sustainable growth is our ethical obligation and an opportunity for quicker national development.

Djelic noted that social balance and ecological issues are the pillars of economic development and added that many citizens in Serbia live below the poverty level. He said that Serbia is not investing enough in human resources, research and development.

Djelic, however, commended the adoption of a set of environmental laws in parliament. This is an opportunity for the development of recycling as well as other industries, he concluded.

The meeting is co-chaired by Swedish Ambassador to Serbia Krister Bringeus and UNDP Resident Representative William Infante.

This conference will be held annually and will gather ambassadors, government officials, donor communities, academic community, business people, media and NGOs.