About Us

"Where ideas meet, opportunities for development are endless."

Three friends, with completely different life stories, but a shared vision, were brought together by the idea that the world we live in can and must be better. Zorana has been building a career in the civil sector for years, helping communities overcome challenges through solidarity and social responsibility. Emilija has developed extensive experience in the world of micro and small enterprises and now teaches others how to turn ideas into concrete results, emphasizing the importance of empowering local entrepreneurs. Biljana, as part of the world of sustainable finance and academia, is dedicated to consulting, research, and educating different generations, focusing on responsible business and long-term sustainability.

Although they come from different sectors and generations, their unity reflects a perfect balance of innovation and youthful energy with the maturity and experience of decades of work. The three of them often found themselves discussing how different the world could be if civil society, the business sector, and academia truly worked together—if knowledge, resources, and ideas could cross sectoral lines and be turned into real, tangible change. Over countless coffee chats, they shared their visions and experiences, dreaming of an initiative that would bring together people, organizations, and communities.

And then, one day—with a cup of coffee in hand and a spark of determination—they decided it was time to stop just talking and start doing. That’s how the Association for Sustainable Development and Cooperation was born. Their mission was bold in its simplicity: to build a platform that connects, educates, and inspires—because "where ideas meet, opportunities for development are endless." Through youth-focused projects, consulting for companies, and research that sheds light on key challenges, they set out to promote deeper understanding and real-world application of sustainable practices. Their vision wasn’t just a dream of the future—it was a roadmap of concrete steps toward a society that is more responsible, fair, and sustainable. And they were ready to take those steps—alongside everyone who shares their passion for change and belief in the power of collaboration.

Our Mission

We connect people, organizations, and communities through education, consulting, and research to support the practical application of sustainable development and social responsibility. Our mission is to inspire change through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, leading to a more just, sustainable, and prosperous society.

Our Vision

A world where civil society, the business sector, and academia work hand in hand to create sustainable solutions—through responsible and innovative practices that improve quality of life, preserve resources, and empower communities to act for the common good at local, national, and regional levels.

Our Team

Executive Director

Zorana Milovanović

Mentor, researcher, and consultant with extensive experience in the development and sustainability of civil society organizations and social enterprises. She contributed to the drafting of Serbia’s Law on Social Entrepreneurship and the National Program for Sector Development, developed a database of social enterprises and an educational blog as part of the KoRSE association, and conducted numerous trainings for public officials and young entrepreneurs across Serbia. She is the author of several publications on measuring social impact and developing support ecosystems. As a mentor in the ACT program, she supports organizations looking to develop social entrepreneurship models as tools for long-term sustainability. Within the association, she focuses on program development and the creation of educational tools grounded in research and practical experience.

Chairwoman of the Board

Emilija Ćirić

Mentor and consultant in digital marketing, community building, and strategic communication. Her career spans multiple sectors—from startups and the corporate world to nonprofit organizations—giving her a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities of today’s business landscape. She used that experience as a foundation for starting her own business, and later, this association. She is especially proud of her collaboration with the Mozaik Foundation, where she strengthened her activist engagement and worked closely with youth, mentoring over 30 young people. She combines strategic thinking with empathy, believing that true sustainability starts where planning, collaboration, and trust come together.

Board Member

Biljana Lazarević

External associate and senior consultant with decades of experience in business process improvement, strategic planning, and corporate governance. She has worked in banking, multinational companies, and consulting projects both in Serbia and abroad. Today, she is an accredited lecturer at the National Academy for Public Administration, a consultant for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a mentor in the “Share Your Knowledge” program, and a guest professor at several Serbian universities. She has authored numerous academic and professional papers and is especially dedicated to bridging academic knowledge with the business world. Her role in the association focuses on strategic development and knowledge transfer through education and mentoring.

Our Core Values

Sustainable Development

Promoting a balance between economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection through responsible, long-term practices.

01

Collaboration and Connection

Bridging civil society, the business sector, and academia to collectively build a better and more resilient society.

02

Innovation

Applying creative and forward-thinking approaches to address challenges in sustainable development and social responsibility.

03

Social Responsibility

Actively contributing to the community through transparent, ethical, and accountable actions.

04

Education and Empowerment

Investing in knowledge and capacity-building to help individuals and organizations become agents of positive change.

05

Transparency and Trust

Operating with integrity, openness, and clarity in all interactions with stakeholders and communities.

06

Inclusivity

Embracing diversity and creating space for everyone to contribute to development and cooperation.

07 Our Partners

Our mission is rooted in connecting diverse actors from civil society, the business sector, and academia. We believe that only through collaboration can we create sustainable solutions and drive meaningful change.

We work with:

Young people who are driven by a desire for change and equipped with the knowledge and skills to actively engage in society.
Civil society organizations that share our vision and aim to foster sustainable practices within their communities.
Companies and entrepreneurs seeking to adopt ESG standards and become leaders in responsible business.
Academic institutions and researchers who contribute through innovation, analysis, and knowledge transfer to future generations.
Donors and grant-making organizations that support projects focused on sustainability, education, and research.

Objectives of Strategic Partnerships

Co-create and implement projects that promote sustainable development
Facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices across sectors
Build a network of committed actors working toward a shared goal: a more just and sustainable future