WMG Foundation Director Irena Petrović took part in the second regional conference “Women (and men) IN Business & Leadership 2026” in Koper. The event brought together more than 100 participants, including women and men, influential and experienced business leaders, government representatives, decision-makers, civil society organizations, diplomats, entrepreneurs and innovators from Slovenia, the region, Europe and the world.

One of the key topics of the conference was the importance of a meritocratic approach to employment and career development, as well as the need for stronger inclusion of women in decision-making processes. There was discussion of leadership in times of change, economic empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, corporate responsibility and the future of inclusive growth, and it was an ideal opportunity for participants to become acquainted with the new WMG Foundation project, the SpOna Women’s Initiative, aimed at empowering women and their more active inclusion in social and economic life.

During the conference, panel discussions and keynote lectures addressed both the opportunities and the structural challenges that women in leadership positions face on a daily basis. The speakers highlighted the importance of financial literacy, access to capital, mentoring and more substantial institutional support, while emphasizing successful stories that are shaping the development of the business environment in the region. It was repeatedly stressed that the resilience of society and its ability to respond to contemporary challenges depend to a great extent on how much women are involved in the processes of shaping change.

Participation in the conference in Koper once again confirmed the WMG Foundation’s commitment to building strong partnerships and developing initiatives that have a long-term social impact, both in Serbia and in the region.