1. 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety 20 LETNICA KATEDRE ZA BIOTEHNOLOGIJO, MIKROBIOLOGIJO IN VARNOST ŽIVIL Biotechnology and microbiology for knowledge and benefit BIOTEHNOLOGIJA IN MIKROBIOLOGIJA ZA ZNANJE IN NAPREDEK Ljubljana, 27.-28. September 2012 University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety Univerza v Ljubljani Biotehniška fakulteta Katedra za biotehnologijo, mikrobiologijo in varnost živil

2. Development initiative 2010: Integration of sustainable approach with regards to current challenges in the society Janez Podobnik Director International ECPD Institute for Sustainable Development

3. Introduction Active in the field of international relations through 4 institutions Director of the ECPD Institute for Sustainable Development since 2009 Acting Director General of ICPE since March 2012 President of the Slovenian Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs since 2012 KEN Member – Knowledge economy network 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

4. Points to be discussed Describing the main activities of the institutions as well as how they work Relation between the international organizations and sustainable approach in the time of global crises: - how do these organizations address the current issues, finance themselves, their position in the media, local, national and global environment; 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

5. ECPD International Institute for Sustainable Development, Urban Planning and Environmental studies (www.ecpd.si, www.ecpdorg.net)www.ecpd.si ECPD‘s mission is concerned with proactive activity in the field of rebuilding peace after the post-Helsinki accords and increase development in the SEE region How is ECPD involved in maintaining peace as a nongovernmental independent structure? Post graduate studies, annual conferences on peace reconciliation, ECPD Institute- >Sustainable development 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

6. International Center for Promotion of Enterprises – ICPE (www.icpe.si) The center was established on the UN Initiative as a developmental institution for non-aligned countries in 1974 New paradigm shifts made the center‘s mission more inclusive and broader, with an emphasis on management of public sector The future of the center evolves around combining sustainable approach in development: green industry, waste management, corporate social responsibility and quality management of PE 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

7. Knowledge Economy Network – KEN:www.knowledge-economy.net Modern and dynamic network structure, based in Brussels and established by prof. dr. Boris Cizelj - The network‘s vision is to establish the economy of knowledge in the international sphere Financially independent and thus capable of being more objective and critical; Seeking for good practices, where knowledge fosters added value 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

8. International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs SI A Russian constellation whose aim was to bring together the business subjects and enterprises from the former Soviet Union Lately the number of members is growing and not anymore related just to the Eastern Europe area Uniting some of the most influential capital owners and at the same time trying to address the current issues 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

9. Connecting education and expertise In-depth intellectual work Active communication with the media and the government on all levels: local authorities, government, intergovernmental institutions, supranational institutions; Engaging young professionals into work 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

10. Conclusion When addressing the actual challenges in the society within an institution, many factors are of key essence: the institution itself, its leadership, proactive stance, their sustainable approach; My opinion is that each of the mentioned organizations can play a positive role by involving itself in the regional and international affairs 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

11. Conclusion International organizations show much potential for concrete transformation in the sustainable approach Their importance is evolving during the economic crisis, especially because governments are overburdened with saving banks and the economy, so sustainability is unfortunately not first on the agenda 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety

12. Thank you for your attention! Q&A Janez Podobnik janez.podobnik@ecpd.si 20 Years of Activity at the Chair of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Safety