Magazine Diplomacy & Commerce, affiliate of London’s The Economist magazine, celebrated its second birthday. In addition to marking their second anniversary, the event also included the award ceremony for the Diplomacy & Commerce Awards for Individuals, Companies and Organizations that excelled in humanitarian work, CSR activities, connecting business and culture and contributing to the improvement of business conditions, bilateral co-operation, civil society, as well as the economic environment in Serbia.
Director of the Magazine, Ruža Ristanović said that among the nominations there were more than 60 companies and organizations, and the task of choosing the best was not an easy one. Two companies had an equal number of votes in the humanitarian category, and the jury decided to award both companies.
The chairman of the Color Press Group, Robert Čoban, thanked all the guests and pointed out: “In the latest version of the ‘Orient Express’ film, the train gets stuck in snow somewhere in Slavonia, somewhere between Vinkovci and Slavonski Brod. However, in the movie we see the flat Slavonia as something from the Italian Alps, where the scenes were actually filmed. Director obviously thought that the plain was not interesting and inspirational enough for the audience. This is a common case with our media as well, especially those who are addressing strangers. Truth in such media is often painted with only one color. When we were launching the Diplomacy & Commerce magazine two years ago, our idea was exactly the opposite. We wanted readers, both foreign and domestic, to see the Serbian economic, political and public scene exactly as it is, with all its shades, positive moves and issues.
“Why is the Orient Express the theme of this year’s event? In its several routes over the past 135 years, this train connected exactly 10 countries – from Great Britain in the west, to Istanbul in Turkey. The United Kingdom has launched its exit from the European Union, Serbia and Turkey are not yet members, Switzerland doesn’t want to be one, the other states on the route are part of the EU. Regardless of their status, all 10 countries are in Europe, and all of us, besides the railroad, are connected with our affiliation to the same continent and striving for the same values. Since our last year’s gathering on this occasion, we have also launched the Croatian edition of the Diplomacy & Commerce magazine as well as a large number of new conferences and events.”
Guests enjoyed the dishes of eight international cuisines from the blue route of the legendary Orient Express, prepared by chefs of the Stanica 1884 restaurant, and the music from bands Sputnik and Girls, boys and toys.
Award Winners
Special award for contribution to the development of civil society went to the Beogradska otvorena škola – BOŠ (Belgrade Open School).
Award for improvement of bilateral cooperation and economic environment went to the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia.
Award for the improvement of business conditions went to the National local alliance for economic development.
Award for business innovation went to Eurobanka ad Belgrade.
Award for the foundation of the year went to Hemofarm foundation.
Award for humanitarian work went to Telekom Srbija and Alumil Yu Industry.
Award for contribution to the development of art and preservation of heritage went to DDOR Insurance.
Award for the best socially responsible campaign went to the Coca-Cola company for their project Rosa Parenting School
Award for the best socially responsible campaign went to Telenor.
