Novi Sad, February 27, 2025 – A diverse group of professionals gathered for the interactive training “Sustainable Business in Action: Manage the Process of Creating Your ESG Report,” hosted by Energy Net DOO and Advise Institute DOO, to deepen their understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. Beyond knowledge-building, the event served as a platform to promote the SPM² Erasmus+ project, linking ESG best practices with project management education.
Empowering Business Professionals for the ESG Era
The training aimed to equip participants with practical skills in ESG strategy, reporting, and communication, offering a well-rounded learning experience through a blend of expert lectures, group activities, and applied workshops. The agenda covered:
- Fundamentals of ESG principles and regulatory expectations
- Integration of ESG into corporate decision-making
- Tools and formats for clear ESG reporting
- Visualization and storytelling techniques for ESG data
Participants left with tangible frameworks for action, ready to translate their learning into strategic decisions within their organizations.
Integrating SPM²: Bridging ESG and Project Management
A highlight of the training was a dedicated session on the SPM² project, where attendees were introduced to its goals and practical applications. The session emphasized:
- SPM²’s methodology for addressing sustainability competence gaps
- The use of Importance–Performance Analysis in identifying training needs
- Pathways for integrating sustainability into project-based education
The presentation sparked interest in project-based sustainability initiatives, with attendees actively discussing how their industries might apply the SPM² framework. An interactive survey gathered feedback on potential areas for involvement, including:
- Mentorship and knowledge-sharing activities
- Pilot projects and certification programs
- Tailored training aligned with sector-specific ESG needs
Practical Learning, Real-World Impact
What set this event apart was its hands-on approach. Participants engaged in real case analyses, collaborative reporting exercises, and open-floor debates. Led by experienced ESG consultants, the event fostered peer learning and professional exchange across sectors.
Key takeaways included:
- Increased confidence in developing ESG reports
- Clearer understanding of how ESG ties into risk, value, and compliance
- Recognition of ESG as a strategic, not just regulatory, imperative
- Greater awareness of the SPM² project’s mission and tools
Who Participated?
Over 30 professionals attended, bringing a wide range of expertise from engineering, environmental science, economics, communications, and law. Women made up the majority of participants, reflecting strong female leadership in ESG roles. Organizations represented included:
- EPS AD, Mihajlo Pupin Institute, Telekom Srbija, Balkan Green Energy News, AVANGARD IT, Greenika DOO, MSK Kikinda
- Environmental engineers, legal advisors, chemists, and business analysts all contributed to the exchange
The presence of leading institutions such as Mihajlo Pupin underscored the event’s credibility and strategic relevance.
Participant Feedback: Ready to Engage
Participants responded positively, praising the clarity, relevance, and practicality of the sessions. Many expressed interest in staying involved through future SPM² activities, although several noted they are awaiting clearer calls to action or collaboration formats.
Key observations:
- Strong interest in future workshops, working groups, and pilot programs
- Desire for sector-tailored engagement based on real use cases
- Recognition of the SPM² project as a valuable resource for curriculum reform and upskilling
What’s Next for SPM²?
The event yielded several concrete opportunities for deepening the project’s impact:
- Targeted follow-ups with engaged participants for testing tools or co-designing pilot activities
- Post-event initiatives (e.g., online working groups or expert roundtables)
- Use of participant insights to refine training materials and communication strategies
By connecting ESG-focused professionals with project-based methodologies, the event reinforced SPM²’s role in shaping a new generation of sustainability-competent project leaders.
🔗 For more updates and upcoming events, follow the SPM² project on LinkedIn.
