Economic Diplomacy Seminar 2011

The Economic Diplomacy Seminar, or EDS, will have its fifth year in 2011 (August 18th through the 28th). After four years EDS is a shared experience with over 135 participants, young leaders and professional practitioners from the surrounding region and the world. This is not an exclusive vision of a small group of people but something that many people share, are sharing with others, and are developing together for the future of the region and beyond.

We are excited by a new year with a new group of participants. We know that with Jesus and following his principles these participants will truly make a difference. We are also thankful for this year's leadership and speakers who we believe will inspire those that come. I am sure that we are in for an amazing year!

For those interested in EDS the following is a sample of our invitation letter for this year which will give a general idea of the program that we follow. Again excited about this year! And will keep you all updated.

Warm Regards,

Milan Pavlovic and Justin Kagin
EDS Directors

The Economic Diplomacy Seminar will take place in Hope House, a retreat house of the Life Center International, in Fužine, Croatia from 18 to 28 August 2011.

EDS is based on the principles of Jesus of Nazareth. It applies his principles specifically to the fields of economics, business, politics and diplomacy. The reason for this foundation is that the economic problems in the emerging Europe demands the application of his principles. Principles that Jesus followed, like integrity, moral leadership, service to the community, a focus on the poorest and their needs, good economics, and faith can combat corruption, selfishness, greed, youth hopelessness, debilitating high unemployment, and abject poverty among some ethnic and refugee groups in the region. Our hope is that when these experiences and principles are applied, they will end up developing this region, not just in terms of economic growth, but through the creation of leaders passionate about the economy, politics, peacemaking and friendship.

By taking part in EDS this summer with a number of other young adults from several countries you will undertake an intensive and inspiring journey that will enrich you emotionally, intellectually, relationally and spiritually, and motivate you to make a difference in your country and community.

Throughout these two weeks you will engage in activities that will combine both theory and practice. Prominent speakers will speak to you from fields related to economic diplomacy. Our past speakers have included:

• Todd Becker, former OSCE Mission director of Croatia
• Clerim Cepani, former Albanian Ambassador
• Lynn Dennehy, US financial accountant
• Milenko Djurić, Public Relations Consulting Group, Belgrade, Serbia
• Leo van Doesburg, Officer Relations & Networking; East European Representative European Christian Political Movement (ECPM) and trainer on communication, strategies and politics;
• Jack Fallow, Founder Chairman of Gas Force Limited, a very successful employee owned utilities company, co-founder of Centre for Organizational Effectiveness and Honorary Professor at Brunel University, London, UK;
• Drazen Glavaš, Croatian business consultant and founder of EDUKACIJA, TRENING I KOMUNIKACIJA (ETIK);
• Melita Marčeta, Management Board member of the Zagreb Stock Exchange;
• Robert Maričak, Former CEO of General Graphic Group, a top Croatian technology company;
• Robert Milčev, Executive Director of the Boris Trajkovski Foundation;
• Andrew Nedelchev, European program director for Crown Financial Ministries and Crown Companies in Europe;
• Željko Puja, Professor of Psychology
• Krešimir Sever, President of the Non-aligned Croatian Unions, Zagreb, Croatia
• Mats Tunehag, Swedish newspaper editor and international speaker promoting Business as Mission and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises to build up the economy of developing countries;
• Dr. Richard Werner, Professor of Finance, Southampton University, UK. Author of a ‘New Paradigm in Macroeconomics' (Palgrave Macmillan) which correctly predicted the collapse of the UK banking system and property market, highlighted the problem of 'recurring banking crises' and suggested workable solutions. In 2003, the World Economic Forum selected him as 'Global Leader for Tomorrow' in Davos.
• Teodora Živković, Executive Director in sector for information technologies and operations, Privredna Banka Zagreb, Croatia

In small groups you will synthesize these lectures and discuss them. In workshops you will apply principles to practical activities such as grant writing, communication skills and negotiations, and our mentors will encourage you in your personal development and your visions for change. Combined with the academic element will be times of relaxation which will include a trip to the Adriatic Sea, music, sports, recreation, and much more.

The total participation cost of €740 includes all program expenses, study and leisure trips in Croatia, and full board. Travelling expenses to and from Fuzine are not included. Some partial scholarships are available for those from developing countries in case you are unable to pay the seminar expenses in full. If you need a scholarship, please fill in the part of the application form that addresses the scholarship questions as well. A partial scholarship enables you to pay the discounted rate of €150.

Enclosed with this letter is an application form. Due to the limited number of spaces available we would strongly recommend that you submit your application for our evaluation as soon as possible, or by May 30, 2011 at the latest. Should you have any additional questions feel free to ask by e-mail posted to edseminar@gmail.com. Your completed application form should also be sent to the above e-mail address.

We look forward to your application.

Yours sincerely,

Milan Pavlović and Justin Kagin
Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS) Directors