Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Janković is the winner of the “Special Award for Contribution to the Development of Society” of the Diplomacy & Commerce magazine, which was presented to her at the celebration of its sixth anniversary by Ruža Ristanović, director of the magazine.

The great temptations and challenges we are facing today, not only in Europe but the whole world, oblige all of us to give the maximum contribution to the preservation of peace, but also to the creation of a more humane and solidary society. More than ever, we need understanding and tolerance, empathy for others, development of the community and help, said Commissioner Janković. With the beginning of the Covid pandemic, it became clear how vulnerable we all are, both as a society and as individuals, and that only through synergy and joint action can we alleviate and overcome the problem. The latest crisis, which is again affecting the whole world, puts us to the greatest test of maturity and humanity so far. This is not the time for divisions, deepening conflicts, inciting any kind of intolerance, or public speech that incites hatred and intolerance, but it is the time for responsibility. We must take special care of the weakest and most vulnerable, because the strength of a society is measured not by how strong its strongest member is, but rather by how strong its weakest member is.

Preserving the fundamental values ​​on which the EU is based is permanently being tested, especially in times of crisis. I deeply believe that both Serbia and the EU have the strength and capacity to preserve the fundamental European values ​​contained in the founding documents of the EU. It is how I run the institution I am in charge of, and I never calculate who, when and how I protect. I believe that I am making a small contribution every day to creating a better and fairer society for all generations, one in which I myself want to live with my family and friends. A society in which young people want to live, because they have enough oxygen and energy, and who want to return if they go to see the world – as it should be, concluded Commissioner Janković.

Traditional D&C awards have been given in several categories to individuals, companies, and organizations, which stand out in humanitarian work, CSR and green projects, digitalization, as well as in improving business and community conditions. The members of the jury were Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce – President of the Jury, as well as representatives: of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Italian-Serbian Businessmen, Confindustria Serbia, Hellenic Business Association, Croatian Business Club, Japan Business Association, Slovenian Business Club, Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Robert Čoban, President of CPG, and Ruža Veljović, Director of D&C Magazine.