LJUBLJANA/GENEVA, 5 January 2026 – On 18 December, an international conference entitled “Non-Governmental Organizations of Europe and Asia: Dialogue for Sustainable Development 2026” was held at the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, bringing together representatives from 118 countries worldwide. During the conference, strategies and initiatives aimed at advancing the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs[2]) in the coming period were presented.
One of the central events of the conference was the international panel “Trump–Musk–Karić: Business Diplomacy for the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2026”, dedicated to the role of leadership, innovation and responsible business in strengthening global stability and sustainable development. Special emphasis was placed on private-sector initiatives and philanthropic projects that can significantly contribute to the achievement of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)[3] and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)[4]. On this occasion, appreciation was expressed to Bogoljub Karić, Founder and President of BK Group, whose model of integrating economic activity, philanthropy and international cooperation represents an example of how private initiatives can contribute to global stability and development. The panel explored ways in which leadership, innovation and responsible business practices – drawing inspiration from the examples of Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Bogoljub Karić – can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The panel also examined the new National Security Strategy of the United States of America[5], which defines security not merely as the absence of conflict, but as the presence of stable societies and effective international partnerships. The discussion addressed cross-border cooperation, the responsible application of technology and innovation, as well as the role of the media in building trust and institutional resilience. On behalf of the International Association of Peace Foundations, the panel was formally welcomed by Prof. Viktor Fersht.
Director of the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana, Prof. Dr. Zijad Bećirović, emphasized that business diplomacy is emerging as a new paradigm that complements traditional diplomacy through speed of action, capital, innovation and global networks. He underlined that the Sustainable Development Goals represent a shared and universal language – particularly SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 17 – in strengthening cooperation between Europe, the United States and Asia. According to Bećirović, collective success depends on building a new culture of trust in which capital, innovation and social responsibility operate as a unified front in advancing global sustainability. He assessed that the conference was held at the right historical moment and in the right place – at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva – with the participation of individuals who actively shape the emerging global order and consistently advocate peace and overall human progress.
Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Levett (USA), Honorary President of the World Philosophical Forum, highlighted the exceptional global role and mission of President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Bogoljub Karić, emphasizing that their vision, leadership and concrete initiatives oriented towards the common good of humanity deserve broad international support. He particularly emphasized that their business model of peace is worth studying more deeply, as it demonstrates how stability, prosperity and peace for all can be created through economy and innovation.
Leonard H. Le Blanc III (USA) pointed to the decades-long engagement of Bogoljub Karić in numerous international projects, highlighting the concept of business peace as a model that exceeds borders and connects economies, while stressing that President Donald Trump possesses the political capacity to initiate profound global transformations.
Prof. Dr. Ile Masalkovski, from the “St. Clement of Ohrid” University in Bitola, spoke about the importance of business diplomacy for small states and the role of corporate leaders’ vision in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized that small countries, in a world of global powers, cannot rely on military or economic strength, but rather on trust, expertise, agility and principled partnerships. For a small state, a company is not merely a commercial entity—it is an ambassador, Masalkovski stressed, adding that business diplomacy today is directly linked to the most urgent global agenda: the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, he highlighted that Bogoljub Karić has consistently advocated these goals for more than four decades, making his vision not only relevant, but essential at a time when pressures are increasing and progress is slowing.
Jack Hu (China), from the Department for Overseas Industrial Development, spoke about contemporary technologies with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). On this occasion, he welcomed the establishment of the University for Artificial Intelligence, an initiative launched by Bogoljub Karić, assessing it as a strategically important contribution to education and global technological development.
Safet Gerxhaliu, former President of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Bogoljub Karić as an inspiring example of the transformative power of private initiative and a pioneer of private business in Southeast Europe. As a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and visionary, Karić has, according to Gerxhaliu, dedicated his work to fostering economic development while simultaneously connecting people from diverse social, cultural and national backgrounds. His long-standing commitment to overcoming divisions, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting ethical business practices illustrates the strong impact that responsible entrepreneurship can have on stability, integration and social cohesion in the Western Balkans, as well as on advancing Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Gerxhaliu emphasized that economic cooperation in the Western Balkans is not merely an economic necessity, but a key pillar of peace, stability and long-term regional transformation.
Dejan Azeski (North Macedonia), journalist and historian, reflecting on the return of BK Television, emphasized that the comeback of this former Balkan media icon to the major media scene has been confirmed. He stressed that BK Television represents a valuable source of experience and lessons for the development of modern digital platforms and artificial intelligence–based media, particularly in promoting peace and the Sustainable Development Goals. “My generation grew up with BK Television, and it is entirely natural that, both as a viewer and as a journalist, I am eagerly anticipating its return to the media scene in its full glory. I am convinced that in these complex times, BK Media Group is essential for the region and that it can once again become a strong factor in shaping our better shared future,” Azeski stated.
Prof. Dr. Hakan Yalap (Türkiye), from Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, speaking about the challenges of a rapidly changing world, emphasized the visionary role of Bogoljub Karić, who, as he noted, has always been at the forefront of progress. In this context, he particularly highlighted the establishment of the first university dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence, headquartered in Switzerland. The aim of this institution is to prepare people of all generations for active participation in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in an environment that requires the simultaneous strengthening of education, healthcare, environmental protection and inclusive economic development. The university will operate a modern digital education platform, offering courses and qualifications especially in the fields of AI, business and other disciplines relevant to the future labor market.
Several speakers emphasized the exceptional importance of the conference and proposed that this dialogue format be continued in other regions of the world.
Panel Conclusions
The panel specifically highlighted the role of BK Television as a modern digital platform that can strongly support initiatives aimed at promoting peace, education, and the achievement of sustainable development goals in the region.
The conference was organized by organizations holding consultative status with ECOSOC/UN[6], while the panels and roundtables were moderated by representatives of the International Association of Foundations for Peace, the World Philosophical Forum, the European Institute for Communications, the Association of European Journalists, the Ecumenical Delphic Union, the Association of Chinese Cooperative Trading Enterprises, and the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES).
Participants had the opportunity to ask questions to relevant leaders and experts via Zoom and the United Nations’ YouTube channel.
The following conference resolutions were adopted:
The conference emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, innovation, and international cooperation in shaping economic, social, and technological development at a global level.
According to the views of Serbian businessman and philanthropist Bogoljub Karić, the world today is facing the deepest geopolitical transformation since the end of World War II. The existing architecture of international relations, based on the dominance of transatlantic structures and the central role of the European Union, is undergoing a phase of accelerated and profound rearticulating. The new U.S. National Security Strategy, as highlighted, clearly shows that the global order is forming around a limited number of key powers, while former centers of decision-making are gradually losing influence.
"Based on many years of engagement in seeking sustainable solutions for peace, stability, and prosperity, I support the key elements of this new doctrinal strategy. As a concrete expression of this support, I submitted an initiative to U.S. President Donald Trump for the inclusion of Eastern European and Balkan countries in the future enlargement of the C5 format in Europe," stated Karić.
According to him, Serbia is, for the first time in decades, facing a historic opportunity to strategically, long-term, and sovereignly redefines its international position through the C5+ partnership. The C5 model, comprising the USA, Russia, China, India, and Japan, represents the core of the new global architecture, while European countries are offered space for flexible and strategically relevant partnerships through the C5+ concept[7].
As highlighted at the conference, Bogoljub Karić plans, in the coming period, to more actively promote and operationalize this initiative through increased engagement in the social life of Serbia, the region, and beyond.
Ljubljana / Geneva, 5 January 2026
[1] IFIMES - International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC/UN in New York since 2018, and it is the publisher of the international scientific journal "European Perspectives." Available at: https://www.europeanperspectives.org/en
[2] Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
[3] SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable institutions.
[4] SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development.
[5] U.S. National Security Strategy: A strategic document outlining the foreign policy and security priorities of the United States.
[6]ECOSOC: United Nations Economic and Social Council, responsible for coordinating economic, social and related work of UN agencies
[7] C5 / C5+: A geopolitical cooperation format involving the USA, Russia, China, India and Japan, with C5+ referring to expanded partnership frameworks.
