Building an Economic, Business and Political
Community On the Principles of Jesus
Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) is a new
initiative designed to support the development of young professionals and
students in the areas of economics, business and politics which are based in
the life and teachings of Jesus. We believe that the best way to fight against
unhealthy rivalry among and within nations is to establish an economic and political community based on the
principles of Jesus.
EDI was
established on the foundations of the 13-year peace building initiative
Renewing our Minds (ROM) and later the 5 years of the Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS). ROM evolved out of the need to heal relationships among
ethnic groups after the wars in Southeast Europe applying Jesus’ principles as
a platform for establishing friendship, forgiveness, reconciliation and lasting
peace in the region. From
2006-2011, the Economic Diplomacy Seminar
(EDS) hosted over 200 participants, continuing where ROM left off, by adding
economic and diplomatic principles.
This summer EDI is planning to invite 25 participants, and 15 staff and
instructors for series of lectures, seminars, workshops and mentoring events. Participants will be selected based on
recognized leadership in their communities and recommendations of those
involved with the program.
The program will be led by Justin Kagin, Director
of Economic Diplomacy and Integrity, Leo van Doesburg, East European
Representative of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM), Tihomir
Kukolja, Executive Director of the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation
(FLR) and ROM, Mihaela Kovac, Director of Baraca, and the executive team from
FLR.
RDI objectives are: a) To engage young
professionals and students (ages 18-35) primarily from the Balkan region; b) To
facilitate the formation of new business plans and projects and assist in their
implementation by developing a plan, working on logistics, and creating a
network of support; c) To support professional networks by connecting current
participants with former participants, and leaders in EDI and ROM; d) To
practically apply the principles of Jesus through regional and community
outreach of various kinds; and e) To highlight successful leaders in the region
and create a space for them to share and invest themselves in a new generation
of leaders.
The 2012 program content will include
international speakers and seminars; small groups and mentors; workshops; field
trips, and social events.
Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 will
take place in Fuzine, Croatia, July 31 – August 11, 2012.
