EDI 2015 Photo Album

Get a glimpse of the EDI 2015 experience as you visit this photo album

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum Moves to Albania

Photos: Ona Eri 

The first EDI - Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forumin Albania was a big success. Inspired by the long history of EDI Forum in Croatia and a more recent history of EDI seminars in Romania, EDI Albania went about creating a true movement of change. 

80 participants from business, economy, politics, education, law, engineering and other areas of Albanian society joined together to speak about principles of Jesus in business and economy, and how one could follow Jesus in the environment of widespread corruption.  The Forum took lasted for two and a half days in the Hotel Doro City, Tirana; from March 27^th through the 29^th.

The 2015 EDI Albania sought to encourage participants to follow Jesus closely in their businesses and professional lives. Erjona Kulla from Tirana directed EDI Albania in partnership with the Christian Young Entrepreneurs & Professionals Partnership for Integrity, ECPM – European Christian Political Movement, the Wilberforce Foundation, Sotmeria, NeJ Foundation, and the SGP Party of the Netherlands, as well as with Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation from USA.

Participants were encouraged by Jack Fallow, former CEO of UK Gas Force; Lars Rise, ex-MP of Norway; Maria van Oost, SGP General Secretary, and local speakers who gave professional advice and taught from the perspective of Jesus. Participants were eager to discuss the presentation in small groups and workshops. They discussed about how to follow Jesus outside the church walls - in their careers, politics and business. A follow-up meeting is planned for May 22, and then other follow-ups, one every three months.

Justin Kagin, EDI Forum Director

REFLECTIONS ON 2012 ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND INTEGRITY FORUM

Justin Kagin, Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum Director, and the EDI 2012 team members Leo van Doesburg, Mihaela Kovacs, and Christian and Eunice Vatran, reflect on the Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 that was completed on Saturday, August 11, 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia.

EDI Forum This Summer

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. EDI Forum 2012 will take place in Fuzine, Croatia, 31^st July – 11^th August, 2012. A similar seminar took place in Fuzine, Croatia, in the summer of 2011. Watch this video.

EDI – ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND INTEGRITY FORUM THIS SUMMER

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.