Team Leader on Resilient Development at UNDP Serbia, Žarko Petrović, stated that UNDP supports the development of the circular economy as part of a broader initiative to accelerate the green transition, implemented with the support of the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, the Government of Serbia, and GEF.

“To date, we have secured co-financing worth USD 4 million, enabling more than 100 circular initiatives and investments across Serbia, with a total value exceeding USD 30 million. These initiatives are already contributing to waste reduction, conservation of natural resources, and the creation of green jobs”, Petrović said.

The total prize fund allocated for women entrepreneurs’ circular initiatives amounted to USD 240,000, with individual awards ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 20,000, depending on the complexity of the innovation.

Jelena Janković from the association Zona Eksperimenta, which produces furniture from construction textile waste, said the circular award was a key incentive for launching the Eco×Deco initiative, which combines recycling, design, and women’s entrepreneurship.

“The support enabled me to turn material that usually has no value into a product, and the entire process was tangible, encouraging, and inspiring. This experience showed me that small ideas can become significant steps forward when they receive the right kind of support”, Janković said.