Profile image of Monika Stanisheva

Monika Stanisheva

Member
Founder of the Green Transition Forum Chair of the Board of dir.bg Monika Stanisheva is a visionary leader and entrepreneur committed to advancing sustainability and fostering innovation across business and environmental landscapes. She currently serves as a Member of the Scientific Board at COP29, where she provides strategic climate insights to support global sustainability initiatives. In her role as Chair of the Board of Directors at Dir.bg, Monika leads high-impact initiatives that drive digital growth and innovation, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of technological advancement. She is also the Founder of the Green Transition Forum, Central and Eastern Europe’s largest platform dedicated to accelerating sustainability efforts. This prominent forum unites leaders and innovators from various sectors to address pressing environmental challenges through knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Monika is actively involved in Bulgaria’s innovation landscape as a Member of the Steering Committee of the Bulgarian Innovation Forum. Here, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and economic development, supporting a thriving ecosystem that nurtures creativity and growth. Additionally, as a Board Member of the European Female Forum, Monika advocates for gender equality and empowerment, championing diversity and inclusion to open pathways for women to excel in leadership. Her expertise further extends to European innovation as a Member of the European Sounding Board of Innovations, where she contributes valuable insights on emerging trends and transformative technologies. As an Angel Investor, Monika is dedicated to supporting startups and entrepreneurs who are working toward sustainable and equitable futures. With a multifaceted background in media, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, Monika’s work is driven by a vision of a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous world. She remains deeply committed to driving meaningful change, empowering future generations, and fostering a more sustainable global economy.
17.25-18.15: The political-policy dimension

Thursday 19th Dec

The political-policy dimension

  • Chair: Mr. George Kremlis, Director, Circular Economy and Climate Institute, EPLO
  • Speakers:
    • Mr. Arif Mammadov – Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Greece
    • Mr. Jan Dusik – Deputy Director General for Climate Action – DG CLIMA
    • Mr. Pedro Escosteguy Cardoso - Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Brazil to Athens
    • Ms. Svetlana Zhekova - Vice-President of the UNFCCC Bureau for 2024 on the way to COP29 - Co-chair of the Eastern European Group
    • Mr. Dimitris Kollias – Energy Transition Strategist – Advisor to the Greek Deputy Minister of Energy.

18.15-18.45: The business sector & the energy transition

Thursday 19th Dec

The business sector & the energy transition

  • Chair: Ms. Garyfallia Selimi - Deputy Director, Circular Economy and Climate Institute, EPLO
  • Speakers:
    • Mr. Konstantinos Chatzifotis – EU Affairs Manager, Motor Oil
    • Ms. Monika Stanisheva – Founder of Green Transition Forum
    • Mr. Gianni Chianetta – Chair Greening the IslandsFoundation – Board Member & Secretary Global Solar Council

19.00-19.45: The role of civil society & the cultural dimension: from Dubai & Baku to Belem

Thursday 19th Dec

The role of civil society & the cultural dimension: from Dubai & Baku to Belem

  • Chair:              Prof. Antonia Moropoulou, NTUA
  • Speakers:
    • Princess Dana Firas of Jordan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, VP ICOMOS
    • Ms. Alexandra Mitsotaki, Chair & Co-Founder World Human Forum
    • Mr. Antonio Jesus Antequera Delgado, General Subdirectorate for Coordination & Management of Cultural Assets, Ministry of Culture of Spain
    • Mr. Andrew Potts, Heritage and Climate Action Advisor, Europa Nostra

19.45-20.00: General Conclusions

Thursday 19th Dec

General Conclusions

  • Mr. Grammenos Mastrojeni – Senior Deputy Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean
  • Mr. George Kremlis, Director, Circular Economy and Climate Institute, EPLO