Ahmet Ismaili

Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo and Chair of its Executive Board

Dr. Ahmet Ismaili is the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) and chairs its Executive Board. With over 20 years of experience in banking and finance, he has held senior management positions, delivering significant results in both the financial industry and the public sector. Dr. Ismaili’s professional background spans various roles within the banking and insurance sectors, culminating in top management positions.

He served a full five-year mandate as General Director of the State Treasury of the Republic of Kosovo under the Ministry of Finance. As Governor, Dr. Ismaili chairs the Management Board of the Deposit Insurance Fund and represents Kosovo on the Board of Governors of the IMF. He also serves as Alternate Governor for the World Bank Group.

Alban Hashani

Executive Director of the Riinvest Institute and a lecturer in Economics

Mr. Alban Hashani is Executive Director of the Riinvest Institute and a
lecturer in Economics. He holds a degree from the University of Prishtina and
completed postgraduate and doctoral studies at Staffordshire University in the
United Kingdom. His research focuses on transition economics and industrial
development. Mr. Hashani leads multiple research and development projects,
contributing to evidence-based policymaking and economic analysis in
Kosovo and the region. He is actively engaged in advancing economic
dialogue and institutional development.

Alexander Kergozou

Associate Director, Finalta by McKinsey

Alexander Kergozou has been working with Finalta since 2012, conducting benchmarking studies with over 50 banks in Europe on Retail and Corporate banking topics, from customer base growth and relationship development to digitization and CRM communication strategies. Originally from the United Kingdom, he is now based in Vienna and his current focus is serving banks in the Western Balkan region.

Amer Kapetanovic

Secretary General - Regional Cooperation Council

Mr. Amer Kapetanovic is a senior diplomat with over two decades of
experience in regional cooperation and international relations. He currently
serves in a leadership role at the Regional Cooperation Council, overseeing
initiatives in security, justice, and regional integration. He previously held
senior positions in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
including Assistant Minister for Bilateral Affairs and Deputy Ambassador to
Germany. His work has focused on economic diplomacy, EU integration, and
multilateral cooperation. Mr. Kapetanovic has led major regional initiatives and
contributed to policy development across Southeast Europe, promoting
stability, dialogue, and cross-border collaboration.

Besar Durmishi

Minister of Economy and Labour, Republic of North Macedonia

Mr. Besar Durmishi is Minister at the Ministry of Economy and Labour of the Republic of North Macedonia and a certified accountant with over a decade of experience in financial management, accounting, and public administration. He holds a Master’s degree in Management and Finance from the College of Business in Prishtina and completed specialized studies at the American University of Europe in Skopje. He began his career in the private sector before transitioning to public service, where he served as Chairman of Tetovo’s Municipal Council. Mr. Durmishi brings strong expertise in financial analysis, reporting, and economic governance, and is fluent in Albanian, Macedonian, and English.

Besnik Berisha

Managing Director, Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund

Besnik Berisha has over 20 years of experience in banking and development finance in Kosovo and Albania, specializing in SME business development. He held senior roles at ProCredit Bank in both countries and has been Managing Director of the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund since 2017. An expert in SME financing, Mr. Berisha holds a degree in Economics from the University of Prishtina, an MBA in Financial Management from the University of Ljubljana, and graduated from the ProCredit Academy in Germany. He began his PhD in Knowledge Management in Slovenia in 2018. Born in Mitrovica, he lives there with his family.

Besnik Vasolli

Expert in European Integration, Economic Diplomacy, and Business Development

Mr Besnik Vasolli is an expert in European integration, economic diplomacy,
and business development, with over two decades of experience. He plays a
leading role at the German-Kosovo Business Association, strengthening trade
relations between Kosovo and Germany and promoting foreign investment.
His work focuses on governance, regional cooperation, and sustainable
economic growth. Mr Vasolli has contributed to advancing Kosovo’s
integration processes and fostering innovation through cross-border
partnerships. He is recognized for his strategic approach to economic
development and his commitment to enhancing international collaboration,
supporting private sector growth and institutional capacity building in the
region.

Brunilda Stefani

CFO, Tirana International Airport

Brunilda Stefani is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in financial planning, controlling, IFRS reporting, and long-term budgeting. She joined Tirana International Airport in 2007, where she led the Business Planning and Controlling Department for several years before being appointed Chief Financial Officer.

Prior to this, Ms. Stefani spent six years at KPMG Albania, gaining valuable expertise in both national and international accounting standards. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Tirana and is a member of ACCA.

Charlotte Ruhe

Managing Director for Central and South Eastern Europe - EBRD

Charlotte Ruhe is EBRD’s Managing Director for Central and South Eastern Europe,
overseeing business and policy reform across 18 countries, including the Western
Balkans and EU member states, representing over a third of the Bank’s business. She
previously served as Director for SME Finance and Development, supporting SMEs in
26 countries, and was Director for Croatia (2005–2010). Earlier roles include leading the
EU-EBRD SME Finance Facility and advising the US Director. She began her career at
the US Treasury as an international economist. Charlotte holds an MA in International
Economics from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a BA in Journalism and Political Science from
Indiana University.

Elena Pici

Chairperson of the Board and Business Development Manager at BP Albania

Ms. Elena Pici is Chairperson of the Board and Business Development
Manager at BP Albania, with experience across public and private sectors.
She previously served as Secretary General of the Ministry of Interiors in
Albania, becoming both the first woman and youngest to hold the position.
She also worked in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Central Bank of Albania,
and international organizations. Ms. Pici is a Chevening Scholar, holding an
MSc from the London School of Economics, and has completed executive
education at Harvard Kennedy School. She is committed to inclusive
leadership, governance, and advancing development through strategic
initiatives.

Esmeralda Topuzi

Resilience Development, UNIQA Sustainable, Austria

Esmeralda Topuzi leads Risk and Resilience Development at UNIQA Sustainable, where she designs and implements resilience strategies for corporates and financial institutions across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). In this role, she also coordinates cross‑market initiatives and supports the development and scaling of UNIQA Sustainable’s activities across its regional subsidiaries, contributing to long‑term market growth.

Her career has been built at the core of the financial system, spanning banking supervision, capital and market risk, and financial stability. Through roles at the Central Bank of Albania, Raiffeisen Bank Group Austria, and UNIQA Group Austria, she has developed a view of resilience as a driver of capital strength, systemic stability, and long‑term sustainable performance.

Fatbardha Rino

Chief Executive Officer of Jet Bank

Ms. Fatbardha Rino is Chief Executive Officer of Jet Bank, bringing over two
decades of leadership experience in banking, operations, and sales
transformation. She has led complex, multi-country initiatives focused on
growth, operational excellence, and digital innovation. Throughout her career,
she has driven transformation across customer experience, network
development, and sales effectiveness. As CEO, she is leading the vision of
building a digital-first bank in Albania, grounded in customer-centricity and
sustainable growth. Ms. Rino continues to promote innovation and strategic
execution within the financial sector, contributing to the modernization of
banking services in the region.

Gazmend Selmani

Founder - IBAS

Mr. Gazmend Selmani is founder of the first neobank in the Western Balkans and a leading entrepreneur with over 20 years of international experience. He is the architect behind innovative digital solutions, including IBAS, eKosova, and rTrust, which have contributed to advancing digital governance and financial services. His work spans Kosovo, the United States, the United Kingdom, and across Europe, focusing on technology-driven transformation and innovation. Through his ventures, he has played a key role in shaping the region’s fintech and digital ecosystem, supporting modernization, efficiency, and increased access to digital and financial services for citizens and businesses alike.

Gem Maloku

CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at NLB Banka

Mr. Maloku is a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of experience. He graduated from RJR Reynolds High School in the U.S. and completed his university studies in Pristina. A Fellow of the ACCA in the UK, he also holds an Executive MBA from IEDC – Bled School of Management. His career began in 2001 with KPMG-Barents, followed by Deloitte Kosovo, where he advanced to Senior Auditor. Since 2008, he has held key leadership roles at NLB Banka, including Chief Risk Officer and Board Member. He has also chaired several national finance committees and contributed to major financial legislation in Kosovo.

Geraldina Fejzaj

Head of the Research and Development Sector within the Directorate of Foreign Direct Investments, Partnership and Analysis at the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA).

Geraldina Fejzaj is the Head of the Research and Development Sector within the Directorate of Foreign Direct Investments, Partnership and Analysis at the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA). With more than seven years of experience in the field, she brings expertise in finance, investment promotion, market research and economic analysis. In her role, she contributes to shaping strategies that foster foreign direct investment and support sustainable economic development in Albania.

Hekuran Neziri

CEO, Scardian

Mr. Hekuran Neziri began his career in the insurance industry before expanding his expertise in the banking sector, gaining a well-rounded perspective across financial services. He joined Scardian in 2015 as an Underwriter, progressing to Head of Underwriting and then to CEO, building a deep, hands-on understanding of the company’s core operations. Under his leadership, Scardian has entered a phase of steady and structured growth.

Alongside his executive responsibilities, Mr. Neziri serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Kosovo Insurance Bureau (KIB), where he actively contributes to strengthening market governance, enhancing sector stability, and supporting the long-term development of the insurance industry in Kosovo.

Ivana Nedižavec Korada

Deputy Director of the Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF)

Ivana Nedižavec Korada is an economist and senior public finance professional, currently serving as Deputy Director of the Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF), an international organization focused on strengthening public financial management and governance. She joined the CEF in 2013 and was appointed Deputy Director in 2017.

Before joining the CEF, she gained professional experience in the IT and energy sectors, which provided her with a foundation in both technical and operational environments. Her work has since expanded into leadership and organizational development, where she focuses on building effective institutions, fostering staff development, and supporting sustainable governance practices, including initiatives linked to the Green Agenda.

Jonas Westerlund

Ambassador Designate to the Republic of Kosovo

Mr. Jonas Westerlund is Ambassador Designate of Sweden to Kosovo, with extensive experience in diplomacy, security policy, and international missions. He has held senior roles within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and represented Sweden in multilateral institutions including the United Nations, NATO, and the OSCE. His career includes postings in Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, and Kenya, as well as leadership roles in EU and UN missions. Mr. Westerlund has worked on peacebuilding, security policy, and international cooperation initiatives. He holds degrees in political science and diplomacy, with studies completed in Sweden and France.

Krenare Pirana Kiseri

Executive Director, Kosovo Insurance Bureau

Krenare Pirana Kiseri is the Executive Director of the Kosovo Insurance Bureau, with over 10 years of experience in financial auditing, accounting, and management. In her current role, she leads the Bureau’s strategic development, oversees the mandatory motor third-party liability (MTPL) insurance system, and ensures compliance with the regulatory framework of the Central Bank of Kosovo. Throughout her career, Krenare has served as an internal auditor at the Bureau and spent more than a decade as a senior auditor and team leader at the National Audit Office, contributing to enhanced transparency, financial control, and institutional governance.

Kristina Kanapinskaitė

Head of Division for Lending in the Western Balkans and Türkiye at the European Investment Bank

Ms. Kristina Kanapinskaitė is Head of Division for Lending in the Western
Balkans and Türkiye at the European Investment Bank, within the EIB Global
Directorate. She leads a team overseeing infrastructure and private sector
financing, alongside technical assistance initiatives. With over 20 years of
experience, she has held senior roles across regions, including North Africa
and the Middle East. Her expertise spans structured finance, corporate
monitoring, and advisory work. She previously served at the EBRD Board and

worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Ms. Kanapinskaitė holds an Executive
MBA from London Business School and a Master’s degree in Finance from
Ecole Supérieure des Affaires.

Lulzim Rafuna

Chairman of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and the Western Balkans Six Chambers Investment Forum

Mr. Lulzim Rafuna is Chairman of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and
the Western Balkans Six Chambers Investment Forum. He previously served
as Minister of Finance and held senior advisory roles in Kosovo and Albania,
focusing on fiscal policy, customs, and tax reforms. From 2013 to 2016, he
was Director General of Kosovo Customs, leading institutional modernization,
revenue growth, and anti-smuggling efforts. His earlier career includes legal
and advisory roles within the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Kosovo.
Mr. Rafuna has extensive experience in international agreements, legal
frameworks, and economic governance, contributing to policy development
and regional economic cooperation.

Maja Stevkova Shterieva

President of the Macedonian Banking Association and CFO and Member of the Management Board of Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje

Mrs. Maja Stevkova Shterieva Ph.D. is a leading figure in North Macedonia’s banking sector, serving as President of the Macedonian Banking Association and Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Management Board of Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje, the country’s largest bank. An accomplished economist with a Ph.D. from St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, she brings deep expertise in finance, corporate governance, and banking innovation.

Mrs. Stevkova Shterieva represents North Macedonia in the European Banking Federation and champions corporate social responsibility initiatives, focusing on empowering women, including victims of domestic violence. She also contributes to education as a lecturer on “Entrepreneurial Finance” at University American College Skopje and participates in European Banking & Financial Services Training Association, international financial training network.”

Marcelo Castellanos

Senior Regional Manager for Southeastern Europe International Finance Corporation

Marcelo Castellanos is IFC’s Senior Regional Manager for Southeastern Europe,
based in Bucharest, overseeing strategy, business, and client relationships across
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and
Serbia. He drives private sector growth and investment in infrastructure, manufacturing,
agribusiness, services, and financial sectors. Previously, he co-managed IFC’s
Financial Institutions Group in Europe and led new business in Latin America & the
Caribbean with a US$3 billion annual program. With 27+ years in finance, he held
senior roles at BCP Bolivia, Grupo Financiero Bisa, and Corp Banca Argentina. He
holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Harvard.

Matthias Timm

Operations Officer, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Mr. Matthias Timm is the Operations Officer at the International Finance Corporation, based in Vienna, where he leads Digital Financial Services advisory across the Western Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, and Georgia. Since joining IFC in 2015, he has designed and implemented programs focused on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and fintech ecosystem development. He has also supported lending operations in the West Bank and Gaza, advancing innovative digital financial solutions. Mr. Timm holds degrees in economics and international relations, and certifications from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
and the Digital Frontiers Institute.

Mendi Qyra

Mayor of Struga

Mr. Mendi Qyra is Mayor of Struga, entrepreneur, and community leader with
extensive experience in economic development and management. He
founded and leads Trim & Lum, contributing to job creation and local growth.
His career spans hospitality and insurance, including leadership roles at Hotel
Izgrev and Signa Insurance. He is also President of FC Struga, supporting
youth and sports development. He previously chaired the Chamber of
Commerce of North-West Macedonia and co-founded the All Albanian
Economic Forum. Mr. Qyra holds degrees from the University of Prishtina and
University of Zagreb, focusing on agronomy and agro-economics.

Mimoza Godanci-Aliu

Chief Executive Officer, BPB

Mrs. Mimoza Godanci-Aliu serves as Chief Executive Officer of Banka për Biznes since December 2022. She has held leadership positions across banks in Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania, bringing a unique perspective shaped by a deep understanding of the region’s financial systems and market dynamics.

From this regional vantage point, she leads with a forward-looking vision rooted in the strength and potential of a local bank: one that is close to its clients, responsive to change, and committed to supporting sustainable economic development in Kosovo.

Mimoza Kusari-Lila

Minister of Minister of Industry, Trade, Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo

Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila is the Minister of Minister of Industry, Trade,
Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo. She also served
as a Member of Parliament in Kosovo. Previously, she was Mayor of Gjakovë,
becoming the first woman to lead a municipality in Kosovo, and served as
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry. Her work has
focused on economic reform, gender equality, and sustainable development.
She holds an MBA from Duquesne University and was a Fulbright Scholar at
Georgetown University, contributing to policy development and regional
cooperation initiatives.

Moritz Remé

Director of KfW Development Bank for Kosovo and North Macedonia.

Mr. Moritz Remé is Director of KfW Development Bank for Kosovo and North
Macedonia. With 18 years at KfW, he has extensive experience as a Senior
Portfolio Manager across North Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast
Asia. His work has focused on financing projects in urban infrastructure,
energy, agriculture and biodiversity. Mr Remé has led diverse, cross-regional
portfolios, contributing to sustainable development and investment initiatives.
He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Leipzig University and
continues to support strategic development efforts in the Western Balkans.

Nesrin Shileku Shala

Deputy Governor for General Functions and member of the Executive Board, Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo

Nesrin Shileku Shala serves as Deputy Governor for General Functions and a member of the Executive Board of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, a position she has held since February 2024. From 2003 to 2018, she held various positions at the Central Bank, where she played a key role in the development of regulatory and legal frameworks, ensuring alignment with international standards such as Basel and IFRS. During this period, she closely collaborated with international institutions including the IMF, ECB, and the World Bank.

With over 15 years of experience at the Central Bank and a successful tenure in the banking sector, Ms. Shileku Shala is recognized as a strategic leader with deep expertise in financial sector regulation, governance, and institutional development.

Petrit Balija

Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Kosovo Banking Association

Mr. Petrit Balija is Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of the Kosovo Banking Association. He holds an MBA, an Executive Master’s in International Association Management, and a Doctorate in Finance. Prior to joining KBA, he gained experience at major financial institutions, including Bank of America and Wachovia Bank. He has also served as a professor locally and internationally, teaching capital markets, organizational management, and leadership. As CEO, his work focuses on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and advancing sustainable banking and finance, contributing to the development and modernization of Kosovo’s financial sector and broader economic growth.

Pranvera Kastrati

Director of the CEFTA Secretariat

Dr. Pranvera Kastrati, Director of the CEFTA Secretariat is a seasoned expert in international trade and digital transformation with 30 years of high-level experience in Albania and the broader Western Balkans region. Her professional path reflects a deep engagement in trade negotiations, trade policy formulation and implementation, digital economy, and regional economic integration, with a proven track record in navigating complex institutional environments at both national and regional levels.

She joined the Regional Cooperation Council in 2017, progressively taking up senior leadership roles. She contributed to the preparation of strategic regional initiatives such as the Common Regional Market in 2020 and 2024 and implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans.

Përparim Rama

Mayor of Prishtina

Mr. Përparim Rama is Mayor of Prishtina and an architect with extensive international experience in urban design and spatial planning. He studied architecture at London South Bank University and the University of East London, where he later completed his Master’s degree. His career includes work on major projects across Europe and the Middle East, including involvement in the London 2012 Olympics and urban development in Doha. He represented Kosovo at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2012. Mr. Rama has also contributed to academia and international planning initiatives, bringing global expertise to local governance and city development initiatives.

Ramize Ramadani

Director of the Insurance and Pension Supervision Department - Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo

Ramize Ramadani is Director of the Insurance and Pension Supervision Department at the Central Bank of Kosovo. With a strong background in banking, insurance, and pension oversight, she has led key initiatives to enhance regulatory compliance, market transparency, and financial sector stability. Her leadership focuses on protecting policyholders and pension beneficiaries while advancing risk-based supervision and inclusive financial policy. Ms. Ramadani began her career in banking and has held various leadership roles within the Central Bank. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Analysis from the United Kingdom and is recognized for her commitment to strong governance and oversight.

Sebastian Sosa

IMF Regional Resident Representative for the Western Balkans at the International Monetary Fund

Mr. Sebastian Sosa is the IMF Regional Resident Representative for the
Western Balkans at the International Monetary Fund, based in Vienna. Since
joining the IMF in 2006, he has held several senior roles, including Mission
Chief for Kosovo and leadership positions in strategy and concessional
lending policy. He previously served as Resident Representative for Serbia
and North Macedonia and worked on country assignments across Europe and
Latin America. His expertise lies in international macroeconomics and finance,
with numerous academic and policy publications. Mr. Sosa holds a PhD in
Economics from University of California, Los Angeles and contributes to
global dialogue.

Sergiy Maslichenko

Head of EBRD in Kosovo

Mr. Sergiy Maslichenko serves as Head of Kosovo at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) since March 2023. Previously, he was Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Energy & Environment (2019–2020), leading the country’s green strategy. He also served as Board Director at the Green for Growth Fund (Luxembourg), supporting over €600 million in investments across 19 countries. Between 2007 and 2019, he led EBRD’s energy efficiency and renewable energy work in Eastern Europe, contributing to €2 billion in investments. Sergiy holds a PhD in Economic Theory and studied at the University of Oxford through a Chevening Scholarship.

Sokol Shasivari

Director, Department of Supervision of Financial Markets, MFIs, NBFIs, Payment Institutions, and Electronic Money Institutions - Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo

Mr. Sokol Shasivari is Director of the Department of Supervision of Financial Markets, MFIs, NBFIs, Payment Institutions, and Electronic Money Institutions at the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo. With nearly 17 years of experience, he has held key supervisory roles in banking and insurance regulation since joining the CBK in 2008. He previously led the On-Site Insurance Supervision Division and contributed extensively to banking supervision. His work includes implementing IFRS 9, Basel II frameworks, and risk-based supervision. Mr. Shasivari has also served on the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting, supporting regulatory development and financial sector stability.

Spiro Brumbulli

Secretary General, Albanian Association of Banks

Mr. Spiro Brumbulli has served as Secretary General of the Albanian Association of Banks since 2016, bringing extensive leadership experience across Albania’s banking sector, public administration, and academia. His distinguished career includes serving as General Director of Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT), Country Manager and Managing Director of NBG Albania for five years, and Country Manager of the BKT Kosovo branch for two and a half years, as well as Chief of Cabinet to the Minister of Finance for two and a half years. He has also contributed over a decade to academia as a lecturer at the University of Tirana and served for two years as Rector of Tirana Business University. He holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Tirana and is the author of numerous publications in banking and finance.

Stephen O’Malley

United Nations Development Coordinator in Kosovo

Mr. Stephen O’Malley serves as United Nations Development Coordinator in
Kosovo, appointed in 2025. With over 25 years of experience, he has held
senior leadership roles across humanitarian and development operations
globally. He previously served as Resident Coordinator ad interim in

Kazakhstan and held multiple leadership positions within OCHA, including
Head of Office in South Sudan. He also served as UN Resident Coordinator
and UNDP Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Before
joining the United Nations, he worked with Médecins Sans Frontières. Mr.
O’Malley holds degrees from Columbia University and Queen’s University,
specializing in international affairs and political studies.

Teit Gjini

Managing Partner of Forvis Mazars Albania

Teit Gjini is the Managing Partner of Forvis Mazars in Albania and Kosovo, with over 25 years of extensive experience in audit, tax, accounting, and advisory services. He has played a pivotal role in building and positioning the firm as one of the leading professional services providers in the Albania and Kosovo, recognized for its quality, integrity, and professional excellence.

He has over two decades of leadership experience within Forvis Mazars, during which he has successfully led the firm’s strategic development, expanded its presence across Albania and Kosovo and strengthened its service lines across audit, tax, and financial advisory.

Tim Judah

Journalist and author covering the Balkans and other regions as a correspondent for The Economist.

Mr. Tim Judah is a journalist and author covering the Balkans and other
regions as a correspondent for The Economist. He has reported extensively
on conflicts from Afghanistan to Ukraine, contributing to major international
publications including the The New York Review of Books. He is the author of
two books on Kosovo and serves as President of the Board of the Balkan
Investigative Reporting Network and the Kosovar Stability Initiative. In recent
years, he has focused on demographic trends, publishing Life and Fate in
2025.

Visar Perani

IFC Country Officer for Kosovo and North Macedonia

Visar Perani, for over nine years is part of IFC – International Finance Corporation, member of World Bank Group. Visar is Country Officer for Kosovo and North Macedonia, being responsible for all operations within two countries. He is senior banker with over 24 years of experience in financial industry, with good market knowledge and network, focused on larger corporate credit business but also has vast retail banking experience.

Visar is passionate in supporting development of private sector by providing direct investment but also delivering advisory services to authorities to improve business climate. Topics like access to finance for most vulnerable groups, sustainable economic growth and sound business practices are among high priorities.