Montenegrin Employers Federation celebrates CSR excellence on World Day of Social Justice
On February 20, the Montenegrin Employers Federation (MEF), in collaboration with the ILO, marked the World Day of Social Justice with a high-profile event attended by government officials, business leaders, and partners. The gathering highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in fostering sustainable development. The event culminated with the tenth annual MEF CSR Awards, recognizing companies that demonstrated outstanding commitment to CSR in 2024.
6 March 2025
Championing CSR: The award-winning companies
Awards were given in the four following categories:
- CSR Excellence
- Care for Employees
- Care for the Community
- Care for the Environment
COINIS DOO – CSR Excellence
COINIS DOO, a leading AdTech company, earned the top CSR Award. In 2024, COINIS trained over 150 young professionals in programming through its “Developers Lab” and backed 25 community projects via its "Do Good" Foundation.
To support employees, the company, together with other IT companies in a consortium called "ICT Cortex", launched "Cortex Village", providing financial aid for homeownership. It also introduced flexible work arrangements, mental health days, and workplace counselling to foster a healthy work-life balance. Employees also benefit from a Solidarity Fund, professional development programs and a monthly sports budget.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, COINIS removed a ton of plastic waste from the environment, educated over 3,000 people on environmental sustainability, and provided eco-friendly materials for schools.
From AI workshops to sports sponsorships, COINIS proves that business success and social impact can go hand in hand.
We believe that true success comes from education, nurturing young talent, and initiatives that create meaningful change. Isidora Mitrović, Manager at COINIS
IDEA CG DOO –Care for Employees
IDEA CG, a leading retail chain in Montenegro, received the Care for Employees Award for its outstanding initiatives in employee well-being. In 2024, the company reinforced its commitment to employee well-being by investing €4.2 million in salary increases and new benefits.
Employees enjoyed several bonuses, provided as trade vouchers, including €120 for May Day, €180 in September, €220 for the New Year, and a €100 birthday bonus. The company also supports employees' families by providing gifts for their children at key life milestones.
A Solidarity Fund offers financial aid during challenging times. Employees also have access to seminars, workshops, and education programs to support their professional growth. Through these initiatives, IDEA CG continues to raise the bar for employee care, fostering a workplace that values and invests in its people.
We are more than just a company—we are a partner and ally to our employees, committed to understanding their needs and providing the best possible working conditions. Ivan Karadžić, Executive Director of IDEA CG
Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka (CKB) – Care for the Community
CKB received the Care for the Community Award for its strong commitment to social responsibility. In 2024, the bank invested €372,601 in 41 community projects across a wide range of sectors including environmental preservation, healthcare support for vulnerable groups, and educational programmes for children. Additionally, CKB actively promotes sports and healthy lifestyles, fosters cultural and artistic endeavours, and strengthens the business community by supporting entrepreneurial growth. Through these diverse projects, CKB reinforces its role as a responsible corporate business, dedicated to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and thriving society.
Over the past year, we have supported more than 40 social initiatives, investing in education, environmental sustainability, sports, culture, and humanitarian efforts. As more than just a financial institution, we are a dedicated partner in community development, committed to creating lasting positive change and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable society. Tamás Kamarási, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CKB
Mont Way DOO – Care for the Environment
Winner of the Care for the Environment award, Mont Way DOO, a Montenegrin company specializing in waste management and environmental sustainability, is making a significant impact through its “Green Wave” project. In collaboration with NGO Gnijezdo, this initiative promotes responsible waste disposal by integrating innovative recycling technology and digital applications, laying the foundation for long-term behavioural change.
In just 20 days after the launch, the project had collected over 100,000 packaging units in Podgorica alone, engaging over 1000 citizens. Expanding across five cities, over 10,000 participants have contributed to the collection of more than 250,000 packaging units.
Beyond recycling, Mont Way places a strong emphasis on education, conducting over 100 environmental workshops in schools to instil eco-conscious habits in the younger generation. By blending technology, education, and community engagement, Mont Way DOO is not just managing waste—it is shaping Montenegro’s green future.
In the past year, we organized 35 environmental actions and over 70 educational activities, engaging 150 partnerships with institutions, companies, and NGOs. Green Wave” was born from the desire to drive sustainability through innovation, technology, and community engagement. Beyond recycling hazardous waste, we aim to foster a culture where everyone actively preserves natural resources. Ilija Kaluđerović, Executive Director of MONT WAY
The business case for CSR and responsible business conduct
The MEF has long championed SCR as a strategic business practice, emphasizing its benefits in enhancing brand reputation, strengthening employee engagement, attracting investment, and fostering long-term resilience. Ethical and responsible business conduct contributes to sustainable economic growth, benefiting both companies and society.
MEF Secretary General, Mrs Suzana Radulović affirms: “The MEF CSR Awards recognise the merits of Montenegrin businesses that are leading by example, demonstrating that CSR fosters positive social, economic, and environmental change.”
However, CSR is no longer just a voluntary commitment—emerging EU legislative frameworks are introducing new mandatory requirements for responsible business conduct. These regulations require companies operating in EU markets to assess and mitigate human rights and environmental risks throughout their supply chains. Montenegrin companies will also need to align with these new standards to maintain business partnerships and remain competitive in the EU market.
Recognizing these regulatory shifts, the MEF Business Agenda 2025 prioritizes supporting companies in navigating these compliance challenges. With ILO support, the MEF will strengthen its internal expertise and develop new services to help businesses enhance responsible business conduct and adapt to evolving legal obligations.