GFA EMPLOYEE SELECTED FOR ISPI YOUNG BUSINESS LEADERS PROGRAMME
Kostian Jano, Junior Project Manager for the Western Balkans at GFA Consulting Group, joined the renown ISPI Young Business Leaders 2026 cohort during the NEXT Milan Forum 2026. Selected by the Institute for Political International Studies (ISPI), he was one of the few esteemed participants in the dedicated "Business Leaders" cohort alongside young talents, civil servants, and think tank professionals.
The event was promoted by ISPI, Bocconi University, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and OECD, with Deloitte serving as the Official Knowledge Partner. The Business Leaders track and wider forum focused on global conflicts, compassionate business, AI, sustainable economics, and the green transition. The 30 skilled young leaders from around the world exchanged views with policymakers, experts and Nobel laureates to discuss international cooperation and global economic challenges.
As part of the programme, participants attended closed-door masterclasses ahead of the main forum sessions. These discussions focused on key aspects of international cooperation in a rapidly changing global environment. Andreas Schaal, Director of Global Relations and Co-operation at the OECD and OECD Sherpa to the G7 and G20, spoke about the future of multilateralism and global economic cooperation. Lisa Monaco, President of Microsoft Global Affairs, addressed leadership in an era of technological and geopolitical uncertainty, while Professor Kazuto Suzuki examined economic security and the relationship between technology, geopolitics and international collaboration.
The main forum was opened by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, who presented his perspective on building a more inclusive global economy for the 21st century and strengthening international cooperation in response to evolving global challenges.
Kostian Jano’s participation enables the staff of GFA to stay closely connected to international policy discussions on multilateralism and cooperation, topics that are directly relevant to the company’s development projects in economic reform, governance and regional cooperation, particularly in the Western Balkans and other partner regions.
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On the photos: Kostian Jano, Junior Project Manager for Western Balkans (left) | Masterclass by the President of Microsoft Global Affairs Lisa Monaco | President of World Bank Ajay Banga (in the middle) during Next Milan Forum
