Kristijan Poljanec is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Business Law, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb. He teaches commercial law, EU internal market law, and digital market law in Croatian and English. He holds a law degree and doctorate from the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Law, specializing in auction sales. His research spans commercial law, corporate governance, EU regulatory frameworks, auction mechanisms, and digital market legal challenges. He has published extensively, including the monograph Legal Theory of Auction (Routledge, 2023), exploring auction structures and modern e-commerce implications. Poljanec received the Mijo Mirković Award (2018) for research on bankruptcy proceedings and recognition from the Dr Jadranko Crnić Foundation (2023) for co-authoring Private Law of the European Union - Special Part . He participates in international projects like the EU's Corporate Sustainability initiative and leads ICC Croatia's Commercial Law Commission.
Dr. Igor Jakobfi serves as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Doctrine of the Church within the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Đakovo. His academic career spans theology, social ethics, and Catholic social teaching with a focus on practical church engagement in societal issues. He holds a Doctor of Humanities degree from the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Zagreb (2023), Master of Humanities (2009), and Bachelor of Theology (2002). Doctor of Humanities - Catholic Faculty of Theology in Zagreb (2023) Master of Humanities - Catholic Faculty of Theology in Zagreb (2009) Bachelor of Theology - Theology in Đakovo (2002) Dr. Jakobfi's research centers on the Social Doctrine of the Church, particularly examining Church-state relations, migration challenges, lay participation, and social justice applications. His work bridges theological theory with practical social engagement, analyzing how Catholic social teaching addresses contemporary societal issues including migration crises, demographic challenges, and peacebuilding in post-conflict societies. He explores the dialogical nature of social teaching through diocesan implementation models. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on applying Catholic social thought to current Croatian and European contexts, with particular attention to migration, reconciliation processes, and social pastoral care. The research shows increasing engagement with Pope Francis's social teachings and their practical implementation at diocesan levels, especially through organizations like the Friends of St. Martin association. Dr. Jakobfi actively contributes to academic discourse through conference presentations at international theological symposia and scientific colloquiums, focusing on social doctrine applications. His work appears in journals such as Diacovensia and various diocesan publications. Secretary of the Office for the Promotion of the Social Doctrine of the Church and Social Issues (since 2003) Secretary of the Office for Religious Societies (since 2010) President of the humanitarian association Friends of St. Martin (since 2014) Member of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (since 2014) Member of the board of directors of the Center for the Promotion of the Social Doctrine of the Church (since 2019) Dr. Jakobfi teaches courses including Social Doctrine of the Church I & II, Theological Social Ethics, Business Ethics, and Human Rights and the Social Teaching of the Church. His popularization efforts include multiple cycles of social debates organized by the Institute for the New Evangelization and lectures on social doctrine for various community groups across Croatia.
Dag Hammarskjöld School of International Relations and DiplomacyCroatia
Pavlina Ittelson serves as Executive Director of Diplo US and a regular lecturer in Diplo’s postgraduate and professional courses. Her expertise focuses on legal aspects of internet governance, science diplomacy, and tech diplomacy, with research emphasizing comparative digital policy analysis and diplomatic practices. She holds a Law degree from Comenius University (Bratislava) and an LLM in International Business Law from Central European University (Budapest). Prior roles include legal practice and project management in international business, science, and technology sectors. Her research interests include: Tech diplomacy actors and global digital governance Strategic engagement of civil society in internet governance Comparative analysis of national digital policies Cybersecurity negotiations and frameworks Recent publications explore tech diplomacy trends in hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area, digital policy integration with foreign strategies, and environmental synergies with digital technologies. She frequently contributes to expert dialogues on AI governance, multilateral tech negotiations, and inclusive internet access initiatives. Key professional activities include organizing expert-led dialogues on digital governance, launching Diplo’s AI Campus initiative, and advising on science diplomacy frameworks for sustainable development goals.
Associate Professor Dunja Duić holds a prominent position at the Faculty of Law, JJ Strossmayer University of Osijek, where she serves as Vice-Dean for Science, International Cooperation, and Postgraduate Studies. Her academic journey includes advanced studies in European Law at Ghent University (LLM cum laude) and a PhD from Zagreb University. Specializing in EU Law, her research focuses on external relations, defense policy, migration, cybersecurity, and human rights. She leads NATO's Science for Peace project on cyber defense and chairs the international conference EU and Comparative Law Issues. As a certified Council of Europe trainer, she develops distance learning programs for legal professionals. Her editorial role for the indexed ECLIC series highlights her scholarly contributions. Professional memberships span the European Law Institute, UACES, and the Croatian-Polish Scientific Networks. Education: Bachelor of Law, Faculty of Law Osijek (2002-2008) Advanced Master of European Law, Ghent University (2008-2009) PhD in European Law, Zagreb University (2009-2014) Research: Her work bridges EU institutional dynamics and practical challenges like migration governance, digital security, and child protection. Notable projects include NATO cyber defense training, EU-Africa security cooperation studies, and comparative analyses of asylum frameworks. Teaching: She instructs courses on EU institutions, external security, and human rights across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Her pedagogical innovations include moot court exercises and legal clinics. Leadership: As Vice-Dean, she oversees scientific activities, international partnerships, and postgraduate programs. She collaborates with institutions like the Center for Peace, Nonviolence and Human Rights and the European Law Institute. Professional Development: Visiting scholarships at Johannes Kepler University (2014), Zaragoza University (2017), and Perugia University (2022) enrich her transnational perspective.
Dag Hammarskjöld School of International Relations and DiplomacyCroatia
Sorina Teleanu is the Director of Knowledge at Diplo, based in Geneva, Switzerland. She focuses on the intersection of digital technology and global governance, combining research, lecturing, and policy briefings for diplomats. As a Visiting Professor at the College of Europe, she teaches digital diplomacy. Her 15+ year career includes roles in policymaking, capacity development, and stakeholder engagement in internet and digital policy. She has held positions such as alternate representative to ICANN’s GAC, Chair of SEEDIG’s Executive Committee, and member of the UN IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group. She holds degrees in International Relations and European Studies from Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Romania. Education: Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and European Studies Master’s Degree in International Relations and European Studies Research Interests: Digital governance frameworks, multistakeholder approaches to policy, AI ethics, cybersecurity diplomacy, and bridging the digital divide. Her work emphasizes practical solutions for policymakers through education and simulation-based learning. Advising & Grants: No formal advisees listed. Active in funding and organizing capacity-building programs for digital policy stakeholders globally. Labs/Teams: Engaged with Diplo’s research teams and international partnerships in digital policy forums like SEEDIG and the IGF.
Dr. Goran Oblakovic serves as Associate Professor in Management and Strategy at Luxembourg School of Business, teaching undergraduate, MBA, and executive programs. Concurrently, he holds leadership roles at Zagreb School of Economics and Management as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Executive MBA Program Director. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Management from University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) focused on bank risk management, complemented by master's degrees in Strategic Finance and Business Administration from Indiana University (USA). His educational background spans: Ph.D. in Management, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland (Research: Risk Management in Banks) Master of Science in Strategic Finance (MSSF) and MBA, Indiana University, USA Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Indiana University, USA Dr. Oblakovic's research centers on risk, strategic, and operations management with specialization in human-computer interaction, banking, and entrepreneurship. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, examining technology adoption in organizations, crisis-induced consumer behavior, and sustainable business practices through interdisciplinary methodologies including bibliometric analysis and behavioral studies. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) reveals evolving research trajectories from pandemic economic impacts toward generative AI's organizational implications. Key thematic clusters include technology adoption dynamics (particularly AI in workplaces), behavioral responses to crises (panic buying during pandemics), and sustainable management frameworks (Five Capitals, Value Chain Optimization). Methodologically, he combines bibliometrics for trend mapping with empirical studies on human factors in technology compliance. Dr. Oblakovic maintains extensive industry engagement through consulting projects with major corporations including Cargolux, Ericsson, Kaufland, Sparkasse, Grawe, and Novomatic. As Vice President of Platinum Invest's supervisory board, he contributes to investment fund governance while applying academic insights to real-world business challenges across logistics, banking, and technology sectors.
Magdalena El Ghamari is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Political Sciences and International Relations (INPISM) at Civitas University in Warsaw, Poland, where she serves as the Head of the Cultural Security Department. She holds a PhD in Social Sciences with a specialization in peace-keeping and conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), focusing on analyses of the relationship between socio-religious and political factors in policymaking. Dr. El Ghamari is an expert in the radicalization process in diverse cultural environments, particularly in high-risk areas, with extensive research on Libya, migration, terrorism, and security issues in the MENA region. Her academic background includes completing her doctoral studies at the National Defence Academy in Warsaw, where she specialized in security and defense sciences with a focus on operations and operational techniques. Her educational journey has equipped her with a strong foundation in understanding complex security challenges in the contemporary international arena. Dr. El Ghamari's research interests span across several critical areas of contemporary security studies. She specializes in terrorism, migration processes, radicalization, and public policies during and after conflicts in the MENA area, with particular emphasis on Libya. Her work examines the intersection of cultural, religious, and political factors in conflict zones, with a special focus on how these dynamics affect security in multicultural European contexts. Her research on refugee camps, particularly concerning minors in Libyan refugee camps, has provided valuable insights into sustainable development challenges in conflict-induced migration scenarios. Dr. El Ghamari has established herself as a prominent scholar with 30 publications that have garnered 3,515 reads and 85 citations. Her recent work has focused on the Mediterranean migration crisis, EU activities in post-revolution Libya, security challenges in the MENA region, and radicalization processes in diverse cultural environments. Her research demonstrates a consistent trajectory examining the complex interplay between migration, security, and cultural dynamics in both European and Middle Eastern contexts. Member of the UN Peacekeeping Veterans Association (PL) Member of The Society for Libyan Studies (UK) Member of the Association of Veterans of UN Peace Missions Scholarship holder of the Minister of Science and Higher Education Expert in the field of Islamic extremism in the MIRAD consortium As Head of the Cultural Security Department, Dr. El Ghamari leads research initiatives examining the cultural dimensions of security challenges. Her department focuses on how cultural factors influence security perceptions, radicalization processes, and migration patterns, particularly in the context of European multicultural societies facing security challenges from destabilized regions. She collaborates extensively with international research networks and contributes to policy discussions on migration, security, and cultural understanding in conflict zones.
Dag Hammarskjöld School of International Relations and DiplomacyCroatia
Amr Aljowaily is a Strategic Advisor to the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement) in Addis Ababa. He concurrently serves as a Visiting Professor at the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and DiploFoundation since 2007. His academic focus spans multilateral diplomacy, international peace and security, and digital governance. Aljowaily holds advanced degrees from the American University in Cairo (Political Science, Middle East Studies), the London School of Economics (International Relations), and the University of Malta (Contemporary Diplomacy). Professionally, he has held senior diplomatic roles in Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, including postings in Belgrade, New York, Geneva, and Washington, D.C. He contributed to multilateral negotiations at the UN, AU, and LAS, and coordinated international relations for Egypt’s Ministry of Communications (2001–2003). His research emphasizes ICTs in diplomacy and peacekeeping, with publications analyzing Egypt’s multilateral engagement, R2P frameworks, and UN Security Council reform. Aljowaily’s writings include Serbia by Egyptian Eyes (2018/2019) and Quote Unquote (2020/2022), exploring diplomacy through literature and prose. He designs diplomatic training programs globally, addressing AI in diplomacy, conflict mediation, and digital diplomacy strategies, as seen in events like the Abu Dhabi Diplomatic Protocol training and Malta’s Tech Diplomacy workshops.
Nataša Lucić is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Family Law at the Faculty of Law, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek, Croatia. She holds a PhD in Law and has been an active faculty member since 2008, with a strong focus on family law, children’s rights, and legal protection of vulnerable groups. She leads the interdisciplinary lifelong learning program "Children in the Judiciary" and contributes to national and international legal discourse. PhD in Law, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek (2015) Bachelor of Law, Faculty of Law Osijek (2003) Her research centers on family law, particularly cohabitation, child participation in legal proceedings, domestic violence, and legal security. She has authored two scientific books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, with a consistent focus on improving legal frameworks for families and children. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between law and social work, as seen in her publications on child advocacy and institutional trust. The most recent publications reflect a strong engagement with child rights, legal pluralism, and the impact of crises like the pandemic on domestic violence protections. Her work bridges Croatian legal practice with European and international standards, especially in family law and cross-border issues. Scientific Awards: Award for excellence in teaching and relationship with students, Faculty of Law Osijek, 2019 Lucić actively supervises academic programs and contributes to judicial training, including leading the "Basic professional training for judicial officials working with children." She has participated in numerous international scientific projects and currently contributes to the internal project "Legal Protection of Families and Vulnerable Groups of Society." She also mentors students through editorial roles and academic committees. She is a member of the editorial board of the journal "EU and Comparative Law Issues and Challenges" (ECLIC), the Scientific Committee of the student journal "Pravnik," and serves as Vice-President of the Croatian Association for Legal Protection of Families and as a member of the International Association for Family Law. Her interdisciplinary work and leadership in legal education reflect a deep commitment to systemic reform and child-centered justice.
Dag Hammarskjöld School of International Relations and DiplomacyCroatia
Jovan Kurbalija is the Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), leading initiatives in digital governance and cyber diplomacy. He holds a PhD in international law and has pioneered cyber diplomacy research since 1992, establishing academic programs at institutions like the University of Malta and University of St. Gallen. His work integrates AI ethics with diplomatic practices, advocating for human-centered tech governance. Affiliations: DiploFoundation (Executive Director), Geneva Internet Platform (Head), adjunct lecturer at multiple universities worldwide. Key Roles: Former UN Internet Governance Forum advisor, member of the UN Working Group on Internet Governance, and co-Executive Director for the UN High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation (2018–2019). Research Interests: Focus on AI governance, digital diplomacy, internet governance frameworks, and the intersection of technology with international law. His seminal work An Introduction to Internet Governance (translated into 9 languages) is a global academic standard. He explores ethical AI through projects like the 'humAInism' approach, blending humanist traditions with technological advancement. Recent Work Trends: Recent articles address AI's geopolitical implications, digital diplomacy shifts (e.g., EU's focus on economic security), and the role of multilateral institutions in tech governance. His 2025 publications emphasize education-driven AI innovation and historical diplomacy lessons for modern tech challenges. Upcoming Projects: 8th edition of Internet Governance: Issues, Actors and Divides , Diplomacy decoded , and Understanding AI through national flags . Labs/Initiatives: Oversees Diplo's training programs and the Geneva Internet Platform, fostering global dialogue on digital policies. Active in AI apprenticeship programs and AI governance training for diplomats worldwide.
Mario Spremić is a Full Professor at the Department of Informatics, Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Zagreb, with significant international affiliations including Imperial College London, School of Economics and Business at University of Ljubljana, and Sapienza University of Rome. He serves as Vice-President of the National Scientific Committee for Information Science and Director of the Postgraduate Study Programme in IT Management. His academic career spans over two decades since joining FEB Zagreb in 2000, following prior corporate experience as a computer programmer, project manager, and executive manager. Born in Dubrovnik, Croatia (1970) B.Sc. in Mathematical Sciences (1996) M.Sc. in IT Management (1999) Ph.D. in Business (2002) Additional education from MIT Sloan School of Management Professor Spremić's research focuses on digital transformation, cybersecurity, strategic IT management, and IT auditing. His work bridges academic theory with practical business applications, resulting in over 100 scientific and professional publications. He has authored or co-authored 15 books on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and enterprise information systems. His research methodology combines theoretical frameworks with empirical validation through case studies across multiple industries. His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output with recent contributions focusing on digital business model maturity measurement, cybersecurity frameworks, and digital transformation strategies. The publications reveal a strong emphasis on practical applications of information systems theory in business contexts, particularly in financial services, retail, and public sector organizations. His work often employs mixed-method approaches combining bibliometric analysis, case studies, and empirical validation. Winner of the CGEIT (Certificate in Governance of Enterprise IT) Reviewer for WoS, ISI and Scopus indexed journals International accreditor for EFMD and NAKVIS Active member of IEEE, ISACA, and IAE professional organizations Professor Spremić maintains strong connections with the business world through consulting work, having conducted over 100 consultancy projects, IT audits, and cybersecurity assessments across financial institutions, public sector organizations, and consumer industries. He serves as an international accreditor for higher education institutions, specializing in helping them achieve and maintain international accreditations like EQUIS. His industry engagement complements his academic work, ensuring practical relevance of his research. At FEB Zagreb, he teaches courses including e-Business, Enterprise Information Systems, Cybersecurity, IT Auditing, and Digital Transformation. His teaching approach integrates current industry practices with academic theory, preparing students for digital challenges in modern business environments. He has participated in numerous international study visits to institutions including Henley Business School, Westminster University, WU, MIT, and Technical University Munich.
Prof. Tomislav Galović is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business (EFRI), University of Rijeka, specializing in international economics and business strategies. He teaches courses on international trade, innovation & competitiveness, cross-cultural negotiation, and global business management. His research focuses on FDI drivers, economic security, and the impact of geopolitical factors on investment flows. He has published extensively on topics like EU competitiveness in Industry 4.0, cybersecurity risks in digital markets, and the influence of terrorism on global capital movements. His academic work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, analyzing how R&D investments, intellectual property systems, and negotiation tactics shape business competitiveness. He contributes to policy discussions on regional integration in Southeast Europe and emerging markets, emphasizing data-driven analysis of trade performance and institutional quality. Galović holds a PhD and advises on economic liberalization policies in transition economies. His teaching integrates case studies from multinational corporations and policy institutions, focusing on contemporary challenges like cyber threats to international trade and sustainable urban development strategies.
Prof. Nenad Vretenar is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Economics (EFRI) of the University of Rijeka. He specializes in Organizational Theory, Industrial Organization, and Business Strategy, with a focus on Croatian and international markets. His teaching spans undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, covering topics such as organizational dynamics, civil society, and agricultural economics. Research interests include consumer behavior, M&A strategies, and sustainable development. He has authored numerous studies on Croatian business competitiveness, agricultural innovation, and the socioeconomic impacts of digital transformation. His work frequently addresses regional challenges in Croatia, combining theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis. Research interests emphasize organizational efficiency, market structures, and the interplay between technology and business models. He explores topics like civil society organizations’ operational challenges, volunteer retention strategies, and the economic implications of public policy. Recent publications highlight trends in Croatian consumer preferences, wine industry competitiveness, and blended learning methodologies in education management. His academic contributions include studies on mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical sector, data envelopment analysis in volleyball team efficiency, and the challenges of establishing food banks as hybrid organizations. He frequently collaborates with international scholars and contributes to policy discussions on innovation, sustainability, and organizational restructuring.
Anita Čeh Časni, PhD, is a Researcher at the Department of Statistics within the Faculty of Economics & Business at the University of Zagreb . She teaches courses such as Business Statistics , Statistics for Business and Economics , and Statistical Methods in Professional and Scientific Work . Her research focuses on economic statistics , sustainable development , housing market dynamics , and tourism economics . Recent publications highlight her work on financial inclusion, sustainability reporting, housing affordability, and the sharing economy. She employs advanced econometric techniques like panel VAR and cluster analysis to study EU post-transition economies, tourism impacts, and energy policies. Her collaborations span institutions in Croatia and other EU countries. Her work appears in journals like Sustainability , Poslovna izvrsnost - Business Excellence , and ZIREB Zagreb International Review of Economics and Business . She is actively involved in external quality evaluation frameworks and contributes to debates on corporate governance and digital economy measurement.
Tonći Lazibat is a Full Professor at the Department of Trade and International Business, Faculty of Economics and Business Zagreb, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the international scientific journal Business Excellence . He held leadership roles including Dean (2010-2014) and Vice-Rector for Business at the University of Zagreb (2014-2022), and currently heads the postgraduate specialist study in Quality Management. University of Zagreb (current affiliation) University of Mostar (PhD in Economics, 1996) University of Split (1990, International Exchange degree) University of Zadar (PhD in Humanities, 2022) Prof. Lazibat's research focuses on International Business , Quality Management , and Global Security . His work spans export strategies, commodity trading, and quality systems, with over 100 scientific and professional publications. He has conducted research and training at Harvard University and MIT, emphasizing ISO standards and operational excellence. His publications reveal a strong trajectory in global economic integration and quality frameworks. Notable works include textbooks on commodity exchanges (2017), product knowledge (2012), and two editions of Quality Management (2023, 2009), reflecting his dual expertise in economic globalization and quality systems. Scientific Awards : Mijo Mirković Award (2005) Croatian Society of Quality Managers Award (2011) Dragutin Tadijanović Foundation Award (2020, for poetry) As Editor-in-Chief of Business Excellence , he has shaped academic discourse. His managerial roles included presidencies of major Croatian hospital administrative councils and Zagreb Stock Exchange supervisory board membership. He is a certified quality manager and lead auditor for quality systems.
