Speakers

Irena Radović currently serves as the Governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro. With a diverse background in economics and international relations, she has played important roles in shaping Montenegro's economic landscape and global engagement. As the first woman to lead Montenegro's Central Bank, Irena oversees its operations, ensuring financial stability. Under her leadership, Montenegro is advancing toward integration into the Single European Payments Area (SEPA) and aligning its regulatory frameworks with the European Union, accelerating the country’s EU accession across multiple chapters. Irena advocates for sustainable economic growth, financial sector reforms, and gender inclusiveness, spearheading initiatives such as the Women on Boards programme and Montenegro's National Agenda for Women's Economic Empowerment. Irena also chairs Montenegro’s National Financial Stability Council and has served on several national councils, including those focused on competitiveness and sustainability. Before becoming Governor in 2023, Irena headed the National Development Finance Institution – Investment and Development Fund (IDF) of Montenegro, where she began its transformation into a national development bank. She led efforts to promote financial inclusion, regional development, infrastructure projects, and the country’s green and digital transitions. Her leadership earned the IDF international recognition, culminating in its membership in the EU association of state development banks. Irena’s diplomatic career includes serving as Montenegro's Ambassador to France, Deputy Foreign Minister, and representing the British Government in Montenegro during the pivotal period leading up to the country’s independence. In her academic career, Irena lectured on international economics, monetary economics of the European Union, and diplomacy. She holds multiple degrees in economics and international relations from the University of Montenegro and the University of Cambridge, including a PhD in Economics. Her honours include the Legion of Honour from France and the Sovereign Knight Grand Cross from Monaco.