NLB Banka Beograd
In 2019, NLB Banka Beograd continued its cooperation with the Faculty of Political Sciences of the Belgrade University on the implementation of the programme of practical work for students. Students from this faculty perform their practical work in the General Secretariat and Legal Affairs, participating in the tasks of corporate PR and internal communication.
The Faculty of Political Sciences (FPN) was founded in 1968 as the first education and science institution of its kind in the former Yugoslavia. It provides education and research programmes in the field of political science, international studies, journalism and communicology, social policy, and social work. There are 90 permanent lecturers at the Faculty, with regular visits by prominent foreign and domestic experts. At the postgraduate level, lectures are given in Serbian and English. Since the foundation of the Faculty, 8,100 students have graduated, 975 have obtained Mas, and 464 have obtained PhDs.
This principle – taking care of our employees – is at the heart of creating a great place to work, where people are appreciated, engaged, productive, and thriving. That’s why the Bank is increasingly investing in the employees’ well-being.
Our priority task in the previous years was to enable our employees to respond to the rapidly changing banking market. The previous year was dedicated to developmental changes and activities to increase the level of engagement and strengthening the Bank’s capacity in the areas of structure and human resources in general.
NLB Banka Belgrade continued to apply an individual approach, not only in relations with its customers, but also with its employees, which enabled it to identify the actual development needs of each employee. Performance monitoring through assessment system allows each manager to define clear objectives and set guidelines that are in line with the Bank’s business strategy.
Investing in employees
Understanding the natural process of learning, NLB Banka Beograd insists on a more effective use of flexible training, and above all individual channels such as on-the-job training and e-learning. The Bank strives to be a healthy bank and a family-friendly bank, providing different initiatives for its employees that allow for more flexible work in the Bank and taking care of their well-being.
Number of employees
After the period of reorganisation, the number of employees in NLB Banka Beograd has been steady. The Bank continues to streamline its work procedures and optimise its operations, which resulted in the number of employees decreasing by 19% over the period of six years.
Employee structure
In 2019, the structure of employees of NLB Banka Beograd did not changed over the previous year. The Bank employed 67.85% women and 32.15% men.
Average employee age in the Bank
The trend of decreasing age of employees in NLB Banka Beograd remained at the same level as it was in 2018. Compared to 2013, the average age of employees decreased by five years and was 41 in 2019. The reason for this reduction is continued restructuring and streamlining of the Bank’s performance, as well as the employment of young people.
Structure of employees by education level in the Bank
The trend of changing the educational structure remained at a similar level in 2019 as it was in 2018. The share of employees with at least higher education remained at the same level as in the previous year, reaching 60.75%.
Structure of new employees by gender
A total of 70 new people was employed by NLB Banka Beograd in 2019. Of those, 23 were younger than 30 years, 26 were between 30 and 40; 70% of the new employees were women and 30% were men.
Employee departure structure by gender
A total of 51 people left the Bank in 2019, which is fewer than in the previous year. Of those, five were younger than 30 years, and 24 or 47% were aged between 30 and 40. Of those, 65% were women and 35% men. The number of departures slightly increased compared to 2017.
Employee development
Education, training, and advancement of employees crucial for planned development of each individual. NLB Banka Beograd provides flexible learning opportunities based on individualised approach for each employee.
With such individualised approach, the Bank is searching for the hidden potential of each employee.
In 2019, it continued to implement individual development needs and by combining different learning channels.
The focus was on the development of both soft and hard skills, which was achieved with internal or external training courses.
Talent management
NLB Banka Beograd started a new talent identification process in 2019 for the new generation of talents. An internal assessment has been developed for the employees showing potential, in three main phases consisting of the psychological test, competence assessment, and language skills assessment. More than 90 employees went through this process, and 48 of them were confirmed for the next generation of talent pool.
Family-friendly company
Same as in previous years, NLB Banka Beograd again organised the NLB Family Day twice in 2019 for all its employees, which consisted of various internal activities in which the employees’ children had the opportunity to experience a day in the Bank.
Employees can have a day off to accompany their children to school on their first school day and on info days.
In addition to those two new measures, the following measures are also available to the employees:
- Each employee’s newborn baby is presented with a practical gift.
- Possibility of flexible working hours or paid leave when introducing children to kindergarten.
- Paid leave for family emergencies.
- New Year’s gifts for children.
Employees’ children receive gifts from Santa Claus
New Year’s gifts for the little children of NLB Group employees is a special event organised every year, and a precious memory also for the parents.
In the beginning of December 2019, the children of the employees of NLB Banka Beograd were visited by Santa Claus and his helpers who distributed 400 gifts. Like every year, the children and their parents were taken to the fairytale world, an event they will remember. The children were thrilled to receive a basket full of presents and adults enjoyed watching happy and smiling children.
Healthy bank
The HR colleagues of NLB Banka Beograd introduced the Healthy Friday concept with the aim of promoting healthy life and delivering fruits to all employee.
NLB Banka Beograd pays special attention to healthy lifestyle
Celebrating employees’ birthdays
In 2019, NLB Banka Beograd continued with the activities of celebrating the employees’ birthdays. Each employee received an e-card for their birthday, and four times a year a birthday party is organised for all those who celebrated their birthdays in the previous quarter. Their birthday present is one additional day of paid leave, which they can use at any time during the current year.
Each employee of NLB Banka Beograd receives one additional day of paid leave, which they can use at any time during the current year.
Volunteer activities: For a Greener Novi Sad
NLB Banka Beograd believes that time is a priceless gift. Therefore, it strives to give it to those who mean the most. Volunteering is not a choice, but an obligation to do something which will make a difference and create value for those who need it. The Bank’s employees contribute their knowledge and above all their enthusiasm and free time to improve the quality of life in the communities in which the Bank operates. In order to do it more efficiently, it founded the NLB Volunteer Club.
At the initiative of the City of Novi Sad, NLB Banka Beograd took part in the campaign ‘For a Greener Novi Sad’ in 2019. Near the settlement of Ribarsko ostrvo, more than 40 employees of NLB Banka, together with the representatives from the municipality, planted seedlings, with the wish to contribute to the quality of air that the citizens of Novi Sad breathe, as well as to the beauty of this part of the city, which can now be proud of one more green oasis.
Getting a home by helping those with no home
At the end of 2019, NLB Banka Beograd started a campaign aimed at supporting one of the vulnerable categories of the population, namely the most marginalised ones, the homeless people. With each approved home loan, the bank allocated 10 thousand dinars to support to the institutions in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš that take care of homeless people, with the aim of improving the users’ quality of life.
According to the data of the Statistical Office of the Republic, almost 20 thousand people live in our country without an address, and the largest number of the homeless people in Serbia live in the Belgrade region. They found themselves on the street due to various reasons – divorce, migration, diseases, domestic violence, aging, and decrease in social solidarity.
NLB Banka has decided to confirm once more its commitment as a socially responsible company. On the one hand, the Bank approaches responsibly by supporting clients opting to purchase real estate, not only in the sense of financing, but also with professional advice through the entire process, and on the other hand, by assisting its clients to buy a home it also helps those who have no home.
NLB Group understands the business environment, customs and above all people of the south-western region. With dedication, knowledge and innovative solutions it takes excellent care of its clients and creates a better life, better future for us all. NLB Group loves its home and therefore strives for its development and improvement for the present and the future generations.
UNICEF Fair Play Tournament
NLB Banka also continued to support the work of UNICEF in Serbia in 2019. Apart from the fact that it is a member of the Friends of UNICEF Club, consisting of dedicated individuals and representatives of a business organisation who create better conditions for the life of children in Serbia with solidarity and generosity, NLB Banka also took part in UNICEF’s traditional Fair Play Tournament. At the tournament they collected funds for inclusive playgrounds for children with disabilities. NLB Banka Beograd women team played basketball at the UNICEF’s Fair Play Tournament and, apart from playing for a humanitarian cause, they were also happy to win the gold cup.
Christmas tree decoration
NLB Banka Beograd participated in the traditional humanitarian activity of the Hyatt Hotel in which socially responsible companies compete in Christmas tree decoration, and the entire income from the activity is donated to a humanitarian cause. Hyatt Regency Belgrade organised this traditional activity for the twenty-third time. Thirteen companies showed the creativeness of their employees who decorated Christmas trees set up in the hall of the Hyatt Regency Belgrade hotel from 1 December 2019 to 9 January 2020. This year’s theme of the Christmas tree decoration was ‘It is the time we notice them.’ The total amount collected from the participating companies, namely EUR 11,050, was donated to the NORBS+ Foundation, the official foundation of the National Organisation for Rare Diseases of Serbia, for the purchasing of necessary medical and technical devices to persons suffering from rare diseases. The activity does not end there. After the completion of the selection process, the Christmas tree decorations provided by the companies were donated to the Drop In for the Children of the Street, in order for them to experience, in the only place that feels safe for them, the magic of New Year and Christmas holidays.
The employees of NLB Banka Beograd participate in the charity campaign of Christmas tree decoration
The programme of local donations
In scope of the programme of local donations, NLB Banka Beograd supported the children dispensary in Čačak, in order to contribute to the efficiency of the employees’ daily activities, and to improve the quality of work with the users of the dispensary services.
With the aim of improving the employees’ working conditions, as well as the environment where the citizens of Sopot, Smederevo, and Kruševac receive medical treatment, we donated furniture, medical equipment, and air conditioners to hospitals in those cities and thus confirmed our commitment of a socially responsible company.
NLB Banka donated parts for the device for measuring children’s urinary infections to the Clinical Centre of Niš. This solved the problem of the little patients having to travel to Belgrade or Novi Sad to be examined while the device was not in service.
In the scope of this programme, the Bank made donations to the kindergartens in Šabac and Novi Sad for purchasing the equipment to improve the children’s safety, and some musical instruments to contribute to the quality of time they spend in the preschool.
NLB Group supporting the needs of the local environment in which it operates through the local donations programme.
Continued promotion of young artists in the NLB Gallery
The NLB Gallery is among the most popular and well-known social responsibility projects of NLB Banka Beograd. It was opened on 29 June 2017 with the “Flower Power” exhibition of paintings by the Slovenian painter Majda Zorko, through which the cultural offer of New Belgrade was enriched by an additional place where “the art lives.” The idea of NLB Banka Beograd is to make this gallery the place of gathering for people who earn their living with art and for those who appreciate art. It is aware that an artist’s path is often difficult, and that the support by the business sector to art is of great significance, particularly when it comes to the kind of art that cannot have a mass audience due to its nature.
NLB Banka Beograd supports young artists to develop the kind of art that cannot have a mass audience due to its nature.
In the past two and half years, 15 exhibitions have been organised in NLB Gallery. After Majda Zorko, the following artists put up independent exhibitions: Dobrosav Bob Živković, one of the best known Serbian illustrators; young artists: Katarina Nedeljković, Anđela Micić, Kristina Pirković, Đerđi Ačaji, and Ivana Živić; young painters: Milan Pantelić, Vladimir Petrović, Petar Mošić, Ivan Milenković and Andrej Konopek, as well as some students of art profiles from the “Tehnoart” high school whose graduation exhibition was organised in the NLB Gallery, who were thus given the opportunity to present themselves to the public.
Two exhibitions of works created in the art colonies organised by the Artists’ House Pygmalion were also organised. The NLB Gallery continues with the promotion of young artists, whom it wishes to help make the important steps at the beginning of their career.
The programme partner of NLB Banka Beograd is the Artists’ House Pygmalion, whose mastermind is the long-term art lover and patron Gorazd Čuk. Since 2019, the NLB Gallery has also had a proud honorary patron – the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia.
NLB Organic contest
In 2019, a record number of 73 projects were applied to the eighth NLB Organic contest and three best projects were awarded the amount of RSD 1,500,000 in total. The expert committee consisting of Professor Snežana Oljača, PhD, Professor Milan Adamović, PhD, and Vladimir Čaprić selected the following winning projects for 2019: “Storage of Organic Products” by Gordana Šokšić, “Digging Wells and Irrigation System” by Milosav Aćimović, and “Construction of Cold Storage for Keeping and Maintenance of Organic Products” by Milan Tasić.
As one of most active banks in the segment of agriculture support and in the area of social responsibility, NLB Banka Beograd initiated the NLB Organic project in 2012, i.e., a project which is one of most significant CSR activities of the Bank and with which it supports a specific field of agriculture – organic production.
For the eighth consecutive year, NLB Banka Beograd carried out the unique NLB Organic project that supports the area of eco farming in 2019
Each year, NLB Banka Beograd rewards three projects selected by the expert commission with a monetary award in the total amount of RSD one and a half million. Entitled to participate are individual farmers with registered agricultural holdings who are certified or are in the process of obtaining certification for organic production. This also includes farmers who are included in the system of control through a group certificate and have a contract with production organiser. The number of applied projects increases each year and during the completed eight cycles, 428 projects were entered in the contest.
The significance of the NLB Organic Project is multiple. First, from the perspective of the participants themselves, monetary awards enable the winners to implement their plans and improve production. Furthermore, the promotion of their households in the contest creates new acquaintances and business partnerships, often assisting them in the improvement of their production and facilitating the placement of their organic products.
The NLB Organic project is a window to the business world for eco farmers.
At the same time, given that the project generates significant interest of media houses, it is also significant from the point of view of promotion of organic production, which we support for several reasons. First, this is a kind of production that we consider the future of the Republic of Serbia. Second, this is the segment in which we can achieve competitiveness on the international market much easier than in mass production. Third, this is sustainable production that contributes to the preservation of the environment and human health.
Organic farmers chose a path which is really much more difficult in comparison with the conventional one, and we believe that they deserve the support of all relevant institutions so that they can provide healthier food for all of us and contribute to the preservation of Serbia’s very important resource – land not contaminated by chemical substances. Having in mind the fragmentation of estates, particularly in undeveloped areas, organic production gains additional significance because it is an opportunity for the most vulnerable population in the rural areas – small farmers, who have the opportunity to provide for the living of their families.
Paper consumption
To contribute to the preservation of the environment, NLB Banka Beograd endeavours to constantly reduce the consumption of paper. Apart from having adjusted the office equipment to that objective (introduction of centralised printers, two-sided printing), we also contribute with the digitalisation of processes by eliminating the printing of files in certain phases of those processes.
This allowed the Bank to reduce paper consumption. Already in 2018, we reduced the consumption by almost 5% in comparison to the previous year, whereas in 2019 there was an increase of printing by only 3.6%, even though the increase in loan production was approximately 30%.
Electricity consumption
Business results and financial reports are important for all companies. Nevertheless, NLB Group believes that it is equally important to contribute to the quality of life in the region that is our home, and to preserve the environment in which we live. By advocating the sustainability and the protection of the environment, NLB Banka Beograd continued to cut electricity consumption, and we again recorded a decrease of electricity consumption by 8% in comparison to 2018.
Renovation of branch offices and procurement of new equipment
In 2019, NLB Banka Beograd continued with the renovation of branch offices. Along with the space arrangement, it equipped the Bank’s business premises with LED lighting and high energy class devices that consume less energy. The new computer equipment procured by the Bank and the LCD monitors consuming up to 4 times less electricity than the older models, in addition to contributing to the quality of the employees’ working environment, better efficiency and cost reduction, are also important in terms of consuming electricity from traditional sources.
NLB Banka Banja Luka
NLB Banka Banja Luka has been one of the most successful banks in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years. At the Golden BAM Bankers’ Dinner held at the Holiday Hotel in Sarajevo, the most successful banks were presented with the prestigious Golden BAM Awards which were awarded by the “Banks and Business in BiH” Magazine for the 17th consecutive year on the basis of reports issued by independent auditors of the Supervisory Board for the previous year.
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka received two Golden BAM awards – for ROE – the highest return on equity and ROA – the highest return on assets.
Two “Zlatni BAM” (Golden BAM) Awards for NLB Banka Banja Luka
The Bank’s operations are aimed at meeting the needs of the clients, shareholders, and employees with responsibility towards the community.
Members of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. visited the Bank in 2019
In accordance with the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, NLB Banka Banja Luka supported a number of activities in 2019 focusing on employees, clients, sports clubs and associations, cultural events, mentoring, as well as social responsibility towards the citizens in need through the support of humanitarian activities.
As a caring mentor, NLB Group pays great attention to its employees, following its professional development and providing opportunities for improvement and development, development of competences, and professional guidance by experienced and dedicated mentors, as well as lifelong learning. Internal and external trainings are an opportunity not only for professional development, but also for building and developing team spirit.
Board meeting and external training aimed at improvement of sales
Together with 1,000 employees from the entire NLB Group, NLB Banka Banja Luka teams participated in the 21st sports games in Moravske Toplice. In addition to participating in competitions, colleagues had the opportunity to get to know each other better in a fun way outside the work environment. Teams from NLB Banka Banja Luka competed in tennis, volleyball, bowling, badminton, jogging, and sports shooting. The mixed team in sports shooting confirmed its success from the last year despite much more competition and won a silver medal, and the team was especially proud of our colleague who was the best in men’s competition and won the gold medal.
Golden medal in sports shooting – NLB Sports games, Moravske Toplice
NLB Banka Banja Luka also participated in the sports games in Bosnia and Herzegovina – the 16th Banking Meeting, held in Teslić.
Participation in the 16th Banking Meeting in Teslić
The Bank traditionally supported the activities of the NLB Banka Banja Luka Trade Union, especially during the New Year holidays. In 2019, it also supported the party for 164 children of its employees by organising a theatre show and giving holiday presents. In addition to these activities, the Trade Union Organisation supports employees in various emergency situations (birth of a child, death of a family member, treatment, etc.)
The employees of NLB Banka Banja Luka promote the values of a caring mentor in their free time and set an example for young people through recreational and professional sports.
Free time activities of the employees – Caring mentors
Through the activities of sponsorships and donations, the volunteers of NLB Banka Banja Luka made their contribution by giving their free time to participate in the events, the realisation of sponsorships and donations, and volunteer actions.
In 2019, NLB Banka Banja Luka participated in refurbishing the music-therapy classroom at the Centre for Education, Upbringing and Vocational Rehabilitation of children with Hearing and Speech impairment. The number of children with certain disabilities, conditions, and needs is constantly growing. This is a challenge for the parents because these children can no longer go to regular preschools and are not yet enrolled in the school. The Centre has taken over a group of 42 children with disabilities who have been delayed from school this year, which are divided into the following groups: the group of deaf and hearing impaired children, the group of children with cochlear implant, the group of children with other speech and language disorders, disharmonic development, other developmental disorders/pervasive disorders, developmental dysphasia, and Down syndrome. All children receive appropriate support (group work and individual treatments).
This school year they also introduced music therapy for preschool groups and the therapist is currently working with children in a regular classroom that is inadequate for this purpose. There was some unused space in the Centre which was adapted for this purpose by the installation of good sound isolation, with the support of NLB Banka Banja Luka. After the completion of the works, instruments will be purchased from the Banks donation and all children will have an additional resource for rehabilitation.
Wall painting during the music therapy classroom preparation
The NLB Banka Banja Luka team also contributed to the afforestation action, in which 4,000 spruce, black and white pine seedlings were planted. The Banking Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina has launched a joint afforestation action to raise awareness of the need for environmental protection and the promotion of volunteerism.
The plan is to plant about 9,700 seedlings by the end of the next year, equalling the number of currently employed people in the banking sector in BiH.
Representatives of NLB Banka Banja Luka participated in afforestation of the Skatavica area, Čelinac municipality, and additional work was done in the afforestation of the slopes of Mount Igman. In doing so, the employees have shown that this region is truly their home.
Afforestation initiative
Respecting its clients and following their needs, NLB Banka Banja Luka carefully plans its activities and product development, taking into account primarily the interests of its clients. To show gratitude for the commitment and loyalty, the Bank’s management organises visits and invites clients to events that are important for the Bank.
Corporate clients
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka hosted a two-day visit of the presidents of the management boards of all NLB Group member banks to Banja Luka, during which a reception with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska was organised, a tourist tour of the city, a visit to the Fagus company production facility, as well as panel discussion with corporate clients, together with city and government officials.
Reception of NLB Group representatives with the Prime Minister in the Government of the Republic of Srpska and visit to Fagus Company
A panel discussion was held in the City Hall of the Banski Dvor, which was addressed by the Minister of Finance in the Government of Republic of Srpska, presenting a cross-section of the situation in the financial and banking sector in the Republic of Srpska.
Panel discussion participants, Mayor of the City of Banja Luka, Igor Radojičić; Managing Director of M: tel a.d. Banja Luka, Marko Lopičić; President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Srpska, Borko Djurić; owner and director of Gold MG, Goran Mitrović; and CEO of NLB d.d, Blaž Brodnjak, presented the audience current projects, strategic directions, and plans for the future in the areas where there are opportunities to create a better environment for business development through collaboration and investment. NLB Group shows, by way of example, that looking at common economic interests, regardless of political boundaries, can make a significant contribution to creating better living conditions for all citizens and a more promising future for young generations.
Meeting of the clients and the presidents of the management boards of all NLB Group members at a panel discussion at the City Hall in Banja Luka
The NLB Regional Business Forum on Human Resources and Successful Business was held at the “Holiday” Hotel in Sarajevo. This year’s forum brought together more than 250 participants, clients of NLB Banka a.d. Sarajevo, as well as representatives of all NLB Group members.
Second NLB Regional Forum
The presidents of the management boards of NLB Group members held a panel discussion on market specifics and challenges faced by the banks in the region in which the Group operates, and on how they respond to the challenging trend of labour migration and retention of quality staff.
Panel Discussion “Human Resources and Successful Business”
The panel participants pointed out the need for companies to have good management, because there is good top management behind every successful business which constantly emphasises and respects the system of values on which the company rests, and is aware of the importance of motivation at work. The President of the Management Board of NLB Banka Banja Luka pointed out that we should not neglect the latest trends in the market of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where we see an increasing number of young people leaving this country in the search of better conditions. The operations of NLB Banka Banja Luka and all NLB banks are proof that one can successfully operate in these areas as well, and that there are motives and opportunities for promotion and development of personnel. Investment in employees is an investment that ensures the growth and development of the company. Business depends on people and success requires dedicated individuals. The long-standing positive business of the Bank is the result of the extremely responsible attitude of the clients, both retail and corporate, of our shareholders, and especially the responsible attitude of the Bank’s employees, and it is their merit that we achieved such a good result.
Students
As a company responsible for the new generations as well as for the planning of personnel recruitment, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka continued to cooperate with the Faculty of Economics of the University of Banja Luka by accepting fourth year students to practical work organised within the curriculum of the academic year 2019/2020.
Students attend practical work at the Bank throughout the academic year. Thus, they are able assess, in addition to acquiring specific knowledge and skills, the relevance of the acquired knowledge and the application of theoretical knowledge acquired at the Faculty of Economics.
During the internship, students are assigned their own mentor, who introduces them into the working process at the Bank and guides them through the internship period.
The Board of Directors of NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka welcoming students of the Faculty of Economics
Children
Savings are the focus of public attention in late October and early November, when the World Savings Day is celebrated. During this period, preschool and primary school children visit banks to learn more about savings and about other areas of banking.
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka hosted children in its branch offices across the Republic of Srpska, donating savings boxes (Piggy banks) to them, and the Bank staff explained to them why it is important to save and how and what can be saved. The children showed splendid knowledge of saving and everyone had already started saving in their Piggy banks, some to buy a bicycle, some a motorbike when they grew up, and some to have pocket money when going to the seaside.
Celebrating World Savings Day in Branch offices of NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka supports financial literacy activities and actively participates in the engagement of educational institutions that organise visits for children to different institutions each year; through their educational work they learn about the areas important for their future life.
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka supports financial literacy of children and educates them about saving. Learning about saving – Financial Literacy
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka also supported activities to promote the birth rate and the work of the Foundation “Djeca nam se rađala” (may children be born) in 2019. The action of the Foundation, which began with a charity football match for veterans of the Crvena zvezda (Red Star) and Borac football clubs, was completely successful as several thousands of people gathered at the City Stadium in Banja Luka.
NLB Banka a.d. supports the foundation “Djeca nam se rađala” (may children be born)
In order to promote the importance of natality, as well as to promote true family values, NLB Banka Banja Luka has joined the initiative of the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports and supported the organisation of the manifestation named “Konferencija beba” (Conference of Children) in 13 cities of the Republic of Srpska.
The Conference is an event that has been held throughout the Republic of Srpska with the support of the Ministry since 2006. A total of 34 municipalities participated this year. This event has become traditional, and it is usually parents and their children who participate in this event; the children enjoy the music, and the cultural and entertainment program tailored to their age.
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka at the Conference of children in 13 towns
During the events, competitions are organised for children (baby games, diaper-changing, the oldest child is awarded as well as the youngest, the child with the most siblings and similar). The event is an opportunity for the Bank to associate with the citizens and strengthen its presence in the local environment. NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka provided support through its banking products in the previous years. This year support was provided for 13 municipalities and towns.
In addition to gifts in balloons, savings boxes, beach balls, and other, the Bank also provided prizes for the participants.
In accordance with the orientation of NLB Group in the area of youth sports support, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka supported numerous sports events that encourage children and young people to engage in sports in 2019. The start of the year was traditionally reserved for street runs held throughout the Republic of Srpska. The traditional 26th “Prijedor 2019” International Street Run, was held in May and included a total of 30 different runs.
NLB Group supports youth sports
The runs were held under the motto "I love Prijedor" and started with a run for children with special needs, followed by the run of recreational athletes in both competitions as well as one in which the high school, elementary school, and preschool children competed.
This athletic run has been on the calendar of competitions of the Athletic Association of the Republic of Srpska and BiH, and for 16 years also in the programme of the European Athletic Association. At the same time, this sporting event is part of Prijedor City Day celebration.
Banja Luka is known as the city of handball because the Handball Club “Borac m:tel” is a former European champion and the winner of the IHF Cup, as well as a sports team with the most trophies in the Republic of Srpska. Handball is the best ambassador of Banja Luka, the Republic of Srpska, and BiH, and the activity promoted by the club among 400 youths in schools contributes significantly to the promotion of sports and reputation in the city and beyond is also supported by NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka.
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka is a proud supporter of the Handball Club Borac m:tel
The Youth Basketball Club “Borac” Banja Luka was founded in 1947 and has a tradition of more than 70 years. NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka provides support to this youth club through sponsorship but also through donations for the refurbishing of the club’s premises. The club launched a series of development activities and a basketball school was formed to bring together a large number of young fans of the sport. Thanks to the support of the city of Banja Luka, many basketball school students were exempted from paying monthly membership fees.
Promoting sports among young people attracts an increasing number of visitors to the sports halls, as well as the returning of fans to the Borik sports hall.
NLB Banka a.d. supports the Youth Basketball Club “Borac”
In 2019, the Foča Sports Federation organised the “Balls for Schools and Local Communities” campaign to provide as many different balls as possible (basketball, football, volleyball), as well as other sports items to the children in the local communities. NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka provided financial support for the purchase of the balls.
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka provided financial support for the “Balls to Schools and Local Communities” campaign, thus helping the Foča Sports Federation to purchase balls.
In 2019 NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka supported the Open Srpska 2019 Tournament. The 9-day event attracted many visitors. There were many competitors participating and thanks to a diversified programme, there were also many visitors. Throughout the nine days of the tournament, livestreaming and live scoring were done online, with RTRS broadcasting live finals and semi-finals.
The ATP Challenger Srpska Open Tournament was sponsored by NLB Banke a.d. Banja Luka
“Glas Srpske” organised the 65th Selection of the Top 10 Athletes of the Republic of Srpska in 2019, at which the best athletes were selected. The ceremony crowns all sporting events throughout the year, giving an important impetus to the sports culture in the Republic of Srpska. The aim of the event is to promote sports and athletes in the Republic of Srpska.
As a traditional activity and event of the year, the evening of the announcement of the best athletes was attended by a large number of athletes, coaches, journalists, important business representatives, and state officials, and was followed, as every year, with live broadcasts in the media.
Selection of the Top 10 Athletes of the Republic of Srpska in 2019
NLB Bank Banja Luka will continue to promote healthy living and sports activities among young people, including employees, through by supporting sports activities and events.
During 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of culture by supporting visual, theatrical, and musical events.
The Public Institution “Centre for Culture and Sport” Srbac was the organiser of the 36th convocation of the international Bardača-Srbac Fine Arts and Ecological Colony, which was held in the protected Ramsar area of Bardača. The theme of this year’s Colony was “800 Years of the Autocephaly of the SOC,” which was discussed at the round table, and visual artists painted one thematic work of art each. In addition to the Srbac municipality, the organisers of the Colony were the Ministry of Education and Culture, PMF Banja Luka, and Radio Srbac. In the scope of the Colony, the Painting School is organised every year for the pupils and students of primary and secondary schools from Srbac and the surrounding municipalities, and the Head of the School was one of the academic painters, a participant in the Colony.
Fine Arts and Ecological Colony Bardača
This year’s Colony also included the visit to the nearby Osovica Monastery and the campaign of cleaning up the illegal dump called ‘Let’s clean Bardača.’ Thus, the colony is a mail event aimed at preserving the cultural and ecological environment of this unique region.
In 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka contributed funds to ensure that many children could enjoy winter and holiday time this year. The smiles, laughter, and happiness of the youngest at the premises of the RS Children’s Theatre, in the winter idyll “Snješkovo,” show that this activity is the best gift we could give them.
Hundreds of eager toddlers were greeted by Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, the magician Merlin, and Snješko Bijelic who opened the doors to an area decorated with winter scenery, hundreds of lights, and decorations that turned the Children’s Theatre into the most beautiful winter story in the city for 15 days.
As in the previous years, the entrance was free of charge, and every year “Snješkovo” is visited by around 10,000 children. The most important thing is for every child to enjoy and experience the winter magic in the best possible way.
Theatre shows and presents at the Children’s Theatre in Snješkovo
Cultural and entertaining events at the occasion of the New Year holidays 2019/2020, as well as a rich entertainment and music program were organised by the City Administration and the Mayor of the City of Banja Luka, who organised this holiday celebration for the fellow citizens and the tourists who visit Banja Luka during this period. During the three-day period of concerts and cultural events, the image of NLB Group’s campaign was displayed around the clock on the LED display next to the main stage, so that all passers-by and visitors could watch a new video promoting the values of NLB Group – Home is where the people who matter the most are.
NLB Group was part of the New Year spirit in Banja Luka
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka contributed to the preservation of the natural environment. With the aim of raising awareness about the preservation of the environment and to promote volunteerism, the employees planted 2,000 seedlings in a joint afforestation action with other bank colleagues. NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka representatives participated in the afforestation of the Skatavica area in the Čelinac Municipality.
The colleagues from NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka participated in the afforestation of the Skatavica area in 2019
The most significant humanitarian activity of NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka is the donation to the hospitals in Bijeljina and Zvornik. The representatives of the Bijeljina Branch visited and presented gifts to the children who were undergoing treatment in the paediatric departments of the two hospitals.
At the request of these two institutions, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka provided a donation of 10 TV sets, five for each of the hospitals in Bijeljina and Zvornik, thus making the stay of the youngest in the hospital as comfortable as possible. Through excellent cooperation with these two medical institutions and understanding of the needs of its fellow citizens, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka contributes to improve the quality of hospital treatment for the youngest patients.
Donation of TV sets to hospitals in Bijeljina and Zvornik
The 10th anniversary of the donor evening “S ljubavlju hrabrim srcima” (With Love to Brave Hearts) was held at the Banski Dvor Cultural Centre in Banja Luka. The funds raised in this year’s charity campaign were donated to the construction of the daycare centres for children with special needs in Trebinje and Banja Luka. The construction of the daycare centres for children with special needs is of great importance to their families who face many challenges. For the parents, the daycare centre is a significant support for their need to provide adequate care for their children before or after school, as well as during the holidays. Citizens have again proved charitable through a large number of calls and responses.
The humanitarian campaign “S ljubavlju hrabrim srcima” (With Love to Brave Hearts) again proved that the people of Banja Luka are compassionate and charitable.
The team from NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka visited the Foča Clinical Centre this year and handed over a donation of New Year’s presents for all children undergoing treatment at their paediatric clinic.
The New Year’s presents for all children undergoing treatment at the Paediatric clinic Foča.
The Saint Nicholas Day event at the children’s ward at the Dr Miroslav Zotović Institute for Rehabilitation showed again this year how much the staff of this institution is trying to provide for the children in rehabilitation to celebrate the holidays like other children can. NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka donated presents to contribute to their efforts of ensuring a better quality of stay and work with those children.
Holiday spirit at the Dr Miroslav Zotović Institute for Rehabilitation
By donating presents for children from socially disadvantaged families, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka has made it possible for the little ones to also experience the holiday spirit in 2019. With this donation, the Bank supported the action of the Social Work Centre Banja Luka to give the most vulnerable families a New Year’s Eve show and donated presents for 50 children whose parents couldn’t afford them.
A New Year’s Eve event was held at the Jazavac City Theatre, where children were entertained by Santa Claus and the actors, who handed them the New Year’s presents at the end of the show.
In this way, the Bank contributed to a better quality of support and capacity of the local community, and it is thus recognised as a socially responsible company that is there to help.
New Year’s presents for children from socially disadvantaged families
Elementary school “Knez Ivo od Semberije” Bijeljina is the second largest school in the RS by number of pupils, with about 1,650 pupils. Thanks to the donation of NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka, a projector and a projection screen were purchased, and several computers were also donated to the school. NLB Group thus contributed to a better quality of education, as the teaching staff will be better able to present the teaching materials to pupils.
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka presented a donation of projectors and projection screens to improve the work of the teachers and provide better education for the pupils.
With the donation of computers, a projector, and projection screens, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka supported the process of digitisation in teaching geography at the Elementary School “Aleksa Šantić” in Banja Luka. This elementary school is one of the schools selected by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Government of the Republic of Srpska for the results achieved in educational work and high standards of teaching quality as an experimental school in which the geography lessons in the 2019/2020 school year will be upgraded with the help of a digital textbook.
To enable digital teaching and use of digital textbook in the geography classroom, the school needed the IT equipment that included a computer, a projector, and a projection screen.
By donating the required equipment, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka contributed to the modernisation of the teaching process, helped the school to continue to be a leader in recognising the pupils’ educational needs and facilitated better conditions for the new generations.
Donation of computers and a projector to the Elementary School “Aleksa Šantić” in Banja Luka
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka donated computers and other school equipment throughout 2019. It also donated security cameras and funds for the renovation of buildings to schools, kindergartens, and other premises of interest to local communities.
In accordance with the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, NLB Banka Banja Luka continued its support to the local environment through various sponsorships and donations. The projects and activities were mainly initiated by different groups of clients, employees, and local communities, but also by the Bank itself. NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka is pursuing the policy to support the entire territory of the Republic of Srpska, acting at the regional and local levels and covering all segments in the process of approving sponsorships and donations during the year. All of its activities are in line with the values and strategy of NLB Group, and promote it as an institution that cares for the local communities in which it operates, provides better living conditions and proves that the region of south-eastern Europe is truly the home of NLB Group.
In the future, NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka plans to pay more attention to promoting financial literacy among all customer segments. Its focus will remain on the segments that promote confidence, reliability, and accountability of the Bank and improve accessibility to its services.
NLB Banka a.d. Banja Luka pays special attention to corporate and social responsibility activities in all segments.
NLB Banka Podgorica
As a member of NLB Group, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica is aware of its role that goes beyond the financial sector. In its area of influence on the financial market , the Bank carries out its socially responsible activities through donations approved primarily to organisations of social importance (educational, health, public, institutions for persons with special needs, etc.), but also to organisations registered for direct community assistance and charity. In its relations with the employees, clients, the society as a whole, as well as stakeholders, the Bank’s employees continuously strive to be good citizens.
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica strives to be a caring mentor internally as well as externally. In 2019, it participated in various activities and in different segments.
NLB Business Forum: Women in business – The New Value of the Montenegrin Economy
NLB Banka a.d. supports its clients in the achievement of their business and life goals. Each year we celebrate the success and results of both clients and the Bank together at the traditional gatherings in December. In 2019, the Bank decided to mark the end of yet another successful year by organising a Business Forum entitled, “Women in Business, the New Value of the Montenegrin Economy,” which addressed the topics relevant to women’s entrepreneurship in Montenegro.
By opening discussions about such an important topic in the Montenegrin society, the Bank gave its clients the opportunity to share their views and opinions on women entrepreneurship. The success of the forum was confirmed by high attendance, participation of prominent guests from the business world and representatives of foreign organisations and foundations. In addition to creating the room for a dialogue about the current social topic, the event was also a good opportunity for networking.
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica organised a major NLB Business Forum entitled, “Women in Business, the New Value of the Montenegrin Economy.”
Who See song “Slijedila je san,” composed specially for the Forum:
Financial Literacy – Personal and Business
As a financial mentor, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica is committed to consulting in the area of financial literacy. It is providing its clients and other users who visit its webpage helpful tips on how to manage personal and business finances independently, reasonably borrow, plan their financial future, while at the same time explaining the numerous financial services it offers (loans, cards, e-banking, digital channels, cyber security, etc.). In addition to publishing the tips on the official website, the Bank distributes the tips to clients and other interested citizens (subscribers to its e-newsletters) through the email marketing platform (Mail chimp) and through the official profiles of the Bank on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Viber).
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica provides financial literacy content on its website www.nlb.me/me/stanovnistvo/savjeti
The first step to a secure future
Also, in 2019 NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica traditionally supported the campaign “The First Step to a Secure Future” that the Central Bank of Montenegro implements in cooperation with commercial banks in Montenegro each year on 31 October – World Savings Day. The campaign under the slogan entailed a joint action to give savings books to children born in Montenegro between 31 October and 6 November 2019. NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica donated EUR 200 and CBMNE another EUR 200 to the children born during this period whose parents opened a savings book at the Bank.
The project has been organised for the sixteenth year in 2019. In the past years, 2,056 newborns have received their first savings through this campaign.
“The First Step to a Secure Future” campaign is one of the activities through which NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica influences the financial literacy of the Montenegrin society, emphasising the importance of savings, especially among the youngest.
NLB Pensioners Day
On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica organised a Pensioners Day in November at the branches of Bank under the slogan “More for Your Health.”
With the aim of expressing gratitude for the trust and loyalty shown by the pensioners, as well as to remind them of the importance of health care, the Bank provided free blood glucose and blood pressure analysis in our branches in these cities in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Health Centres in Podgorica, Nikšić, Bar, and Bijelo Polje. On this occasion, fruit and healthy drinks were provided, as well as health-related gifts. More than a hundred of our senior clients attended the events.
Many pensioners visited the NLB Pensioners Day on 19 November 2019.
Breast Cancer Prevention Campaign: Love Your Breast
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica takes special care of its employees because it believes that people are its most valuable resource. That is the why, year after year, the Bank proudly supports the Breast Cancer Prevention Campaign called “The Time is now.”
Regular preventive check-ups are an important part of the fight against this widespread illness, which is why, as part of the campaign, the Bank will also provide a free specialist and ultrasound examination to around 60 of the Bank’s employees in 2019, same as every year. Furthermore, its employees receive useful advice via email and the internal portal on healthy habits and the importance of prevention; also, posters and flyers showing how breast self-examination should be done properly were installed in women’s toilets.
The first integrated national-level campaign was launched seven years ago and in the past six years, 1,723 preventive examinations were performed, 18 lives were saved, all with one goal: to beat breast cancer.
In the scope of the Breast Cancer Prevention Campaign called “The Time is now,” NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica organised an internal campaign on this topic.
Anti-smoking campaign: “Yesterday You Said Today”
In the scope of the Healthy Bank project, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica introduced another campaign that promotes healthy lifestyle and encourages healthy habits among employees. It organised an internal, anti-smoking campaign under the slogan “Yesterday you said today.” The action was inspired by the newly adopted the Law on the Restriction of the Use of Tobacco Products, which among others prescribes a ban on smoking at the workplace and public space.
The campaign that aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking on the overall health, appearance, and physical and mental strength of employees was implemented in the last quarter of 2019. The employees who were the most persistent, three of them were able to get rid of this bad habit, we rewarded with gifts (gym and pool vouchers) handed publicly at the joint New Year’s celebration for employees in front of a large number of colleagues.
At the end of 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica organised the anti-smoking campaign in which the employees were encouraged to give up smoking.
Voluntary out-of-hospital health insurance
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica has shown its care of the employees’ health and responsible attitude towards them by signing a contract with Lovćen insurance company, through which all employees are provided with the possibility of free treatment up to the amount of EUR 1,000 per year. In this way, employees can undertake free-of-charge health checks, specialist examinations, diagnostics, and laboratory tests up to a specified amount. In addition to the check-up, this sum also covers for drug therapy at listed healthcare institutions, and a certain extent medical technical aids, ambulatory surgery, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
The Bank thus proved that it is dedicated to its team and that it continuously improves working conditions and care for the quality of life of its employees.
NLB Group Sports Games
In 2019, the 21st NLB Group Sports Games took place once again in Moravske Toplice, Slovenia – at a proven location to entertain, socialise and strengthen team and sports spirit. A large number of employees have participated in competitive and non-competitive disciplines. NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica is proud of the results of its employees who won medals.
The sports games provided yet another rich experience for the employees. They learned something new about themselves and their colleagues, and most of all about the importance of team play and fair competition that lead to a goal and is based on befriending teammates and strengthening relationships. Before the beginning of the sports games, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica organised joint exercising and tennis sessions for all participants in the sports games.
On top of Kilimanjaro
Thanks to our colleague Dušan Kaludjerović, the camp with the logo of NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica conquered Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) in Africa. The Bank has supported Dušan and the other members of the SOKO Sports Mountaineering Club from Cetinje on several expeditions that have been successfully completed. In order to make the Kilimanjaro 2019 international expedition as efficient as possible, the members of this club worked hard to climb the highest peaks of Russia and Europe, Prokletije, Albania, Bulgaria, as well as the highest peak of the Dolomites, Australia, Greece, and many others.
Practical work at NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica within the American Chamber of Commerce internship program
Investing in the knowledge and skills of young staff and financial literacy are among the strategic commitments of NLB Group. In cooperation with the American Chamber of Commerce, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica provided four professional development positions in 2019 in the framework of the internship program for the students of the final year. The duration of the internship was three months, the interns worked on a part-time basis and acquired skills, working skills in professional development in the HR Department, the Legal Affairs Department and in the General Secretariat (two positions).
The Bank supported the concept of dual education because it believes that through the synergy of theory and practice, young people are best prepared to enter the business world and their professional life – which for most begins after graduation.
In cooperation with the American Chamber of Commerce, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica provided four positions in the banking environment for the students of the final year.
Musical Instruments for the School of Elementary Music Education in Bar
At the opening of the refurbished NLB branch in Bar, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica donated a piano to the School for Elementary Music Education “Petar II Petrović Njegoš” in Bar.
At the opening of the refurbished branch, the students of this music school, accompanied by their professors, have shown their skill in playing different musical instruments and created a pleasant atmosphere. By supporting art schools, NLB Group supports culture and emphasises its importance for the local community development, thus setting an example for the business community to undertake similar actions.
At the opening of the refurbished NLB branch in Bar, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica made a donation to the local music school.
Bicycle parking
In 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica took concrete measures to take care of the natural environment. It set up bicycle parking spaces in front of most of its branches and motivated our employees to use bicycles to come to work. It also organised a mini photographic contest in which employees were invited to send photos that could inspire other colleagues to switch to this alternative mode of transportation. The best photo was rewarded with a EUR 50 voucher for a bike shop.
With similar socially responsible actions, the Bank encourages healthy lifestyle and reminds of the importance of protecting the environment and saving natural resources.
New seedlings for two parks in Podgorica
The greening of the parks in Podgorica has been organised by the Džada Film Festival for the second consecutive year in 2019. NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica joined the greening campaign by planting trees in two city parks in Podgorica. Together with its other partners, it planted 14 new seedlings of deciduous and evergreen trees.
Planting a tree is the greatest gift the citizens can give to the city and their fellow citizens, and its canopy will provide the best protection against heat during the summer in Podgorica.
The Bank also encourages others to take similar actions. The aim is not only to make the city a better and more enjoyable place to live, but also to have a long-term impact on the environment.
The colleagues and partners of NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica helped plant trees in two parks in Podgorica
Let’s Paint Love
In 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica supported the project “Let’s Paint Love” implemented by NGO Kult Montenegro with preschool children and children with special needs. More than 3,000 toddlers from preschools and institutions for children with disabilities participated in this art competition.
The project supports children who show artistic aspirations and encourages socialisation and nurturing of healthy values among the youngest. The project conclusion was marked by various events in all cities. During the event children bands played some of the most famous children’s songs, children’s soloists, choirs, and rhythmic and folklore groups from the above-mentioned cities, soloists from preschool institutions, and the Association participated in the art competition. The events were an opportunity to reward the best works of art. The best 70 works (10 from each city) were rewarded and the chosen 12 works will be used for the design of the 2020 annual calendar.
The project “Let’s Paint Love” was sponsored by the Ministry of Education and the Institute for Education, as it supported in practice the Strategy for Early and Preschool Education, as well as the Strategy for Inclusive Education of Disabled Children.
Diplomatic Bazaar
In December 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica supported the implementation of a humanitarian diplomatic bazaar organised by the International Women’s Club of Montenegro in cooperation with the embassies in Montenegro. In addition to the sale of original products characteristic of the exhibitor’s country, a lottery was organised at the bazaar, through which additional donation funds were collected.
NLB Banka a.d. For this lottery NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica provided 10 gift payment cards with a deposit of 20 euros per card. The funds collected with the sale of lottery tickets was contributed to a donation fund.
The funds raised were donated to the following institutions:
- PI Komanski Most, Podgorica
- JPU “EKO Bajka,” Pljevlja
- Happy Paws, NGO Podgorica
- Don Bosco Centre for Education
- Slobodan Skerovic High School
- Primary school and kindergarten Bajo Jojić – Andrijevica
Over the last few years, the Christmas diplomatic bazaar has become an important event for collecting charity contributions for many institutions, organisations and individuals in Montenegro.
Thanksgiving – a donor initiative for the Equestrian Sports Club Budućnost
As a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica has supported the humanitarian project organised by this association to celebrate Thanksgiving.
In 2019, the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of AmCham decided to give a donation to the Equestrian Sports Club “Budućnost,” which provides rehabilitation activities and education for people with intellectual disabilities, with autism spectrum disorders, multiple disorders, developmental disorders, and children who are delayed in psychomotor development or have cerebral palsy, and psychosocial difficulties. The Club cooperates with the Resource Centre “1. junij” from Podgorica and the Day-Care Centres of Igalo, Cetinje, Pljevlja, and Nikšić.
Therapy involves activities supervised by a mental health professional, with the support of a professionally trained horse.
Small steps change the world for the better
For the fourth time in 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica organised the campaign “Small Steps Change the World for the Better.” In the past it has provided funds for the purchase of necessary devices and instruments for the maternity wards across Montenegro in cooperation with the citizens, associates, and clients.
In 2019, the campaign was carried out in cooperation with the Basketball Club Budućnost Voli which the Bank supports as the Golden Sponsor for the season 2019/2020. For each point scored on the domestic court at Aba League and Euro Cup matches, the Bank allocated EUR 10 to Montenegrin maternity wards. The funds raised in this campaign will be handed over to the selected maternity ward after the end of the 2019/2020 season.
In the framework of this campaign, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica has so far supported maternity wards in Nikšić, Bijelo Polje, Berane, and Podgorica. The maternity ward that will receive the support for 2019 will be selected on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health.
Charity match “Together for Great Victories.”
In 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica supported the Royal Championship tennis tournament as the main sponsor. The event was marked by a humanitarian match between the representatives of the Bank and Lovćen Insurance, which aimed to raise funds for the procurement of incubators for the Department of Newborns, Clinical Hospital Centre of Montenegro.
The humanitarian match between NLB Banka CEO Marko Popović and Lovćen Insurance CEO Matjaz Božić was followed by a donor cocktail and auction of tennis items used during the match.
A large number of employees from the companies, clients, and business partners accepted the invitation to donate to this noble cause. More than EUR 10,000 was raised from those who donated to the campaign “Together for Great Victories,” to the account opened by NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica for this purpose.
The Bank and the insurance company Lovćen provided the remaining amount required for the purchase of the incubator worth EUR 16,000. The incubator will be officially delivered to the Clinical Centre of Montenegro in the beginning of 2020.
Džada Film Festival
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica recognises the importance of film for the development of each individual and society as a whole. It therefore supports the efforts to make film a part of everyday life in the local environment. In 2019, the Bank sponsored the Džada Film Festival, which took place from 10 to 16 June on the streets and squares of Podgorica. The International Feature Film Festival was sponsored for the first time and NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica was its first sponsor.
The Džada Film Festival was granted the status of an international film festival for the first time in 2019. Six films participated in the open competition for the best debut film and were shown to the audience of the capital for the first time at the Radosav Ljumović National Library. The festival provided an opportunity for the local, as well as international authors to present their debut films and win awards for Best Debut Feature Film and Best Director.
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica recognised the importance of this event which affirms film art and culture, and therefore supported the festival as the sponsor of the prize fund. In both categories the Bank provided a cash prize of 1,000 EUR.
NLB banka a.d. Podgorica is pleased to have supported the initiative for the development of Montenegrin cinema. The Bank used the film festival to promote socialising of its employees by organising group visits to see the cult films at several locations.
The final evening of the Džada 2019 Film Festival sponsored by NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica.
Kotor Festival of Children’s Theatre
Supporting cultural events is one of the key strategic pillars of NLB Group’s social responsibility. The Kotor Festival of Children’s Theatre is one of the festivals that bring the arts and culture closer to the children. NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica recognised the great significance of the festival with an almost 30-year tradition for Montenegro and the broader social environment. Therefore, as a “friend of the festival” it supported it in 2019. It featured a rich programme with a variety of theatre, educational, and entertaining contents for children and adults, and was held at various locations in the old town of Kotor in July 2019. Kotor Children’s Theatre Festival has been proclaimed a cultural event of exceptional national importance by the Ministry of Culture of Montenegro and promotes cultural life year after year.
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica also shared the charms of the Kotor Children’s Theatre Festival with our followers on social networks, rewarding them with tickets for the most watched programmes.
Lake Fest music festival
For the last nine years, the music festival on Lake Nikšić Krupac brings together many well-known names and bands from the local and regional, as well as worldwide rock scene. During the nine years of its existence, the festival has gained credibility both among younger and more experienced audiences who nurture and preserve rock music. The festival has become a recognisable music brand of the city of Nikšić and Montenegro.
Also, in 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica sponsored the festival and so contributed to the popularisation of the rock music scene in Montenegro.
The Bank organised various activities to enable its clients and followers on social networks to visit the concerts. It also procured tickets for its employees and used the event as an opportunity for teambuilding in a different atmosphere, with the music and fun of the rock festival.
Its social media followers were also given a chance to enjoy Lake Fest. In order to experience the festival in the right way, the Bank gave out gift ticket packages for all three festival nights, as well as gift tents for the winners, so that they could be completely immersed in the atmosphere of the Lake Fest, which is well known for its camp on Lake Krupac.
Basketball Club Budućnost Voli
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica has been a part of the winning team of BC Budućnost Voli for many years. In October 2019, it signed a partnership agreement with this basketball club and became the club’s Gold sponsor for the 2019/2020 season. Cooperation with BC Budućnost Voli, which the Bank renews every year, confirms its active engagement in supporting the development of Montenegrin sports, top athletes, and young talents.
We support the results of the Blue team, but we also jointly organise socially responsible actions. By the end of 2019, every basket scored by Budućnost Voli team on the home court was rewarded with a donation of EUR 10 for Montenegrin maternity hospitals.
The funds collected in this campaign were delivered to the maternity hospital recommended by the Ministry of Health.
NLB Royal Cup 2019
As is tradition, in 2019 the Bank again supported the professional ITF women’s tennis tournament “NLB Royal Cup 2019” as a general sponsor. The tournament was held on the tennis courts of the tennis club “AS” in September.
During this year’s Royal Cup the Bank organised the tennis school, with a professional instructor from TK “AS” for the children of the Bank’s employees aged 5 to 14. The tennis school was organised in October.
We enriched the program of the tennis tournament with a humanitarian match, between NLB Banka CEO Mark Popović and Lovćen Insurance CEO Matjaž Božić, who aimed to collect donations for the procurement of incubators for the KBC’s Newborn Unit, Podgorica.
Football Club Breznica Pljevlja
In 2019 NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica supported the Breznica Football Club from Pljevlja with a donation for the organisation of numerous sports events including participation in the UEFA Champions League Qualification for Women.
The Bank recognises the importance of sports, especially among young people, and shares the values of this football club which has made great efforts to promote football and healthy lifestyles, equally among boys and girls for years.
The Football Club Breznica used the received donation to purchase sports equipment for boys who won second place at the Goražde International Tournament.
Youth Football Club Grbalj
In 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica signed a cooperation agreement with the Youth Football Club “Grbalj,” a first league player of the Montenegrin football league from the municipality of Kotor. By signing the contract, the Bank formalised the cooperation for the current season, which made NLB Bank one of the sponsors of Youth Football Club Grbalj.
Support for the development of Montenegrin sports, especially team sports, is one of the Bank’s strategic commitments. NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica is very proud of its support for sports and healthy lifestyle, and especially that it is able to support, together with the business community of Kotor and Grbalj, their biggest sports brand, FC Grbalj.
By supporting various segments of society, including professional and youth sports, NLB Group strives to become a leader in corporate social responsibility, in the south and in the north of the country, and through its actions contributes to raising the quality of life in the community in which it operates – for its customers and for all citizens.
Chess School – Diagonale
NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica is aware that, in addition to physical activity, developing cognitive skills is equally important for the children. One of the best ways to develop a healthy mind is to play chess. Engaging in this activity helps children in mathematics, as well as in reading, developing logic, critical thinking and creativity, developing intelligence, facilitating the process of planning, and anticipating and solving complex problems.
So, in 2019, the Bank included chess among the disciplines it supports.
In cooperation with the Diagonal Chess Club, the Bank organised a chess school for children aged 5 to 15. The children of its employees, clients, and followers on the social networks were given the chance to attend this school.
The success of the activity is confirmed by the good response and great importance of the projects organised and supported by the Bank, which is recognised by the people. The chess school for children is yet another proof of this.
In 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica organised a unique chess school for children in cooperation with the chess school Diagonale.
In addition to the above activities, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica also supported the following projects and organisations in 2019:
- - Police Trade Union – Sports meetings of police trade unions from the surrounding area
- - Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany – Manifestation marking the Day of German Unity
- - Slovenian Embassy – celebration
- - Student Association of the Academy of Cetinje – study visit of the students of the Faculty of Visual Arts to the Marina Abramović exhibition at the Museum
- - Otran-Olympic Ulcinj Football Club
In 2019, NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica participated in the activities which:
- support the financial education of its clients and broader public;
- increase awareness of sports and health by promoting sports among the youth, and by supporting our basketball team and the tennis tournament;
- promote environmental protection;
- support humanitarian organisations and give donations for a better quality of life;
The goals of its CSR activities were:
- creating better conditions for the functioning of the society;
- coverage of different areas of social activity, according to its heterogeneous structure;
- raising awareness of the significance of the projects it supports;
- creating an image of a caring mentor.
Through different activities the Bank promotes everything we do every day. It promotes our values, and emphasises the importance of taking care of the clients and the community in which we operate, and all the employees of NLB Banka a.d. Podgorica who constantly invest a lot of efforts and energy to make the clients satisfied.
NLB Banka Prishtina
Social responsibility of an organisation is its active and voluntary contribution with the purpose of improving social, economic, and environmental conditions, and also improving its competitive position. From this point of view, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina, which is socially responsible, continuously builds its credibility, enriches its image, and makes its brand more powerful by contributing to the significant long-term profitability and to the improvement of financial performance, development of employee skills, the increase of credibility, and customer preference.
The Bank operates in Kosovo as part of NLB Group. It has an important mission in the area of social responsibility in the environment in which it operates, in addition to achieving good financial results, it also contributes to a better quality of life for all citizens. It is responsible towards its shareholders, employees, clients, and the society as a whole.
It is aware and pays special attention to gaining new knowledge and lifelong learning, being aware of the rapid social changes, technical and scientific evolution, where learning has already become a way of life, and not just preparation for life.
It helps young people on their way to become financially independent by providing various lectures and preparing them to act responsibly for a more successful future.
It continues to support sports and art and is particularly proud of our traditional participation in many humanitarian projects that it supports together with its clients and employees.
Helping clients
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina managed to win the trust of its clients with responsible work. It is always trying to give advice based on knowledge, expertise, and experience to help them prepare for everything that follows.
With the development of modern banking, investment, and insurance services, the Bank offers its clients services that are appropriate to their financial reality to help them overcome the challenges and make the right solution to cope with the future.
Provision of internship and the possibility to perform practical work/Signed agreements with the faculties for cooperation in the field of internship-practical work
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina is a modern institution that aims to continuously reform its HR policies. In the pursuit of this philosophy, the Bank continues to strive to be an open institution and at the same time a good model for the best! As a place where experience and knowledge are shared among employees, it strives to be more than just a bank. Therefore, it actively supports the building of future and shaping of the students’ careers. Moreover, it enables the students to make a better connection between theory and practice.
For the purpose of professional training and practical work, the Bank entered into a cooperation agreement with RIINVEST College and AAB College in 2019 for the admission of students for internships, as well as individual agreements based on student requests. All institutions in the country have recognised the Bank for its contribution. During the reporting period, 190 students completed internships at NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina, with a minimum duration of two weeks and a maximum of six months.
In 2019 NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina provided internship for the students of RIINVEST College and AAB College.
Services for the citizens – Open house for the young
In 2019, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina organised discussions with the fourth graders from the elementary school “Xhemail Mustafa” in Prishtina. They discussed different topics such as work, the importance of money handling, saving, bank functions, etc. It thus carried out the activities of improving financial literacy as one of the key strategic pillars of NLB Group’s social responsibility.
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina shared its knowledge about financial management with young pupils.
Building a house for Hajrullahu Family in Gjilan
In the context of corporate social responsibility, as well as the desire and willingness to help and improve the difficult living conditions, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina joined the project of the Buçaj Corporation in 2019. It joined the project in cooperation with Argeta, who founded the # Houses4Kosovo foundation for the construction of houses for families in need. On this occasion, thanks to a donation from the Bank and the land donated by the Gjilan Municipal Assembly, the family of Remzi Hajrullahu from Gjilan got a new home.
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina cooperated in the construction of a home for the Kosovo family Hajrullahu.
Special Education School – Resource Centre “Përparimi” in Prishtina
The “Përparimi” school centre is the only institution providing education for children with special needs in Kosovo, including children with intellectual disabilities who cannot be included in the regular public education system. NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina provided five AAC devices (ipad and Proloquo2go software) and other school material for children to support the work of the school.
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina made a donation to support the work of the Special Education School – Resource Centre “Përparimi”
ZPEMA Association for the Care of Children with Disabilities in Ferizaj
To be closer to the children with special needs and to bring them joy at the end of the year, NLB Banka sh. a. Prihtina donated 100 presents for underaged children in the PEMA Disability Association in Ferizaj in 2019.
The PEMA Association, together with the children of the association, showed their appreciation by organising theatrical performances where the representatives of the Bank were invited.
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina donated New Year’s presents for the children of the PEMA Association.
“Gjergj Fishta” Elementary School in Prishtina
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina donated 10 computers to “Gjergj Fishta” Elementary School in Prishtina in 2019. Similar donations will also be made to many other schools in order to improve the information technology infrastructure in schools, and to provide good conditions for students to learn necessary IT skills on the labour market.
Thanks to the donation of NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina, learning at the “Gjergj Fishta” Elementary School in Prishtina has become more ‘modern’ and more fun.
Donation of school equipment for children in need
At the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year, the employees of NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina took the initiative to collect donations for the purchase of school equipment for children in need. A lot of employees and the Bank as a whole, joined the initiative. A total of 106 fully packed school bags with everything the students need in one school year were purchased with the collected funds. They were distributed in nine primary schools in different regions of Kosovo, respectively in the regions with the worst economic situation.
The contribution of the Bank and its employees put smiles on the children’s faces.
On the initiative of the employees of NLB Banka sh. a. Prishtina, 106 pupils from different schools in Kosovo received new school bags and school equipment.
The “Ismail Luma” Primary School in the municipality Lipjan/Lipljan
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina donated 10 computers to “Ismail Luma” Primary School in Lipjan/Lipljan municipality in 2019. With this activity, the Bank actively implements the mission of NLB Group which strives for the development and improvement of the region of south-eastern Europe for the present and future generations.
The pupils of the “Ismail Luma” Primary School in Lipjan/Lipljan were happy to receive new computer equipment
Action for Mothers and Children
The Action for Mothers and Children organised the traditional annual “Let’s Dance for Mothers and Children” event with the aim to help Kosovo’s mothers and children in need. For the fifth consecutive year, NLB Banka sh. a. Prishtina participated in the charity event, which was held on 24 October 2019 at Sheshi 21 in Prishtina.
Same as every year, the purpose of this event was to raise funds to be used by the Action for Mothers and Children Foundation to support various health programmes, provide medical supplies, additional services for babies who need specialised medical treatment, for expectant mothers, and for families in general.
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina supported the charity event “Dancing for Mothers and Children” for the fifth consecutive year in 2019.
Humanitarian mini-marathon “Santa Run”
Same as in the previous years, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina again contributed to the humanitarian mini marathon the “Santa Run,” which was held on 15/12/2019 in Zahir Pajaziti Square in Prishtina. A similar run is organised in many countries of the world; in Kosovo it was held for the fourth time in a row.
The purpose of this event is to help families in need with the money collected by the sale of the costumes. In 2019, sufficient funds were collected through this project to provide food and gifts at the end of year for 500 families in need in Kosovo.
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina participated in the humanitarian mini marathon Santa Run also in 2019.
Marking the day of people with Down Syndrome
Besides being the first day of spring, 21 March is also the World Down Syndrome Day. NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina organised an activity to support the persons with this syndrome on that day in 2019. The key purpose of the action was to pull down the many barriers faced by this community, as well as to raise awareness of the community in which the Bank operates.
The purpose of the campaign “Buy a Flower, I Will Give You Love” was to continue with the efforts of being the voice of this community in supporting the people with Down’s syndrome in the exercising of their rights to service, support, education, employment, and equal treatment.
The funds collected with the sale of flowers contributed by NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina were donated to the Down Organisation in the city of Istog.
On the occasion of the World Down Syndrome Day, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina organised the humanitarian campaign “Buy a Flower, I Will Give You Love.”
For the victims and survivors of the earthquake that hit Albania
Together with other banks in Kosovo, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina provided financial aid in solidarity with the victims and survivors of the earthquake that hit Albania through the Kosovo Banking Association.
In order to protect the health of its employees, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina employs various methods of communication to raise the employees’ awareness of a healthy lifestyle. In 2019, the Bank signed a contract with the company Scardian for the provision of health insurance for its employees. The Bank pays the premiums, and each employee also has the option to insure immediate family members by paying the premium from their own salaries.
The Bank also provides financial support to sports and recreational activities for its employees on a regular basis in order to promote healthy living.
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina puts great emphasis on open communication and a stimulating work environment. Same as the past years, it organised the “Open House” event in which the Bank’s Management Board also participated. It lasted for two days, and the employees were encouraged to meet the members of the Management Board in the office during the official business hours, without notice and informally, or to contact them by phone or email and discuss different issues.
Training on the topic of Post-traumatic stress management
Special attention was paid to employee well-being. The Bank organised two external trainings with the renowned psychotherapist Dr. Enver Cesko on the topic of post-traumatic stress management.
Internal trainings
Throughout 2019, the Human Resources and Organisation Department organised trainings covering the topics of ethics, motivation, self-motivation, and efficient communication in the workplace. About 300 participants were able take some time off from their daily routine, to relax and to think about different matters.
An overview of training by type for 2019:
| Trainings (per participants) | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Trainings/Seminars of the Kosovo Banking Association | 17 |
| Internal trainings | 2198 |
| Other (conference, accounting association of Kosovo, the tax authority, etc.) | 234 |
Recipient of the “Taxpayer of 2019” Award from the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce
The main driver of positive economic processes in Kosovo and the creation of welfare in the country is the private sector. The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce presented the “Taxpayer of 2019” Award to NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina. In addition to this award, the awards for the best exporter and the best employer of 2019 were also presented.
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaqi thanked NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina for its contribution to economic development by presenting it the “Taxpayer of the Year 2019” Award, which was accepted by Mr. Albert Lumezi, President of the Management Board.
Innovation leader
At the Conference held in Dubrovnik on 2 October, Mastercard Direct Services presented to NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina the “MCDS Market Shaker Award” for launching the NLB Pay – digital wallet, a mobile phone application that supports all Mastercard cards.
“This award is given to NLB Banka because they are leaders in innovation in Kosovo for the successful launch of NLB Pay, the first digital wallet in Kosovo, exclusively with Mastercard, thank you for enabling MDES in Kosovo and being a main driver of innovation in the market,” said the representatives of Mastercard Direct Services.
EBRD Award
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) once again awarded NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina in 2019 for its performance in 2018. The award was presented in the scope of the EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP). The award was presented at the EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Sarajevo, during the TFP Information Session and Awards Ceremony on the occasion of the 28th Annual Meeting of the EBRD – 8-9 May 2019.
The bank joined the TFP two years ago and has become an important partner of the EBRD in the region and has been the most active issuing Bank in Kosovo for two years in a row.
By providing the Trade Facilitation Programme, EBRD covers the political and commercial risk of trade finance instruments issued by NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina to facilitate foreign trade finance activities. Boryana Ivanova Mustafa, Head of TPD Division from NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina said: “NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina is honoured to have once again received the 2018 Award for the most active issuing bank. The TFP Program, enables the Banks’ clients to gain expertise in new markets and to build relationships with their counterparts around the world. We thank the TFP team for their professional support and excellent cooperation and look forward to further fruitful partnership with EBRD. EBRD is active in many sectors of the economy, and its strategic priorities in the country aim to promote inclusion, green economy, economic resilience, and regional integration. The majority of the Bank’s investment is in the private sector.”
With the approval of lending policies and procedures, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina has prevented the financing of the clients’ projects that could present the risk of polluting the environment. It also adheres to the criteria regarding the credit lines which the Bank obtains from the international financial institutions.
To love and protect nature
On the occasion of Earth Day, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina donated 40 trees to the municipality of Kacanik in 2019.
Support to green energy at Kosovo
On 17 December 2019, NLB Group and the renowned international financial institutions EBRD and the Erste Bank Group signed a syndicated loan in the amount of EUR 115 million for the financing of the largest wind energy project in Kosovo at the solemn event in Prishtina. This is a successful case of cross-border financing which was only made possible after the privatisation of the Bank, when the commitments made to the European Commission no longer applied. We undertook this project of cross-border financing, as an important business opportunity that helps us contribute to the increase of revenues, with great zest and in cooperation with the local members of the Group, in this case NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina.
Kosovo produces most of their electricity using lignite; soon, it will be able to increase the share of green energy from renewable sources, in this case the wind. NLB Group will finance the project of constructing and operation of 27 wind turbines which will be a significant contribution to the protection of the environment in the country. The first wind power plant will be built in Bajgora, a village in the Kosovska Mitrovica municipality, and it will significantly improve the supply of electricity, representing about 10% of total energy capacity of the country and reducing the level of air pollution, as well as contributing significantly to the preservation of a clean environment.
“We are very proud to see NLB Group as the largest banking group in the region cooperating with the EBRD and the Erste Bank Group in the financing of a project that represents an important step in the production of clean energy from renewable sources in Kosovo,” said Albert Lumezi, President of the Board of Directors of NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina upon the signature.
“Such projects bring out the importance of the combination of know-how and rich experience of NLB Group with in-depth knowledge of the local environment that the members of our Group possess,” said Aleš Anžlovar, Director of the Advising about the Appropriate Source Structure and Cross-Border Financing in NLB Group.
Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
On 5 October 2019 the Wheelchair Basketball Tournament was organised at the Sports Hall “Bashkim Selishta” in Gjilan, where several teams from Kosovo participated. The tournament was organised by Handikos and was financially supported by NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina.
Organising such tournaments has a positive impact on people with special needs and offers the opportunity for socialisation and presentation of their abilities and talents. By combining physical activity and the sense of belonging to the group and the society, this tournament has a great impact on the awareness of the society in general.
The charity football tournament of the American Chamber of Commerce
In 2019, the American Chamber of Commerce organised the traditional John McCain charity football tournament, which in addition to philanthropic goals also aims to honour the friendship between the United States of America (US) and Kosovo. The team from NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina was also among the 18 teams that participated in this annual sports event, contributing financial assistance to individuals or organisations in need through the American Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The funds raised from the tournament were dedicated to supporting people in need of emergency medical assistance.
The winner of this tournament was the team of NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina.
Traditional bowling tournament organised by Asseco SE & Banks
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina won the 2019 traditional bowling tournament organised by Asseco SE & Banks A total of 16 teams participated in the tournament and the Bank’s team won.
Simultaneous chess competition in honour of Europe Day
The chess competition in honour of Europe Day was organised at the Grand Hotel in Prishtina. There were at least 20 chess players participating in the tournament who were challenged by the international chess master, Mr. Bogdan Podlesnik from Slovenia, also a Member of the Management Board of NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina, and Bedri Sadiku from Prishtina.
Chess Club Prishtina represents Kosovo at the European Chess Championship
The 35th European Chess Championship was held in Ulcinj in 2019 where the Prishtina Chess Club represented Kosovo with the support of NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina.
Memorial Chess Tournament
In cooperation with the Kosovo Chess Federation, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina organised the seventh consecutive Memorial Chess Tournament honouring the life and work of Mr. Mustafë Ibrahimi, a former employee of the Bank and a well-known economist.
Supporting Kosovo’s representative in basketball
In 2019, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina supported Kosovo’s representative in basketball in the pre-qualifying match against Great Britain and Luxembourg which took place on 7 and 14 August 2019 at the “Minatori” gym in Mitrovica.
Streetball Kosovo 2019
In 2019, NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina supported the organisation of the 20th jubilee Kosovo Basketball Championship – Streetball Kosovo 2019, as well as the now traditional international tournament accepted by FIBA 3x3 (International Basketball Federation 3x3).
Football Club Prishtina and Basketball Club Bashkimi from Prizren
Kosovo men’s rugby championship
Among other sports activities NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina financially supported Kosovo’s first men’s Rugby championship in 2019.
Summer Sports Games of NLB Group
At NLB Group Summer Sports Games at Terme 3000, Moravske Toplice, Slovenia, several employees from NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina competed in selected sports such as: Prishtina. Together with the other teams, they competed in futsal, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess, running, and bowling. They won three silver and bronze medals in total.
Supporting the publication of the book Martin Krpan - Diplomat and Military
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina supported the publication of the book Martin Krpan – Diplomat and Military, written by the Slovenian Ambassador to Skopje Milan Jazbec. He is author, co-author, editor, and co-editor of more than 37 titles published in many world languages.
Recapturing a story from the Slovenian literary heritage, Jazbec carries a character like Martin Krpan under an analytical and essayistic light, reminding us that human courage to face collective evil remains one of the permanent and unchanging inspirations of the global civilisation.
NLB Banka sh.a. Prishtina supported the publication of the book by Milan Jazbec.
NLB Banka Sarajevo
NLB Banka d.d., Sarajevo acts responsibly towards its clients, employees, society, and the environment. The activities in the area of social responsibility are carried out in accordance with its mission, vision, and goals, which are to be a responsible banking partner taking care of its employees and protection of compliance and integrity, promotion of entrepreneurship, increasing financial literacy and mentorship, and supporting professional and youth sports.
NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo continuously adapts all its products and services to suit the clients’ needs, whilst holding an open door for great opportunities for the self-development of its employees, and supporting the society towards a greater sustainability.
Our achievements in 2019 truly show that we are ready for whatever may come.
The care for employees was also exercised through the activities related to the improvement of working conditions by refurbishing the business premises, paid health examinations, and check-ups for employees and supporting the pensioners of the Bank by sponsoring their annual general meeting, as the Bank believes that they are the ambassadors of its corporate culture and positive promoters of its work.
In 2019, special attention was paid to the inclusion of employees in sports events with a goal of building the team spirit, which is why the events such as B2B RUN were held in Sarajevo, in which the Bank actively participated.
Caring for its clients, NLB Banka d.d., Sarajevo carefully monitors the needs of all client groups taking it into consideration when planning its activities and development of products. As a financial institution, it offers the entrepreneurs complete banking services and financial advisory services. In order to be close to its clients and provide support the local economy developments, the Bank sponsored several economy fairs in Mostar, Tešanj, Gračanica, and Sarajevo. The most significant support was given to the Sarajevo Wine Weekend event where the Bank was a Gold sponsor, and which attracted 35 wine producers from the regions. This opened many new opportunities for further business cooperation. Apart from this, the Bank was sponsor of Orea Art Market, supporting the young entrepreneurs.
In 2019, NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo also organised a well-covered business forum at which it created the networking platform for the entire country.
It presented to its current and potential clients the digitalisation services related to the products and services the Bank offers in the area of mobile and electronic banking, emphasising the time saved for performing banking services by the clients, namely with the promotion of NLB Pay.
In 2019, a new building of NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo was opened, including a centre for Corporate clients, in order to enhance its relationship with the corporate clients and provide the services in the most convenient and efficient way for the clients, as well as for the Bank.
The Entrepreneurship Academy was organised for the current and potential clients in the cities of Mostar, Sarajevo, Tuzla and Bihać. It was organised in cooperation with the EFSE and the consulting company Deloitte. It was intended for the Bank’s clients as support to their financial, employment, and strategic goals, and to educate them about those concepts.
In 2019, NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo participated in the DRIVE conference in Sarajevo, organised by posao.ba in the area of human resources, aimed at encouraging potential students to get to know the Bank as a potential top employer.
As a part of promoting employment, NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo was a sponsor of the Student Economic Forum in Tuzla in 2019, organised by the Faculty of Economics in Tuzla. It supported the educational activities and presented the Bank as a top employer.
In 2019, a financial literacy project for elementary schools called ‘NLB Novčić’ was implemented with the aim of encouraging learning about the importance of saving at a young age. The goal of the activity was to visit elementary schools in the Sarajevo Canton and present savings products and services for young people in NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo. On the occasion of the World Savings Day, the Bank traditionally organised a literary contest for children in which it selected and rewarded the top three works with a savings account in the Bank and a cash reward for the school from which the best work came.
In 2019 NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo sponsored the Hastor Foundation that provides scholarships to elementary and high school students acting responsibly towards children, as well the University of Mostar by providing scholarships for students.
In 2019 NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo continued to support top national and local athletes in Bosnia and Herzegovina who are the best ambassadors of the country in their travels and games. It sponsored professional and semi-professional sports teams in football, volleyball, handball, tennis, swimming in the cities of Sarajevo, Mostar, Gradačac, Tuzla, Široki Brijeg, etc.
The Bank among other sponsored the Football Club Sarajevo, Football Club Željezničar, Football Club Zvijezda, HKK Široki, OKK Sloboda, Handball Club Konjuh, Handball Club Gračanica, Sportski savez Tuzle, Basketball Club Koš, Tenis Head, Athletic Club Atleta Novi Grad, and so on.
NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo continuously strives to strengthen the awareness about the importance of culture and the preservation of heritage. In 2019, it supported Narodno pozorište Tuzla in the scope of the event organised by Altermedia Ladies & Gentlemen. The aim was to increase its visibility and responsibility in the area of cultural development in the country among the target population.
The Bank strives to raise the awareness about the rational use of resources and importance of preservation of the environment, which is why it supports the events and organisations whose mission is related to the ecological activities and protection of nature. Several campaigns were supported in cooperation with “Let’s Do It Tuzla and Sarajevo” in 2019, particularly in the area of cleaning waste in those areas and similar.
As a part of humanitarian activities, NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo undertook several socially responsible actions and initiatives in 2019 in the form of donations to various organisations:
- Udruženje distrofičara Tuzla
- Klub specijalnih sportova Tuzla
- Rotary Club
- Diplomatic Bazaar by Slovenian Embassy
- Renovation to elementary school in Sapna
- Sportski klub Delfin
- Medical treatment for Zlatan Đukić
- Medical treatment for Mak Hasić
- Clinic in Tuzla
- Student scholarship as part of the Top employment project
- Foundation Junuzović
- Plava poliklinika
As one of the top Banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo maintains a high level of corporate and social responsibility by supporting activities in all segments. All of the activities undertaken in 2019 were in accordance with the values and strategies of NLB Group, taking into consideration the regional and segment criteria in the process of selection, whilst continuously promoting the Bank as an institution caring for local communities.
In the future, the Bank will continue to focus evenly on the segments promoting trust, reliability, and responsibility, it will improve access to its products and services, as well as organise financial literacy courses and mentorship. The region of south-eastern Europe is the home of NLB Group, which is why the Bank has to act in a responsible manner towards its clients, employees, and the society as a whole. Home is where the people who matter the most are.
NLB Banka Skopje
Caring about the common good is one of the highest priorities in the value system of NLB Banka Skopje and an integral part of its strategy. The Bank pays special attention to social responsibility and the protection of the interests of all interested parties.
By supporting projects in the fields of culture, sports, science, education, the environment, and the well-being of children, it strives to contribute to the improvement of the overall quality of life of individuals, families, institutions, and organisations in the wider environment.
In accordance with the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, the Corporate Social Responsibility of NLB Banka Skopje was implemented through the following activities in 2019:
A total of 14 exhibits of artists and different organisations were organised by donating the NLB Gallery
For the 10th consecutive year, NLB Banka Skopje enabled artists and different organisation to exhibit at the NLB Gallery free of charge in 2019. It hosts about 14 exhibits per year helping artists to promote events in the media and invites the employees and clients to these events. They have grown into being anticipated cultural happenings in Macedonia. In 2014, NLB Banka Skopje won the National Award for Best Socially Responsible Practices for the efforts invested in the promoting art and developing the NLB Gallery. Since then, it has grown and kept the established reputation of the best gallery in the country. In 2019, the exhibitions were mainly organised by prominent artists from Macedonia and abroad.
Support for the Slovenian association “France Prešeren” – Skopje
In 2019, NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the choir of the association with the same name, which has existed within the Slovenian association “France Prešeren” for 25 years. Each year, the choir organises a series of local and international performances in the surrounding countries and beyond, and the Bank traditionally supports the activity of the association and the work of the choir.
Sponsoring the International guitar festival Krushevo, Macedonia
For the third time in a row, NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the jubilee – 10th P.S. Guitar Fest – International guitar festival Krushevo, Macedonia, the only one of its kind in the region. In the past, many renowned guitarists from all over the world participated in the festival.
Event on Independence Day in Slovenia organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of North Macedonia
On 24 June 2019, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Skopje organised the event to celebrate Independence Day in the Republic of Slovenia. The event is a significant promotion of the Republic of Slovenia and the sponsors of the event, as well as socially responsible companies coming from Slovenia.
Festival “10 Days of the Krushevo Republic”
The event “10 Days of the Krushevo Republic” is a traditional event that takes place every year marking the Ilinden Uprising, and consists of several different events. The Krushevo festival was held from 1 to 10 August, where NLB Banka Skopje was present and took care of the appropriate visibility during the 10-day event.
Support for the singing group “Armаnj Pirifanj - Gordi Vlasi”
On 28 September 2019, the singing group “Armanj Pirifanj-Gordi Vlasi” from Skopje organised the 2nd International Vlach Songs and Dance Festival entitled, “The Songs Connect Us.” NLB Banka Skopje also joined the event as a sponsor.Ohrid Summer Festival 2019
The globally known Ohrid Summer Festival was held in Ohrid for the 59th time in 2019. There were 40 festival days that offered a rich programme with well-known music performers, theatre performances, and others cultural activities. The Ohrid Summer Festival is one of the oldest and most respected festivals in the family of the European Festival Association. NLB Banka Skopje was present and took care of the appropriate visibility during the festival days.
“Intermezzo Desert Sound Festival”
The Intermezzo Café from Skopje is the organiser of the “Intermezzo Desert Sound Festival,” which took place from August 29 to October 5, 2019. The event supported by NLB Banka Skopje offered a rich programme with globally famous DJs.
Gala premiere of the film “Willow” of the award-winning artist Milcho Manchevski
In 2019, NLB Banka Skopje supported the organisation of the gala premiere of “Willow,” the latest film by award-winning artist Milcho Manchevski. The film saw its world premiere this fall at one of the world’s most prestigious festivals in Rome, while the Macedonian red carpet premiere took place at the Philharmonic’s new facility on 1 November 2019. As a socially responsible company supporting the events that enrich the cultural program, we sponsored the organisation and implementation of the gala premiere in Skopje.
Philharmonic Orchestra
The Philharmonic Orchestra is the only institution that promotes and performs symphonic music in North Macedonia. It promotes classical music at regular concerts, bringing this kind of music to various types of audience. As a socially responsible company supporting events and institutions that enrich the cultural program in the city of Skopje, NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the organisation and implementation of the 2019-2020 concert season of the RNM Philharmonic.
The “Godparent” project by “Open the Windows”
“Open the Windows” is the only organisation in the country and the Western Balkans fully committed to promoting assistive technology and digital inclusion. Guided by the vision of a “world of equal and active people,” the organisation is continuously working to stimulate and facilitate the active involvement of all people in society through assistive technology. The centre is visited by people with different types of disabilities (physical, visual and hearing impairments, intellectual disability, autism, combined difficulties and learning difficulties). “Open the Windows” is launching this project entitled, “Godparent” in 2019, aiming to provide continuous free support to all users. With its donation made in 2019, NLB Banka Skopje joined the project to support assistive technology and digital inclusion of people with different types of disabilities.
Donation for the Department of Haematology and Oncology at the University Clinic for Paediatric Disease in Skopje
In the period from 25 September 2019 to 25 October 2019 NLB Banka Skopje organised a promotional campaign “NLB Savings Month” with the following topic: Savings and Astronomy.
During the month of savings, a thematic drawing contest was organised, giving all children the opportunity to bring drawings to any branch office of the Bank, and thus participate in the contest. As a socially responsible company, NLB Banka Skopje supports the activities aimed at protecting children’s health and improving the conditions at the University Clinic for Paediatric Disease. It therefore donated MKD 200 for each collected drawing within the saving month for the procurement of new beds and the necessary equipment for the Department of Haematology and Oncology at the University Clinic for Paediatric Disease in Skopje.
NLB Banka joined the event “PAY IT FORWARD” organised by Inner Wheel Club Skopje Europea and autism MK/Autism Awareness MK
The goal of the worldwide PAY IT FORWARD movement is to encourage more than 10 million acts of kindness. Together with the organiser of the event Inner Wheel Club Skopje Europea and autism MK/Autism Awareness MK, NLB Banka Skopje celebrated charity, respect, and the acceptance of differences in April 2019, as well as raised awareness about autism.
Donation of Christmas gifts to the Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women
In 2019, the employees of NLB Banka Skopje organised a donation of personalised Christmas gifts specially designed for the children of women who are victims of domestic violence, under the auspices of the Association for Emancipation, Solidarity, and Equality of Women.
Sponsorship of FMCG Summit 2019
The event was attended by the representatives of manufacturers; importers and distributors; large store chains, small local merchants, and traditional shops; as well as other corporate representatives. Summit topics included all aspects of the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), namely sales, distribution, logistics, retailing, software technology solutions, and so on.
Sponsorship of the Macedonia Summit 2025
The eighth “Macedonia Summit 2025” was held from 13 to 15 November 2019. The summit is a leading regional platform for sharing knowledge, connecting businesses, and inspiring innovation and change in Southeast Europe.
This year, the organisers invited over 50 prominent speakers and attracted an audience of more than 400 managers, executives, and entrepreneurs. The main focus was on the following topics: innovation and their impact on reducing environmental and air pollution, the future of jobs and skills, global economic and geopolitical trends, and opportunities for financing small and medium-sized enterprises. NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the organisation and implementation of the Macedonia Summit 2019 because it is a socially responsible company supporting events that connect businesses and share knowledge.
Sponsorship of Balkan Pre-Entrepreneurs Summit
In September 2019, NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the Balkan Pre-Entrepreneurs Summit organised by Creative hub. It participated in the panel discussion and joined more than 30 globally renowned speakers and more than 250 guests at the event. It emphasised the importance of the Bank for the support and financing of newly established businesses, and the promotion of entrepreneurial spirit in order to achieve economic growth and development both in the country and in the region.
Sponsorship of the National Business forum Skopje 2019
In December 2019 NLB banka Skopje supported the National Business Forum by presenting the topic European Funds and Programmes for Economic Development of the Republic of North Macedonia.
The gifts for our users of Mastercard and Visa who carried out more than 15 transactions in the promotional period.
The Association of Vlach Businessmen from Macedonia “Mandra”
In the period from 18 to 20 January 2019, the Macedonian Association of Vlach Businessmen “Mandra” from Skopje traditionally organised the 10th jubilee international football tournament “Toše Proeski.” It was also supported by NLB Banka Skopje.
Peter Vilfan Basketball Summer Camp
The traditional Peter Vilfan Basketball Summer Camp was held for the 26th time this summer in Strunjan, Slovenia. The camp is the oldest and the best basketball camp with over 7,500 children participating so far. NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the participation of two children from North Macedonia whose parents were unable to finance the 7-day camp.
Handball camp Renato Vugrinec
The handball player Renato Vugrinec organised a joint handball camp for children in the period from 28 June to 3 July 2019 in Ohrid. The program was intended for children from the most vulnerable social groups. To help and support the organisation of the camp, NLB Banka Skopje provided sponsorship to the organiser of the camp.
Aeronautical Federation of Macedonia (VFM)
The Aeronautical Federation of Macedonia (VFM) hosted the 16th World Paragliding Championship in the cross-country discipline. The event took place in Krushevo and the Pelagonija region from 5 to 18 August 2019. North Macedonia hosted this prestigious world championship for the first time, and NLB Banka Skopje was a proud sponsor of the event.
Handball club Vardar
For the second consecutive year, NLB Banka Skopje has been a proud sponsor of the handball club Vardar.
Gostivar Basketball Club
NLB Banka Skopje also became a sponsor of the basketball club Gostivar in 2019.
Ski centre “Panorama” Krushevo
The Ski centre “Panorama” Krushevo project involves the installation of several structures that form an “Adventure Park,” namely: sledding, a zip-line, mountain-biking, adventure trolleys, sports archery, etc. The project will enrich the programme offered to tourists in the country and contribute to the development of eco-tourism. In order to support the development of tourism, NLB Banka Skopje granted an annual sponsorship to the Ski centre “Panorama” and a donation for the construction of the zip-line.
Judicial Commission of the Basketball Federation of Northern Macedonia
NLB Banka Skopje supported the work of the Judicial Commission of the Basketball Federation of Northern Macedonia and the implementation of the sports events planned by the Federation for 2020.
Krushevo Festival 2019
NLB Banka Skopje supported the third outdoor festival in Krushevo as a general sponsor in 2019. The event was marked by high-adrenaline adventures and unforgettable fun in the natural beauty and the fresh air of the Krushevo surroundings. Exciting paragliding flights, hiking adventures, canoeing, and many more sporting activities were organised in the scope of the event. The Bank used the opportunity to present the awards to 10 employees who achieved the best results in the loan granting campaign, and to enable its employees to socialise at various music events and recreational trips.
Volleyball Federation of Macedonia
NLB Banka Skopje gave a donation to the Volleyball Federation of Macedonia for the sports season 2019/2020. It also participated in the Senior European Men’s Championship, which was held in Slovenia from 13 to 29 September 2019. During these matches, Macedonia’s team played in the group in Ljubljana, with host Slovenia, then Russia, Belarus, Finland, and Turkey.
Gostivar Basketball Club
The Basketball Club Gostivar achieved great results in 2019 and ranks high in the Macedonian league. To promote the NLB brand and to support local sports, NLB Banka Skopje made a financial donation to the club.
Handball club Prolet 62
NLB Banka Skopje donated to the Handball club Prolet 62 for the competitions in the sports season 2019/2020.
Football club GFK Tikvesh 1930, Kavadarci
NLB Banka Skopje donated to the Football club GFK Tikvesh 1930, Kavadarci for the competitions in the sports season 2019/2020.
Skier Stavre Jada
Stavre Jada is the best Macedonian Nordic skier, Macedonia’s flag bearer at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and participant in many biathlon and ski competitions.
NLB Banka Skopje donated with the aim of supporting the young athlete and skiing, as well as sports in Macedonia in general.
NASA Space apps challenge
In October 2019, NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the organisation of the Space Tech Convention, which includes the NASA Space Apps Challenge and NASA’s Space Kids Challenge. It is the first convention organised by the space industry in the region of south-eastern Europe. Over 30 representatives of companies from the USA, Canada, Western Europe (the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Austria), and Asia (South Korea and Hong Kong) who are suppliers of space industry met with the Macedonian companies in Skopje in order to present how companies from the real sector and smaller countries can be involved in this highly profitable industry, as well as to identify potential partners and associates. This event was also intended for the presentation of domestic talents. Convention participants included the representatives of NASA, Planet, Airbus Defense and Space, Azimut Space, Thales, Sapienza Consulting, Tachyon Aerospace, Contec, SkyLabs, and others.
NLB Banka Skopje is a socially responsible company that supports events in the area of technology development, businesses and innovations, and sponsored logistical support for organising the NASA Space Apps Challenge. The Bank provided the premises of NLB Gallery for the organisation of this computer event.
NLB Savings Month
NLB Banka Skopje traditionally organises in its branches educational visits for many schools and kindergartens in North Macedonia with the NLB characters Tibi and Shtuki. The aim of the project is to prepare and educate children about the importance of savings. The Bank is trying to visit as many elementary schools as possible so that most of the children between 6 and 9 years old can have the opportunity to learn about the importance of savings. Additionally, the Bank donated educational books on this year’s topic “Savings and Astronomy” to the rewarded children in 2019.
Financial Literacy Days
In 2019, NLB Banka Skopje participated in the opening of the “Financial Literacy Days,” organised by the National Bank and other regulatory financial institutions from the Republic of North Macedonia.
Sport for employees
In November 2019, NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the participation of its employee at the World Championships in bowling in Indonesia, which he attended as the only representative from Macedonia. More than 100 countries took part in the championship. He has been a top ranked player for several years at bowling tournaments in our country, and one of the few who regularly (once a month) participates in tournaments and championships abroad.
Due to the excellent results that the employees of NLB Banka Skopje achieved in previous years at the Skopje Marathon, the team participated at the 2019 Skopje Marathon as an excellent teambuilding opportunity, and to raise awareness of the importance of sports and team spirit.
Skopje Run
Due to excellent results of the employees of NLB Banka Skopje in the last five years at the Skopje run, the Bank sponsored the participation of its team in this traditional event. The run took place on 6 October 2019 and was, as is tradition, organised by the Sports Union of Skopje in association with the Agency of Youth and Sports.
Business Run
NLB Banka Skopje sponsored the participation of its employees also in 2019, because of the excellent results of the Bank’s participants achieved last year, when they took second place in the competition with 70 registered teams.
Climbing Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe
NLB Banka Skopje supports its employees to do amazing things. That’s why it sponsored two employees who climbed the highest peak in Europe, Elbrus.
Other activities for the employees
NLB Banka Skopje takes care of its employees, and so organises a lot of trips and sports activities to reward them. In 2019, it organised a trip to Budapest to visit a music concert, and participation in the Ohrid Sport Games and the International Sports Games.
On the 2019 World Arthritis Day, NLB Banka Skopje organised free visits to specialist doctors from the University Rheumatology Clinic on topics related to rheumatoid and musculoskeletal disorders.
Amateur Humanitarian ski race
The Ski Team from NLB Banka Skopje participated in the 17th consecutive Amateur Humanitarian ski competition which took place at Mavrovo in February 2019. All funds raised under the motto, “Skiing for Warm Clothing and Food,” were donated to the NGO “Svetulka,” a participant and a partner of the Citizens’ Initiative, “Retweeted Meal.”
NLB Saving day
October is savings month. For the eighth consecutive time, NLB Banka Skopje organised NLB’s Saving Day for the children of our employees and their classes in 2019. With this educational event, it officially opened NLB’s Savings Month. On this occasion, it invited children to the NLB Gallery and organised a fun and educational programme on the topic “We are Exploring the Universe with Our Mascots Tibi and Stuki!”
New Year’s event with Santa Claus
There is no New Year’s holiday without Santa and presents. Therefore, NLB Banka Skopje again organised this extremely important event for the children of its employees in 2019. On the small stage at the Philharmonic, the children enjoyed a New Year’s play, took pictures with Santa Claus, and each of them received a Christmas bag, while their parents exchanged New Year’s greetings. In the Philharmonic’s luxurious hall, the festive ambience was filled with warm tea, coffee, and muffins, so the attendance felt comfortable and in the company of their children and enjoyed this special afternoon.
Throughout 2019, NLB Banka Skopje organised and delivered 266 internal and external training courses with a total of 22.545 hours, which is 23.6 average hours of training per employee. They were carried out either online or in a classroom.
Talent management
In 2019, one of the main focuses of NLB Banka Skopje was on the implementation of the talent management strategy. In coordination with HR BL, the identification and calibration processes were improved and implemented through the following activities:
- The nine boxes method completed for all employees in the Bank;
- Talent assessment centre – Assessment of work competencies and behaviours through simulations of tasks and work challenges;
- Hogan Configure – A standardised online assessment to determine the level of desired competencies for NLB talents;
- Standardised English Language Testing (European Language Scale).
Straightening the leadership skills
As a part of the ongoing activities for developing and supporting the organisational culture, NLB Banka Skopje organised the following trainings for the Management Board and other managers: “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “Data Science Training for Top Management in Banking” (tailor-made management briefing), “The Leadership Brain: Understand, Connect, and Achieve More,” as well as few educational programmes for certain managers: “The Zafirovski Executive Development Programme” by the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, USA; General Management Programme by IEDC Bled School of Management, MBA Master studies, etc.
It also continued with the development of the NLB Leadership brand concept at the Group level, and based on the activities undertaken in the previous years, it defined the final list of desired behaviours and competencies that the future leaders of NLB Banka Skopje should possess.
HR cafe
Moreover, in 2019 NLB Banka Skopje initiated a practice of a HR meeting with line managers for supporting their work in the form of an “HR cafe” where HR topics from the current business activities were discussed.
Teambuilding
In 2019, NLB Banka Skopje organised team building activities for 230 employees at several locations in the country.
Team building for the employees organised in cooperation with the partner Kroacia Insurance Life on 18/10/2019
Berovo, March 2019
“NLB Sales Academy”
In 2019, NLB Banka Skopje implemented a few modules from the structured educational program “NLB Sales Academy,” namely: Cashier basics; Regulation & Guidelines; Advanced Communication Skills; Advanced Sales Skills; International Payment Operations; Personal Loans; and Legal Entities Loans.
NLB Work-Life Support
NLB Banka Skopje launched a new practice – NLB Work-Life Support programme, which covers a series of after-work events for supporting the employees and their families on topics related to private life in various areas (mental and physical health, career development, food & diet, sports & recreation, arts). The programme is usually prepared by the employees or external experts with unique skills. In 2019, three workshops were carried out:
- “Career Counselling Workshop for Parents of Teenagers,”
- “Stress Management as a Precondition for Physical, Mental and Emotional Health,”
- “Photography Workshop for Beginners.”
Employer Brand
One of the principal HR activities of NLB Banka Skopje in 2019 was the strengthening the employer brand through public presentations of the work conditions, career opportunities, and employee benefits in several employment mediation events and social media:
Sharing employer brand videos of NLB Banka Skopje, with actual employees as presenters:
Participation in the first Regional (North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia) online career and educational fair in October 2019, which attracted more than 15,000 visitors.
NLB Skladi
In 2019, NLB Skladi implemented social responsibility in the following areas:
The company participated in the Financial School for Teenagers project where one of the asset managers strengthened the financial literacy of young listeners and informed them of the possibility of stock exchange investments.
In cooperation with the organisation Golovec Trails, it organised the work campaign at Golovec where they arranged a new cycling trail. Mountain biking enthusiasts can now enjoy safe downhill rides on this new trail.
When purchasing promotional material, great attention was paid to minimising the pollution of the natural environment. The preferred choice is materials that can be recycled and local providers.
The share fund ‘NLB Skladi – Družbeno odgovorni razviti trgi’ invests in the companies with above-average positive attitude towards the environmental, and social governance aspects.
NLB Vita
As every year, NLB Vita, življenjska zavarovalnica, paid large attention to socially responsible projects in 2019, supporting the events in different ways that are attended by the target client segments. Below, we highlight the projects in the area of culture, a sporting event, and events for children in which we participated.
Programme for children and youth in Cankarjev dom
Cankarjev dom as the central Slovenian cultural institution offers a wide range of cultural and artistic education events. In 2019, the life insurance company NLB Vita continued to support the cultural and educational programme. Children could enjoy the “My First Subscription,” “the Ivan Subscription” was available to the young, while the “Cankar Subscription was offered to the secondary school and university students. Different generations are joined in the Liffe after Liffe Subscription. The subscriptions are for shows and adjusted concerts accompanied by creative workshops. Young people will also meet artists after the events.
Also in 2019, NLB Vita supported children and youth programmes at Cankarjev dom.
Donation of the ultrasound device to the Postojna maternity hospital
NLB Vita understands the lack of funds for new equipment in Slovenian maternity hospitals, and is aware of the importance of the socially responsible activities aimed at providing the most sophisticated equipment to them and ensuring that they remain the most state-of-the-art healthcare institutions in the world. The life insurance company NLB Vita supports life, and in 2019 it therefore, donated a new ultrasound device to the maternity hospital Postojna, to further improve the health of pregnant women and the newborn babies. Since December is the month of gifts and small attentions, the company donated 200 warm shirts to mothers and their babies born in the Postojna maternity hospital during the holiday period.
Thanks to NLB Vita, the Postojna maternity hospital has a new ultrasound device as of 2019
Medical Students Society
In 2019, NLB Vita also supported the activities of the Medical Students Society – the “Think about Your Heart” project in which they carry out preventive campaigns for the protection of the cardiovascular system and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The project comprises the campaign “A Circle of Health,” workshops on cardiovascular diseases for secondary school and gymnasium students, lectures and congresses, and education about cardiovascular diseases.
NLB Vita supports the “Think about your heart” project implemented by the Medical Students Society
Charity run “Hop to the Castle”
By supporting the event, “Hop to the Castle,” the life insurance company NLB Vita takes care of the preservation of health and well-being while at the same time supporting charity. It participated in the charity run “Hop to the Castle” which was organised for the third time in 2019 by the Paediatric Clinic Ljubljana. The collected funds were intended for the purchase of the device for continuous monitoring of cardio and respiratory functions. Both adults and children participated in the charity run.
In 2019, NLB Vita joined the charity run for the children of the Paediatric Clinic Ljubljana.
Ljubljana Marathon
In 2019, NLB Vita supported the Ljubljana Marathon and provided T-shirts for all participants in children’s runs. Primary and secondary school are pupils participating in the event in increasing numbers, as this is an attractive event. By encouraging young people to participate in sports, NLB Vita supports a healthy lifestyle and exercising of young people, thus taking care of a healthy lifestyle among the young.
In 2019, NLB Vita also supported the popular Ljubljana Marathon.
NLB Vita’s Lion Party at the Ljubljana ZOO
In 2019, the life insurance company NLB Vita organised an interesting, fun and exciting day in the Ljubljana ZOO for the eleventh time. This event was characterised by lions – sea and land, from Africa, since they helped renovate the pool for the sea lions. The animation for the children was provided by Sten Vilar with the dancers, the participants could attend a puppet show about friendship called, “Berto the Pirate,” and one about the respect for nature, called, “This Beautiful Earth,” they could have fun with various water experiments from the House of Experiments, learn about the skills of the sea lions, learn that water is a true weight lifter, and find out everything about deep sea divers. They could make fictional sea lions, have their faces painted, paint on T-shirts, compete in the NLB Vita sprint and find out how fast they are in comparison to the animals. On the day of the event, the children could use all of the trampolines and elastic jumps free of charge, they could play in the inflatable castle and ride a train, and there were free ice cream and delicious crepes prepared for them. By supporting and cooperating with the Ljubljana ZOO, NLB Vita helps raise the awareness of the public about the extraordinary abilities of animals and preservation of the environment, with which we contribute to the preservation of nature and animals in their natural environment.
The eleventh NLB Vita Ljubljana ZOO day was characterised by lions.