Jun 4, 2025

Alkaloid at AmCham’s Third Regional ESG Conference: Resilience in a Changing World

As a pioneer in applying environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles, Alkaloid took an active role in the Third Regional ESG Conference, organized by the Macedonian branch of the American Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with AmCham Serbia, AmCham Albania, and AmCham Kosovo. The event brought together representatives from the business sector, public institutions, and civil society, providing a platform for strategic dialogue, regional cooperation, and aligning ESG priorities in response to shared challenges and regional goals.

“For companies in our country and the region, applying ESG principles is no longer optional — it is a strategic move toward sustainable growth and greater global competitiveness,” said Zhivko Mukaetov, CEO and President of the Management Board of Alkaloid, in his opening remarks. As a member of the Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Mukaetov noted that while corporate social responsibility (CSR) is often seen as “the right thing to do,” ESG is increasingly viewed as “the smart approach” — particularly amid global challenges and the drive for long-term business resilience and sustainability.

Since the Macedonian Stock Exchange published its first ESG reporting guide in 2022, developed with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), progress in ESG compliance has become increasingly visible among companies in the country and the region. However, as conference speakers noted, implementation remains inconsistent and incomplete. Participants called for a clearer regulatory framework, stronger incentives, and technical and institutional support to build capacity and ensure broader, more systematic, and more effective adoption of ESG strategies across all economic sectors. Recognizing the EU as the region’s largest trading partner, speakers emphasized the need to align national regulations with EU sustainability standards.

During the second panel session, titled “ESG within the EU Regulation: Key Implications for Companies from the Western Balkans,” Dimitar Ristovski, coordinator of Alkaloid’s ESG Board, stated:


"For Alkaloid, ESG standards are not merely a formal obligation — they are integral to our daily operations and serve as a strategic driver for managing risk, fostering innovation, ensuring long-term competitiveness, building investor confidence, and securing access to sustainable financing. Today, true leadership is measured not only by financial results but also by a company's impact on people and the environment."


Alkaloid has published three ESG reports to date. Last year, the company received the “Good ESG Practices for 2024” recognition from the Macedonian Stock Exchange and the American Chamber of Commerce for its most recent consolidated report, prepared at the Group level.