From July 6 to 7, 2026, the IUS Lifelong Learning Center – IUS Life and the Governorship of Istanbul (GOI) participated in the 14th Annual UN MSMEs Day Conference 2026, held at Hotel Austria & Bosnia in Ilidža. The conference was organized in a hybrid format and brought together participants, experts and stakeholders from different countries and sectors.
During the conference, IUS Life presented the latest progress and achievements of the CYBERFORT project, highlighting the importance of strengthening cybersecurity skills, building digital resilience and supporting VET providers, SMEs and public institutions in addressing future digital challenges.
IUS representative Mirsada Mehremić had the honor of moderating Panel II, titled “Building Cyber Resilience: How VET, SMEs and Public Institutions Can Prepare for Future Digital Challenges.” The panel brought together distinguished experts and professionals, including Ana Zacharian, Co-Founder and CEO of Albanian Skills, National Association for Skills Competitions from Tirana, Albania; Fernala Sejmen Banjac, Executive Director of DISTI d.o.o. and President of Women4Cyber Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ahmet Bahadır Sıriş, European Projects Expert at the Governorship of Istanbul; and Kane Sajdak from Sajdak Group Holding, Queensland, Australia.
Through a dynamic and interactive discussion, the panelists addressed key topics such as national cybersecurity strategies, strengthening the resilience of VET systems and SMEs, raising cybersecurity awareness, increasing women’s participation in the cybersecurity sector, encouraging young people to pursue careers in cybersecurity and responding to the complex challenges of the digital era.
The conference gathered participants from Australia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Spain, Nigeria, Türkiye and Morocco, representing academia, the energy sector, banking, green transition, information technologies and entrepreneurship. Their valuable contributions enriched the discussions and contributed to the overall success of the event.
IUS Life is especially proud to highlight that Amila Bašić, the best-performing student of the IUS Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA) / Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) programs for the Class of 2026, served as the conference moderator.
IUS Life extends its sincere gratitude to its long-standing partner, the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the invitation and opportunity to jointly contribute to the organization of this important event. Appreciation is also extended to UNISMO, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts for their valuable support in making the conference a success.
