Ivana Vojinović is recognized as one of the leading regional experts in the fields of environment, climate change, green transition and EU integration. During three consecutive terms of the Government of Montenegro, over a period of ten years (2011–2021), she served as a Deputy Minister/General Director for Environment and Climate Change. From the outset of Montenegro’s EU negotiation process, Mrs. Vojinović was appointed by the Government to lead the country’s negotiations with the European Union in Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change. Under her leadership, in 2018 Chapter 27 was opened for negotiations. During her tenure in the Government, she also served as a Head of the Operating Structure for IPA projects, Coordinator for World Bank–financed projects, GEF Operational Focal Point and national focal point for EU and UN funded initiatives. Since 2022, Mrs. Vojinović has served as a Director of the Centre for Climate Change, Natural Resources and Energy at the University of Donja Gorica. She has further contributed her expertise as a consultant to the World Bank, UNOPS, UNDP, ILO and other international organisations.
Ivana Vojinović holds a PhD in Environmental Economics and EU Integration and has 19 years of academic teaching experience. She lectures at the University of Donja Gorica (at the Faculty of Polytechnics and the Faculty of Culture and Tourism). She was also appointed by the Parliament of Montenegro as a member of the Commission for the Prevention of Conflict of Interest, serving a five-year mandate (2009-2014).
In a recognition of her exceptional contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Italy, particularly in the field of environmental cooperation, in 2013 the President of the Republic of Italy awarded her the title of “Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia”, the highest honour conferred upon foreign nationals. In 2019, she received the award for the Best Manager in Public Administration of Montenegro. In 2023, the Central Bank of Montenegro awarded her with the Green Award, the first national recognition of its kind, for the best academic paper on the impact of climate change on the financial system.