MK Group has been awarded the prestigious IPMA Gold Award for global excellence in project management for the realization of the complex and most significant socially responsible endeavor, the opening of the Palace of Science, the Miodrag Kostić Endowment in Belgrade. First place and the gold award were presented to Aleksandra Stojanović, the project director, in the category of socially significant projects at the IPMA Global Awards Gala held on September 19 in Berlin. The IPMA Association (International Project Management Association) is the oldest professional global organization promoting professional project management according to international standards and is one of the most respected in this field, established in 1965, and it has awarded recognition to a project from Serbia for the first time.
The Miodrag Kostić Endowment – Palace of Science, a unique center for the promotion of science, research, and innovation, has been recognized globally as an example of excellent project management and has undergone rigorous evaluation by international experts in project management, being declared the best project in the world by an international jury. The management of the project, led by Director Stojanović, included the reconstruction of a historical building, the development of educational and innovative content, the establishment of an organizational structure and a model for sustainable functioning, as well as a high level of social responsibility and community impact. Thanks to careful strategy and top-notch expertise, the Palace of Science has positioned itself as an international example of successful management of complex projects with long-term social benefits.
“This award represents a great recognition for the entire team that participated in the realization of the Miodrag Kostić Endowment – Palace of Science, but also a confirmation that thoughtful management, a clear vision, and consistent implementation are the keys to the success of any complex project. I owe special thanks to the IPMA committee for recognizing the breadth and significance of this project,” stated Aleksandra Stojanović, project director of the Science Palace and director of corporate affairs at MK Group.
“It is a special honor for us that Serbia has won such a prestigious award for the first time. MK Group has proven through its expertise, dedication, and professionalism that our country is also worthy of global gold awards,” said Marija Todorović, executive director of IPMA Serbia.
IPMA is the oldest global organization in the field of project management, headquartered in Switzerland, and is present in over 70 countries worldwide. Through the Global Awards program, IPMA annually recognizes organizations that stand out according to the highest standards in planning, execution, and sustainability of projects with long-term social impact. The category of social regional development, in which MK Group won the gold award, brings together projects that change communities and build foundations for social progress. The significance of this award is further emphasized by the fact that among the previous winners in this category were institutions shaping the future of their communities, such as the Royal Commission of Saudi Arabia for the AlUla province project in that country, rich in cultural and archaeological heritage, the City of Cape Town in South Africa for the reconstruction and enhancement of the main public transport terminal in Cape Town, and others.