CIGRE Medal 2024: Mladen Kezunovic
Mladen Kezunovic was awarded the CIGRE Medal this year, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of CIGRE. We publish his speech here, as well as his interview on CIGRE TV at the bottom of the article.
From left to right: Marcio Szechtman, Konstantin Papailiou, Mladen Kezunovic, Michel Augonnet, Rannveig Løken, Philippe Adam
I wish to thank all the CIGRE members for providing me with the professional experience, collaborative spirit, and friendship that led to the highest award I received at the CIGRE General Session in Paris in 2024. Special thanks go to the CIGRE US National Committee for nominating me and several CIGRE distinguished professionals worldwide who supported my nomination.
Receiving such extraordinary recognition makes me feel humbled, proud, and, above all, invigorated.
Since 1980, when I joined CIGRE membership, I have attended numerous Colloquia and Symposia around the world organized by CIGRE and attended all the CIGRE General Sessions. During such unforgettable personal and professional experiences, I met thousands of CIGRE members who were tireless in making contributions, and I feel I am receiving this recognition on their behalf as well since they guided me, motivated me, and helped me achieve many CIGRE recognitions culminating in the CIGRE Medal.
I feel proud of the CIGRE achievements over the years since I had the privilege of being a small part of a huge CIGRE base of world thought leaders, as well as local contributors to the grid advancement in their countries, some highly developed and many with very limited energy and grid resources. The feeling of belonging to a family of CIGRE members from over 90 countries bringing CIGRE to the 100th anniversary celebration in 2021 and continuing working together to improve the world has been priceless.
The recent CIGRE membership developments, with a major influx of young professionals through the Next Generation Network and diverse groups such as Women in Energy, make me believe that CIGRE has a bright and prosperous future. In my own excitement, I actively supported the collaboration between CIGRE and IEEE Power and Energy Society. With a combined membership of over 60,000, this unprecedented network of professionals is ready to team up to face the massive electrification for reduced carbon footprint, a challenging goal for many generations to come.
Finally, I wish to thank the CIGRE presidents, technical council chairs, and leadership of the study committees for making us all productive and focused over the years and providing us with dedicated support staff members who are always ready to help.
CIGRE TV 2024 - Interview with Mladen Kezunovic
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