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Serbia
Sustainable City Festival 2024 Premiere

Sustainable Future Takes Center Stage in Niš
3.4 Minutes
User
  Toni R. Crisolli
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An innovative and fascinating glimpse at the future of sustainable development in Serbia and beyond was provided by the Sustainable City Festival 2024 (SCF24), which was held on October 24 at the Science and Technology Park in Niš. Together with important partners, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom hosted the event, which brought together experts, entrepreneurs, and activists to talk about how to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly future.

After a first round of dispelling common misconceptions about ecologic sustainability, various topics were discussed, from rural tourism and organic farming to the important role of socially responsible businesses. The panelists emphasized that sustainability is not a luxury for industrialized countries, but a fundamental necessity, especially in the Western Balkans, where economic and environmental challenges are closely linked to the prerequisites for EU integration.

A second important topic of SCF24 was innovation. Experts explored how advancements – from green infrastructure to smart urban planning – can drive sustainable growth, but also pointed out that innovation must be cultural as well as technical. As one speaker put it: “Real innovation opens up new opportunities while strengthening communities.”

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The final panel focused on citizen engagement, highlighting successful examples of citizen initiatives that have led to policy changes and environmental improvements. Media representatives emphasized the importance of effective storytelling to engage the public and encourage civic engagement.

The mood of over 140 guests was “cautiously optimistic”. Although obstacles such as political inertia and limited infrastructural means remain, the festival underlined that significant change is possible when engaged citizens, communities and business work together and implement practical efforts for the benefit of all.

The Sustainable City Festival 2024 provided more than just insights; it also produced a sense of momentum. The job now is to channel this energy into tangible and ongoing action. As one of the organizers summarized: "Sustainability is not just a goal, but an urgent journey that Serbia must embark on"