Nordic countries are recognized as leaders in the implementation of innovations and sustainable solutions throughout the Western Balkans. The Republic of Serbia is currently in the process of a green transition, the main goal of which is the integration of smart, digital solutions into the public and private sectors. A new project focused on the development of smart cities, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, has been launched in Serbia by the embassies of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The project involves a series of conferences where the Nordic embassies will share their experiences and best practices in the field of smart cities. The first of four conferences, held today in Mind Park in Kragujevac, was attended by Mayor Nikola Dašić, Deputy Mayor Dejan Ružić, and Stefan Nikezić, the Member of the City Council for the Improvement and Protection of the Environment.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Serbia, Ms. Pernille Dahler Kardel, emphasized that Denmark has been actively working on developing solutions in the field of energy efficiency for about twenty years and that these solutions are already applicable in Serbia. Our ambitious goals to reduce energy consumption by 70% by 2030 can serve as guidelines for Serbia in achieving similar results. This conference is a call for cooperation in building greener, more sustainable, and smarter cities, Ambassador Kardel emphasized.
Mayor Nikola Dašić emphasized that the City is implementing innovative projects which are an example of good practice in the field of a greener future. Our City is actively involved in the green transition and circular economy. We are developing new technologies that will help preserve the environment, such as smart water meters and self-reading parking spaces. We have also implemented energy efficiency programs in most schools in Kragujevac, which have enabled a significant reduction in energy consumption, said Mr. Dašić.
Cooperation with Nordic countries is important for Serbia's progress towards a smarter future, said Prof. Dr. Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for IT and the e-Government of the Republic of Serbia. The City of Kragujevac is a symbol of innovation and advanced technological infrastructure, which makes it an ideal place for the development into a smart city. This cooperation will help Serbia develop new technological capacities and implement innovations that will shape the future, added Mr. Jovanović.
Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Mining and Energy, pointed out that Denmark is an example of how, with good planning and cooperation, we can develop cities which reduce energy consumption and improve the quality of life of citizens. Exchanging experiences and solving specific challenges at these conferences will enable us to improve energy efficiency and create sustainable and technologically advanced cities, said Ms. Joksimović.
This conference and the entire project represent a significant step towards improving infrastructure and energy efficiency in Serbia, with the support of Nordic partners, who are already known for their successful approach in solving global environmental and energy challenges. Serbia now has the opportunity to follow this example and develop smart cities that will be sustainable and technologically advanced, which will significantly improve the quality of life of all its citizens.
