Over the years, recognizing the need for a dedicated space to engage diverse communities in urban development discussions, we initiated a series of public discussion programs. These initiatives have expanded the opportunity for a broader, more inclusive audience to actively participate in the democratization of city planning and development. Since 2023, we have successfully organized four public discussion series covering key topics such as “The Economy of the City,” “Energy Poverty and the Green Transition,” and “Green Infrastructure in Cities.” During this period, our space has hosted over 30 events, drawing more than 700 participants and fostering critical dialogue and collaboration on pressing urban issues.
These programs brought together a wide range of stakeholders, with participation tailored to the topic under discussion. Attendees included representatives from civil society organizations, activists, academics, scientists, public institution officials, and citizens from the communities we work with. While many participants were from Belgrade and other Serbian cities, the discussions also attracted individuals from other countries. Although the topics varied, many discussions shared overlapping themes, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and drawing participants from diverse fields to collaborate on shared urban challenges.
Building on the success of these programs, the outcomes will serve as a foundation for expanding the scope and impact of future initiatives. By fostering a diverse and engaged community focused on urban development, we have laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration between civil society, academia, public institutions, and citizens. Moving forward, our space will continue to serve as a platform for inclusive dialogue, integrating more interdisciplinary approaches to address the growing complexity of urban development challenges.
The knowledge, networks, and ideas generated from these discussions will be instrumental in advocating for policy reforms, strengthening civic engagement, and launching collaborative projects aimed at democratizing urban planning and development. The established relationships with stakeholders from various sectors and countries will also facilitate continued international cooperation and knowledge exchange, ensuring that future discussions remain dynamic and responsive to emerging urban challenges.
The public discussion programs have successfully attracted a diverse and engaged audience, reaching beyond the typical participants of similar initiatives. As Marko Aksentijević from the Ministry of Space noted, “What is particularly encouraging is that the audience for these events is quite diverse and does not fall into the category of usual attendees of our or similar programs.” This inclusivity has been central to fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration across sectors.
Božena Stojić, also from the Ministry of Space, highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the discussions: “What stood out most to me was the eagerness of participants to engage and collaborate across sectors. The discussions often revealed overlapping challenges and opportunities, proving that urban development is truly an interdisciplinary effort that requires input from all corners of society.” These outcomes demonstrate the program’s success in uniting a wide array of voices in the effort to democratize urban development, paving the way for ongoing cooperation and lasting impact.
