Horizons Forum in Belgrade: Future Growth Possible Only Through Connecting Markets, Investments, and Knowledge

In a time of accelerating geopolitical changes, technological transformation, and energy transition, future growth and development can only be built through connecting people, markets, investments, and knowledge, it was stated at the first international Horizons Forum in Belgrade, which brought together leading global figures from the fields of economics, artificial intelligence, energy, sustainable development, and business.

The first international Horizons Forum, jointly organized by the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), opened at the Sava Center as a new global platform bringing together decision-makers, investors, technology leaders, and economists from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The event further affirmed the role of Belgrade and Serbia as a venue for dialogue on the future of the global economy, emerging technologies, and sustainable development.

Marko Čadež, President of the CCIS, emphasized that the forum serves as a platform connecting the people who shape the global economy and make decisions about future investments at a time when sustainability and connectivity are taking on new meanings. He noted that Serbia's ambition is not merely to remain a user of technology but to become a new artificial intelligence hub in this part of the world while preserving its national sovereignty. He reminded attendees that the ICT sector, with exports reaching five billion dollars, is the fastest-growing sector in the country and employs more than 100,000 people.

“The future will not belong to those who possess the most capital and technology, but to those who can combine all these elements with human judgment,” Čadež stated.

Vuk Jeremić, President of CIRSD, pointed out that Serbia holds a unique place in discussions on sustainability and connectivity due to its historical, geographical, and political position.

“Few places are as suitable as Serbia for discussing sustainability and connectivity. For centuries, this country has stood at the crossroads of empires, cultures, markets, and ideas, and today it occupies a unique position. Serbia is a European country, integrated into the political and economic space of the Old Continent, while at the same time maintaining excellent relations with China and other major global actors. This gives us a special opportunity, but also a special responsibility—not only to be a geographical bridge, but also a bridge of understanding. At a time of profound geopolitical, technological, and economic transformations, such bridges are becoming more valuable than ever,” Jeremić said.

During the opening ceremony, the Sustainability & Connectivity Awards, established within the framework of the forum, were presented. This year’s recipients are Jeffrey Sachs, the world-renowned economist and sustainable development expert; Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and one of the leading global figures in the electric vehicle industry; and Zhang Chuanwei, Chairman of Ming Yang Smart Energy, one of the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturers.

The awards recognize contributions to advancing sustainable development through cross-border cooperation. Following the opening remarks, Jeffrey Sachs and Zhang Chuanwei received their awards from Vuk Jeremić and Marko Čadež, while Stella Li will receive her award on the second day of the forum.

One of the award recipients, Jeffrey Sachs, emphasized that Serbia, thanks to its history and geographic position, has a special role in connecting different parts of the world.

“Serbia is finding the right path in a complicated world, which is by no means easy when you are situated between different sides. Perhaps precisely because of its long and complex history, its experience in overcoming challenges, and its role in connecting empires and cultures, Serbia understands that its true mission is connectivity—just as the Horizons Forum seeks to achieve,” Sachs said.

Among the forum participants are some of the world’s most influential figures in artificial intelligence, the global economy, and energy, as well as leaders from the electric vehicle and renewable energy industries.

The Horizons Forum has been established as a new international platform connecting economic, technological, and diplomatic communities while creating space for a shared vision of the future of the global economy, innovation, and sustainable development.

The forum continues on June 19 with a program featuring multiple panel discussions dedicated to ESG investments, changes in the international order, Eurasian connectivity, the development of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the transformation of the financial system, and the challenges of the energy transition.