KreNI conference is the first and most influential creativity festival in southeastern Serbia gathering innovative creative professionals and experts from all over the world. KreNI conference is about creativity of young people and their engagement in society. It is empowering young people and including them in mapping and solving some problems in their surroundings.
Potential of creative industries in Nis is going to be presented in order to raise awareness about the role that this part of Serbia can have in the global development of creative industries using the experience of foreign experts. Are you creative and innovative person who want to make our city a better place for living? Welcome to the KreNI board!
MAIN PROGRAM - AGENDA
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09.30 - 10.00
Gathering and registration
10.00 - 10.10
Official opening
10.10 - 11.00
Panel discussion: Youth, Culture, and Community - Shaping the Future through Creativity and Innovation
This opening panel brings together embassy representatives and cultural attachés to discuss how European countries support creative, green, and cultural initiatives in Serbia. Panellists will present good practices and share examples of projects that foster youth engagement, cultural cooperation, and community development. The discussion will also highlight the key priorities of different countries in promoting creativity, sustainability, and innovation as drivers of inclusive local growth.
11.00 - 11.30
Keynote - Eva Fischer , Curator and Cultural Manager, Austria
Title: Creativity, Technology and Participation: Building Communities through Art and Innovation
Description: Exploring how creativity, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration can drive community development. Drawing on experience in media art, curation, and digital culture, Eva will share insights into how artistic initiatives and creative industries can foster inclusion, sustainability, and innovation.
11.30 - 12.00
Keynote - Aldo Lele , Sustainable Manager at South East Europe Ikea, Sweden
Title: Sustainable thinking and design-driven innovation
Description: Presenting IKEA’s innovative approach to sustainability, circular design, and community engagement — showing how its initiatives go beyond retail to support creative industries and local communities in Serbia. Aldo will present how sustainable living at home helps everyone thrive and how applying sustainability at every step creates lasting impact.
12.00 - 12.15
Coffee break
12.15 - 12.45
Keynote - Shaama Sandooyea , Scientist, climate activist, and national badminton player, Mauritius
Title: From the Ocean to Niš: Diving for Change
Description: Sharing the journey from conducting marine research and environmental projects in France to leading underwater climate protests and engaging with local communities in Serbia. Her talk highlights how applying sustainability principles, from ocean science to everyday life, can empower people and inspire real change.
12.45 - 13.15
Keynote - Gittemarie Johansen , Public speaker, author and zero waste expert, Denmark
Title: Zero Waste Mindset: How Small Actions Create Big Change
Description: A look into how low-impact living, creativity, and practical everyday choices can inspire meaningful environmental action. Drawing from a decade of experience in zero-waste living, authorship, and content creation, Gittemarie will share accessible tools for sustainable habits — from cooking and thrifting to repairing, reusing, and rethinking materials. Her keynote will motivate young creatives to see sustainability not as perfection, but as a mindset that empowers individuals and communities to create lasting change.
13.15 - 14.00
Lunch
