The KreNI11 Conference of Creative Industries kicked off on 27th of November 2025 at Hotel Ambasador in Niš, bringing together young innovators, international experts, and cultural leaders for a full day of creativity, inspiration, and collaboration, 11th year in a row. The conference was officially opened with a warm welcome from Snežana Andri?, Director of Young Ambassadors, and H.E. Pernille Dahler Kardel, Ambassador of Denmark in Serbia.
During the opening panel, “Youth, Culture, and Community: Shaping the Future through Creativity and Innovation,” panelists H.E. Pernille Dahler Kardel, Ambassador of Denmark to Serbia; Lioba Bammer, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum Belgrade; Alessandra Henke, Deputy Director of the Italian Institute of Culture Belgrade; and Laura Ferrero, Director of the French Institute Niš, discussed how European countries support creative, green, and cultural initiatives in Serbia. They shared practical examples and best practices that promote youth engagement, cultural cooperation, and community-driven development. After the panel, participants attended a series of inspiring keynotes.
Shaama Sandooyea, scientist, climate activist, and national badminton player from Mauritius, presented “From the Ocean to Niš: Diving for Change.” She shared her journey from conducting marine research and environmental projects in France to leading the world’s first-ever underwater climate protest in the Indian Ocean! Shaama highlighted how applying sustainability principles, from ocean science to everyday life, can empower people and inspire real change.
The next keynote, “Creativity, Technology and Participation: Building Communities through Art and Innovation,” delivered online by Eva Fischer, curator and cultural manager from Austria, highlighted how artistic projects and interdisciplinary collaboration can bring communities together, foster inclusion, and ignite innovation.
Participants also received a hands-on introduction to the City&Me app, presented by Branko Krsmanovi?, the founder. The app encourages citizens to take sustainable actions, earn city tokens for eco-friendly activities such as walking, cycling, and recycling, and actively contribute to shaping their local communities. Through City&Me, young people can turn ideas into action, directly supporting smarter, greener, and more inclusive cities.
Finally, Gittemarie Johansen, public speaker, author, and zero-waste expert from Denmark, presented another online keynote named “Zero Waste Mindset: How Small Actions Create Big Change.” She offered practical tips for sustainable living, showing that small everyday choices like recycling, repairing, and reusing can have a lasting impact on the environment.
Day one of KreNI 11 was packed with energy, knowledge, and practical inspiration. Participants left motivated, equipped with new ideas, and ready to take creativity and sustainability into their own projects, setting the stage for an exciting second day!