This October, the Science and Technology Park Montenegro became a hub of ideas, innovation, and collaboration as it hosted the conference “Sustainable city as a service, with focus on transport and mobility – inspired by experiences from Finland.”

A Nordic vision for the Western Balkans

The conference was organized under the regional initiative “Nordic Green and Smart Cities – Building Partnerships in the Western Balkans,” supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers and implemented by the Nordic Embassies and the Nordic Business Alliance.

This initiative aims to foster collaboration between Nordic and Western Balkan countries by sharing Nordic expertise in sustainable urban planning, mobility solutions, and green innovation. The Podgorica event marked an important step toward translating this knowledge into practical, local solutions that can make cities across the region cleaner, more efficient, and more livable.

Sustainable mobility at the heart of smart cities

Focusing on transport and mobility, the discussions explored how smart technologies, data-driven planning, and innovative infrastructure can transform urban mobility systems. From electric transport solutions and integrated mobility services to urban design that prioritizes people over cars, participants shared insights on how to make cities not only sustainable but also inclusive and enjoyable places to live.

The Finnish experience served as a central inspiration, showcasing how data, design, and environmental awareness can shape entire urban ecosystems. Examples of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) models from Finland sparked particular interest, as they demonstrated how digital tools can simplify daily life and reduce carbon footprints simultaneously.

Beyond presentations and panels, the conference created a platform for networking and collaboration. Policymakers, business representatives, and researchers explored ways to connect regional strategies with Nordic best practices, paving the way for new partnerships, pilot projects, and long-term cooperation on sustainable urban development.

Youth engagement and future cooperation

In the spirit of collaboration, the conference also served as an opportunity to strengthen links between the Nordic Embassies and young leaders from Montenegro and the wider Western Balkans region. During the event, a meeting was held between representatives of the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade and Vasilisa Batrićević from the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) Network. Discussions focused on future cooperation, including the upcoming “Pop-up Embassy of Sweden” initiative, which aims to engage young people and raise awareness of Sweden–Montenegro relations through creative, youth-led activities.

The conference in Podgorica was not just about exchanging ideas, it was about creating partnerships, inspiring change, and building a shared vision for greener, smarter cities across the region.