Nikola Pontara, director of the World Bank Office in Serbia, stated at the “Serbia goes green 2025” conference that Serbia can achieve a 40.3% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 if it integrates this goal into its National Climate Energy Plan. This would require increased use of solar and wind energy, building better natural gas infrastructure to phase out coal, with a full coal exit planned by 2040 alongside significant expansion of renewable energy sources.
Pontara emphasized that sectors like construction and transport will need major changes, including carbon capture technologies and carbon taxes. He noted that Serbia will need to invest around 2.3% of GDP annually from 2030 to 2050 to avoid harmful climate impacts. The World Bank’s recent “Climate and Development Report” estimates the costs of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, suggesting a yearly average risk mitigation investment of 1.26% of GDP, which is demanding but necessary.
Norwegian Ambassador Kristin Melsom highlighted Norway’s commitment to cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 and becoming a low-emission society by 2050 through investments in renewables, clean transport, and circular economy solutions. She also stressed Norway’s efforts to combat plastic pollution, noting a coalition of 70 countries working to reduce plastic waste globally and inviting Serbia to join efforts to change plastic production and usage.
UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, Mathilde Mordt, praised Serbia’s alignment with EU environmental standards and its inclusive approach to the green transition, supporting companies through green funding and circular economy projects. The UNDP and Ministry of Environmental Protection have supported 21 projects focusing on biowaste conversion, biodegradable products, and air pollution control.
PKS representative Vukašin Vojinović discussed efforts to promote circular economy education and build a comprehensive industrial waste database to attract investments in recycling and energy sectors.
Nenad Ivanišević, Provincial Secretary for Economy of Vojvodina, noted that all state funding for tourism and economic projects now requires compliance with environmental regulations, including a pioneering 30,000-euro grant program to support electric vehicle charger installations in hospitality businesses.
The conference emphasized business, innovation, and standards as key drivers for Serbia’s sustainable future, covering green strategies, circular economy, renewable energy sources (RES), and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices.
