Dealing with global climate change and the imperative of sustainable development represent some of the most important challenges of the modern era. The pressure on natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and the increasingly evident consequences of climate change require urgent and comprehensive action at all levels of society. In this context, the green transition is not just a matter of environmental protection, but also a key element of future economic stability, social justice, and overall quality of life. Throughout the world, including Croatia and the wider region, effective models and solutions are being sought to enable the transition towards more sustainable practices in the economy, energy, transport, and daily life. This transformation involves not only technological innovations but also changes in mindset, business models, and strengthening cooperation between the public, private, and civil sectors.

The need for a platform that brings together key stakeholders, encourages dialogue, and offers concrete answers to these challenges has been recognized through the organization of significant events dedicated precisely to these topics. One such central meeting place for exchanging knowledge and encouraging action has become the Greencajt festival, which has established itself as the leading regional event in the field of sustainability and ESG principles (Environmental, Social, Governance).

Greencajt: The Epicenter of Regional Sustainability

The Greencajt festival is preparing its fifth edition, confirming its status as an indispensable platform for all those involved or wishing to actively participate in shaping a sustainable future. Scheduled to take place from May 21st to 23rd, 2025, the festival will once again bring the premises of the Zagreb Fair to life, specifically its pavilion 13, transforming it into a vibrant hub for discussions, innovations, and networking. During its first four editions, Greencajt hosted an impressive number of participants – more than 350 speakers from fifteen countries shared their knowledge and experiences with over 10,000 visitors. These figures not only testify to the growing interest in sustainability topics but also confirm Greencajt's role as the largest ESG project in the region.

The festival brings together a wide range of participants: from leading domestic and international experts in the fields of ecology, energy, economics, and social sciences, through representatives of key industries and companies implementing sustainable practices, to decision-makers from the public sector, academia, non-governmental organizations, and enthusiastic individuals. It is precisely this diversity that ensures a wealth of perspectives and encourages an interdisciplinary approach to solving the complex challenges of the green transition.

Focus of the Fifth Edition: Answers to Key Questions

The fifth edition of the Greencajt festival comes at a time when the world is facing overlapping crises – climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic challenges that further emphasize the need for resilient and sustainable solutions. Therefore, the focus will be on concrete answers and tools that can help companies, institutions, and individuals navigate the complexities of the green transition. Special attention will be paid to the implementation of new European regulations related to sustainability and the adaptation of business models to comply with ESG criteria, which are becoming increasingly important for investors, consumers, and employees.

Through a carefully designed conference program, which includes panels, lectures, workshops, and case studies, the festival will seek to provide answers to questions such as: What have we achieved so far on the path to sustainability? What are the next steps and how can they be effectively implemented? How to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social responsibility? Participation from renowned international and domestic speakers is expected, who will share the latest insights, innovative approaches, and examples of good practice from various sectors. The emphasis on the complexity of solutions, avoiding simplistic black-and-white views, is crucial for understanding that sustainability requires adaptation, innovation, and often compromises.

Thematic Areas in the Spotlight

The Greencajt program traditionally covers a wide range of topics crucial for sustainable development. It is expected that in 2025, the focus will be on:

• Climate action and energy transition: Discussions on strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the share of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency in buildings and industry, and the challenges of phasing out fossil fuels.


• Circular economy and resource management: Presentation of models promoting waste reduction, material reuse, recycling, and sustainable management of natural resources like water and soil.


• ESG principles in business: In-depth insight into the importance of environmental, social, and governance criteria for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of companies, including sustainability reporting and attracting investments.


• Sustainable mobility and urbanization: Solutions for reducing traffic congestion and pollution in cities, promoting public transport, cycling, walking, and the development of smart cities.


• Protection of biodiversity and ecosystems: Emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural world as the foundation of human well-being and economic stability.


• Green innovations and technologies: Presentation of the latest technological solutions that can contribute to the green transition, from smart grids to sustainable materials.


• Social aspects of sustainability: Just transition, green jobs, education for sustainable development, and community involvement in decision-making processes.

These topics will be addressed through the prism of specific challenges and opportunities for Croatia and the region, taking into account national strategies and alignment with the goals of the European Green Deal.

Green Prix: Recognizing Green Leaders and Initiatives

An integral and extremely important part of the Greencajt festival is the awarding of the national environmental award – the Green Prix. This award, presented in seven carefully defined categories, has become the most prestigious recognition in Croatia for achievements in the field of sustainability and environmental protection. The categories include:

• Greenlider: Recognition for an individual who leads green initiatives through their actions and example, inspiring others towards positive change. The winner in this category is decided by public vote.


• Green Innovation: Award for the most innovative solutions, technologies, or processes contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development.


• The Future Belongs to the Youth: Highlighting projects and initiatives of educational institutions or youth organizations aimed at educating and actively involving children and young people in green topics.


• Think Globally, Act Locally: Recognition for local communities, cities, or municipalities for successful projects that have a positive environmental impact at the local level.


• Community Impact: Award for projects demonstrating a strong positive social and environmental impact on the wider community.


• Green Start-up: Encouraging and recognizing young companies whose business models are based on sustainable principles and green solutions.


• Green Campaign: Recognition for the most successful communication campaigns that raise public awareness about the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.

The Green Prix awards ceremony not only celebrates successes but also encourages further action, showcasing examples of good practice and motivating other organizations and individuals to embark on the path of sustainability.

A Place for Meeting, Collaboration, and Inspiration

Besides the rich educational program, the Greencajt festival stands out as an excellent platform for networking and creating new partnerships. By bringing together representatives from different sectors and industries in one place, the festival provides a unique opportunity for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and finding synergies. Informal gatherings, coffee breaks, and evening programs are often just as important as the official panels, as it is in such a more relaxed environment that new ideas emerge and future collaborations are born. The possibility of direct contact with leading experts, potential business partners, or investors makes Greencajt a key event for anyone wishing to actively participate in the green transformation of the region. Through a combination of education, dialogue, pleasant socializing, and entertainment, the festival creates a stimulating environment from which new steps towards a more sustainable future emerge.

Zagreb as Host and Accommodation Options

Holding the Greencajt festival in Zagreb further strengthens the position of the Croatian capital as a city striving for sustainable development and supporting green initiatives. The Zagreb Fair itself, as the venue, is easily accessible and offers the necessary infrastructure for an event of this caliber. For the numerous domestic and international visitors coming to the festival, Zagreb offers a wide range of accommodation options.

In the immediate vicinity of the Fair, as well as in other parts of the city with good transport links (public transport, taxi), there are numerous hotels of various categories – from luxury establishments with full service to more affordable but comfortable hotels. Some hotels near the Fair include Mövenpick Zagreb, Hotel International, Hotel Fala, and a bit further, but well-connected, are Hotel Aristos, Hotel Academia, Grand Hotel Zagreb, and others. Besides hotels, hostels are also available (such as Hostel Arena or Palmers Lodge Zagreb) offering more budget-friendly accommodation, particularly popular among younger visitors, and an increasing number of private apartments available for rent via online platforms. When choosing accommodation, visitors are advised to check the proximity to public transport to easily reach the Fair and explore other attractions Zagreb has to offer. Some accommodation facilities also offer special discounts for visitors and exhibitors of the Zagreb Fair, so it is useful to check these possibilities when booking.