Planet Budapest (2021)

The Planet Budapest 2021 World Sustainability Summit, the most prestigious international diplomatic summit on sustainability in the Central European region, took place from 30 November to 3 December 2021. The World Summit’s professional programme brought together leading policymakers, academics, international organisations and funding institutions from more than 100 countries for 10 panel discussions and expert meetings to review the current stance in key areas of sustainability and the challenges facing our planet. In addition, technologies, solutions and innovations available in Central Europe were showcased.

CESCI was represented at the programme on 1 December, which focused on energy supply and sustainable smart cities. One of the key messages of the programme was that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for sustainable energy supply systems, and that it is crucial to take regional and local conditions into account. In the context of smart cities, it was stressed that smart design and development does not only mean the maximum use of high-tech solutions, but above all it involves realistic, practical innovations that are responsive to societal challenges. Among others, these are the lessons that we should pay close attention to throughout the upcoming cross-border planning practices.

At the Expo trade fair, 183 exhibitors from the Visegrad countries presented their innovations, ranging from agricultural industry to energetics, sustainable mobility and water management. In addition to the technical programmes, the Expo’s main objective was also to raise awareness and shape attitudes among the general public and to introduce the different aspects of sustainability to them.

Further information and the detailed programme are available on the Planet Budapest 2021 website.