Erasmus+ for Local Communities: a three-day grassroots event promoting sustainability, women’s entrepreneurship, and alumni engagement

From 23 to 25 May 2025, the village of Deliblato, Serbia, became a hub of innovation, collaboration, and grassroots action as alumni, women entrepreneurs, activists, and local stakeholders came together for a three-day immersive event. Organised by the Western Balkans Alumni Association (WBAA) in cooperation with the female association “Hej Preduzetnice”, Sweden Alumni Network Serbia, local associations, and the community of Deliblato, the initiative aimed to strengthen local development by promoting sustainability, women’s entrepreneurship, and biodiversity protection.

Connecting alumni and communities

The event kicked off with a welcoming dinner for regional participants on Thursday evening, setting the tone for an atmosphere of exchange and solidarity. Over the following days, participants engaged in a rich programme featuring interactive panel discussions, eco-tourism workshops, cultural exchanges, and environmental action. Alumni from various international mobility programmes played a key role, sharing experiences and actively contributing to discussions on how to apply global knowledge to local challenges. Also, participants had the pleasure to see a presentation of the book “Flavours of Deliblato Sands” which was created as a result of outstanding collaboration among local authorities, associations, women entrepreneurs, and activists.

A special focus was placed on the role of alumni and civil initiatives in serving local communities and advocating for positive change. Their contributions highlighted the importance of involving returnees and young professionals in shaping more inclusive and sustainable rural development strategies.

Empowering women entrepreneurs

One of the highlights of the event was a dedicated panel and fair focused on women’s entrepreneurship. Women-led businesses from across the region showcased their work, exchanged ideas, and explored collaboration opportunities. A hands-on workshop and a discussion on sustainable food systems and alternative protein sources further enriched the agenda.

These activities not only celebrated the creativity and resilience of women entrepreneurs but also strengthened the visibility and support networks for women in business sectors.

Learning through nature and culture

The event combined practical experiences with educational sessions, emphasising the strong connection between environmental sustainability and rural prosperity. Participants explored the Deliblato Sands nature reserve and engaged in a biodiversity awareness walk and cycling tour to the nearby recreational centre "Čardak."

Workshops also included discussions on renewable energy, eco-tourism, and the presentation of the book “Flavours of Deliblato Sands”, a unique publication that highlights the culinary and cultural traditions of the region.

Strategic partnerships and long-term impact

The event concluded with a session on alumni engagement and creating strategic partnerships between WBAA, the Sweden Alumni Network Serbia, local women entrepreneur associations, and the Deliblato Sands Cluster. New WhatsApp groups were created as informal platforms for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The initiative successfully achieved its goals of raising awareness about biodiversity, renewable energy, women’s empowerment, and alumni engagement. It also demonstrated how alumni-led grassroots initiatives can support the goals of the Erasmus+ Programme, including inclusion, sustainability, and social innovation.

Looking ahead

This event is a strong example of how alumni networks can contribute meaningfully to local development, connecting their international experiences with local needs. With strengthened relationships, new partnerships, and motivated participants, the community of Deliblato now stands as a model for future alumni-driven grassroots actions in the Western Balkans region and beyond.

Serbia, Pancevo, 18 June 2025
Milos Stojanovic
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team