From 17 to 23 August 2025, the Summer Academy RETURN – Renewable Energy Toward Urban Resilient Nexus – was held at Ethno Village Čardaci in Vitez, organized by the Center for Energy, Energy Efficiency and Environment (CEEO). The Academy brought together young experts, researchers, and activists from the member countries of the Central European Initiative (CEI), with the aim of empowering them to take on the role of future drivers of the energy transition, climate neutrality, and sustainable development.
The program included lectures and workshops on climate change, air quality, renewable energy sources, energy communities, circular economy, and just transition. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends, exchange experiences, and explore how global goals can be translated into action at the local level.
A special focus was placed on practical solutions: from innovations in construction and industry, to the inclusion of gender equality and the social dimension in green policies. The Academy demonstrated that the green transition is much more than technology – it is a process that involves people, communities, and new models of cooperation.
One of the most engaging segments of the program was a field visit, where participants toured a hydropower plant, a solar power plant, and a heat pump system within Ethno Village Čardaci. This visit allowed them to see firsthand how the solutions discussed during lectures are implemented in practice.
In addition to lectures and visits, an important part of the Academy consisted of group assignments. Throughout the week, participants worked in teams to develop their own ideas and proposed solutions to challenges in climate and energy policy. On the final day, they presented their projects, with the best team being awarded. The Academy concluded with the awarding of certificates to all participants, accompanied by the message that this is just the beginning of their journey in building more sustainable communities.
The RETURN Summer Academy 2025 showed that young people in the region have the knowledge, energy, and vision to lead the green transition. Through a combination of expert lectures, practical experiences, teamwork, and networking, the Academy created a platform for long-term cooperation and the development of leaders who will shape the region’s future.
