The Iri Center and the Faculty of Economics in Split recently hosted the Environmental NGO World Café, a thematic meetup designed to bring together key stakeholders and spark meaningful collaboration between public organizations and NGOs.
This dynamic event, themed Creative dialogue, networking & collaboration, centered on showcasing the inspiring work of local community heroes. Before a packed audience, six panelists shared their remarkable initiatives, exchanging experiences and ideas aimed at driving positive change.
The panel was a tribute to the individuals whose dedication to their communities is both impressive and vital. The event not only highlighted their efforts but also reinforced the importance of visibility and recognition for grassroots projects. By facilitating such discussions, the Iri Center and Faculty of Economics reaffirm their commitment to fostering partnerships.
In times when positive change often feels elusive, initiatives like these shine brightly, offering hope and showing the immense potential of dedicated individuals and communities. Let us take a closer look at some remarkable people and their efforts, as they truly deserve recognition:
Joško Grgin – LoveStock Festival
Joško Grgin, the organizer of the LoveStock Festival, spoke passionately about love as his guiding force in life and work. For the past six years, this praiseworthy festival has transformed Kaštela into a city of love, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural branding and fostering creative engagement. LoveStock’s diverse program includes Children’s LoveStock, a Vinyl Fair, dance, music, and art workshops, concerts, tours of Kaštela’s landmarks, and much more. This initiative not only enhances the cultural vibrancy of Kaštela but also inspires others to dream and create. More about festival:
Ivan Aničić – Giovanni – Zen Opuzen Festival
Giovanni captivated the audience with his account of how the Zen Opuzen Street Art Festival has turned Opuzen into a living canvas. Through vibrant murals adorning houses and intricate sand art in the Neretva valley, he highlighted the transformative power of art in revitalizing communities. The festival’s creativity and community spirit are a testament to how art can breathe new life into towns and bring people together. More at: https://www.zenopuzen.com/
Marko Ban – Popravljaonica (The Repair Workshop)
Marko Ban introduced the inspiring initiative of Permakultura Dalmacija – Popravljaonica, a repair workshop that encourages people to fix items instead of discarding them. He emphasized the importance of shifting mindsets and fostering collaboration to reduce waste. This initiative is a practical step towards a more sustainable future, reminding us of the value in repairing rather than replacing. For more visit: https://permakultura-dalmacija.hr/
Ivana Leskur – Čisteći Medvjedići (Cleaning Bears)
Ivana Leskur, one of the most active volunteers in Split, shared her experiences with the Čisteći Medvjedići (https://cistecimedvjedici.hr/) NGO dedicated to environmental clean-ups. The group’s project, Čikolov, focused on collecting cigarette butts, stands out as a commendable effort to tackle pollution. Ivana’s work exemplifies how grassroots activism can make a significant difference in protecting our environment.
Romana Ban – Split za Djecu (Split for Children)
Romana Ban, the organizer of the Split za Djecu festival, spoke about the challenges and joys of creating events for children. Her enthusiasm reminded everyone of the importance of nurturing creativity in young minds. By prioritizing imaginative and playful experiences, Romana has created a festival that enriches the lives of children and families in Split. More at: https://www.splitzadjecu.com/
Maja Jurić – Udruga Sunce (Sunce Association)
Maja Jurić, representing Udruga Sunce, shared insights into their myriad activities, focusing on the Green Phone project. This initiative empowers citizens to report environmental issues, with every call representing a step toward a sustainable future. Maja’s words underscored the importance of community involvement in protecting the planet and working toward collective progress. See more at: https://sunce-st.org/
A tribute to visionaries
These inspiring individuals and their initiatives are a powerful reminder of the positive change that passion, creativity, and collaboration can achieve. They are not just leaders in their respective fields but also beacons of hope for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Each of these efforts restores faith in the possibility of a better tomorrow and demonstrates how community-driven actions can leave a lasting legacy. Let’s celebrate and support these endeavors that inspire us all to contribute in meaningful ways!
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