WEBIN organised Serbia’s national Policy Learning Meeting within the European project AELIA, bringing together 18 senior representatives from key policymaking educational bodies, academies of professional studies, and higher education institutions. Held online, the meeting provided a collaborative space to discuss how recommendations from the AELIA White Book can be adapted and applied within Serbia’s education system.

Connecting National Needs With AELIA’s Vision

Participants agreed that the White Book accurately reflects current challenges in Serbia, such as the lack of a national ESD strategy, limited coordination between institutions, and insufficient funding for sustainability initiatives. There was a shared understanding that Serbia must move from project-based efforts toward a more systemic, long-term approach to education for sustainable development (ESD).

From Dialogue to Practical Solutions

Through guided discussion and group work, participants identified both immediate opportunities and longer-term reforms. Short-term priorities include introducing regional ESD coordinators, developing specialised CPD programmes aligned with AELIA competencies, creating digital platforms for teacher collaboration, and fostering student sustainability councils. More complex reforms—such as legislative integration of ESD and the establishment of a Green Infrastructure Fund—were recognised as essential but dependent on broader systemic changes.

Integrating AELIA Tools Into Policy and Practice

Stakeholders highlighted clear opportunities to incorporate AELIA tools into national processes. These include using the GreenComp framework in teacher training, applying AELIA indicators in quality assurance systems, and using the White Book in institutional strategy development. Relevant policymaking representatives expressed interest in aligning AELIA resources with school development planning.

Commitment to Continued Collaboration

Participants expressed strong willingness to continue joint work through available platforms, share the White Book within their institutions, and engage in future consultations. The idea of pilot institutions to test AELIA recommendations received notable support.

Positive Feedback and Next Steps

Evaluation results showed high satisfaction with the meeting’s relevance, facilitation, and collaborative atmosphere. Participants recommended more in-person events, deeper work on funding and implementation pathways, and follow-up sessions dedicated to Continuing Professional Development and practical ESD integration.

The policy meeting marks an important step in strengthening Serbia’s approach to sustainability in education. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, AELIA is supporting the foundations for a more coherent, inclusive, and future-oriented ESD landscape in the country.