The Bled Strategic Forum 2025, held under the theme “A Runaway World”, gathered international leaders, policymakers, and experts to reflect on how Europe and the world can respond to multiple, interconnected crises — from geopolitical instability and economic downturns to growing inequalities and the impacts of climate change.

The Forum emphasized the urgent need to strengthen global governance, enhance Europe’s strategic sovereignty, and rebuild trust and cooperation in a fragmented international order. Key discussions focused on the role of technology, innovation, and multilateralism in addressing systemic challenges and shaping a more inclusive and resilient future.

As part of the program, Prof. Jelena Stanković, CROSS-REIS Project Coordinator, served as a keynote listener in the high-level panel “Breaking the Fossil Trap: Can the Paris Agreement Deliver?” The session brought together global experts including Adnan Amin (COP30 Envoy for Strategic Regions – Middle East, Co-chair of the World Energy Council), Francesco La Camera (Director General, IRENA), Titi Habicht (Former Youth Climate Delegate for Slovenia), and Uroš Vajgl (State Secretary for Environment and Climate, Slovenia), moderated by Sabrina Schulz (German Council on Foreign Relations).

The panel explored the critical question of whether the Paris Agreement can deliver on its ambitious goals, with discussions focusing on accelerating the deployment of renewables, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, addressing emission targets, and balancing national interests with global responsibility. CROSS-REIS researchers actively engaged in the debate that contributed insights on climate and security linkages, sharing data on renewable energy uptake and emission reduction pathways, and highlighting the role of youth in shaping future EU climate policies. The contributions emphasized the need for systemic change through cross-sector partnerships, innovation, and regenerative approaches to energy and economic development.

This engagement directly aligns with the objectives of WP2 Fostering Interdisciplinary Ideation within the CROSS-REIS project. By participating in such high-level policy dialogues, the project strengthens its efforts to promote interdisciplinary research, create joint agendas for innovation, and build bridges between academia, business, and policy-makers. The discussions at Bled also provided valuable momentum for the Business Forum initiative planned under CROSS-REIS, which aims to advance sustainability and regeneration in the economy through annual events bringing together business leaders, decision-makers, and researchers. Insights from the Forum will inform the upcoming forum in Croatia, ensuring that CROSS-REIS remains at the forefront of connecting research excellence with real-world regenerative economic transformation.

CROSS-REIS participation at the Bled Strategic Forum underscores the project’s commitment to integrating scientific insights into international policy debates, reinforcing dialogue on resilience, sustainability, and cooperation in a time of global uncertainty.

Program