B40network

🌍 In İzmir, where culture met innovation, B40 cities took a stand for a brighter future.

Between 3 – 5 September 2025, mayors and representatives from the member cities, gathered at the B40 Local Economic and Cultural Cooperation Summit in İzmir, within the framework of the 94th İzmir International Fair.

This year’s theme, “Brain Circulation, Digital Nomads, and the Future of Urban Innovation,” explored how cities could transform the challenges of brain drain into opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and growth. ✨

From democratic culture to digital mobility, from cultural diplomacy to mission-driven governance, the Summit highlighted how urban innovation could strengthen solidarity and resilience across borders.

With this summit, B40 cities wrote a story of solidarity: a future powered by the free flow of talent, imagination, and democratic values.

Guided by the vision of our Founder President Ekrem İmamoğlu, B40 events are moving forward with full momentum.

The B40 Balkan Cities Network held its 4th summit in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, between February 23-25, 2025, providing a platform where significant ideas regarding the shared future of cities in the Balkans were discussed.

As part of the summit, the B40 Presidency was officially transferred from Tirana to Sofia through a symbolic ceremony attended by Mayor of Istanbul and B40 Founding President Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Sofia Mr. Vassil Terziev and Deputy Mayor of Tirana Ms. Keti Luarasi. This transition once again highlighted the dynamic structure of the B40 network and the strong spirit of cooperation among Balkan cities. Upon assuming the presidency, the Mayor of Sofia emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for the future.

The summit was held under the theme "The Future of the Balkans: Innovation, Green Transition, Cooperation, and Growth." Mayors and representatives of member cities engaged in discussions on key topics such as climate change mitigation, the development of transportation infrastructure, and the strengthening of local governance. At the end of the Summit, the B40 Sofia Declaration, emphasizing the importance of democracy, justice, and human dignity, was signed by the participating mayors.

The B40 Sofia Summit marked an important step toward enhancing solidarity among cities in the region and developing joint projects and policy proposals. During Sofia's presidency, the network aims to foster stronger ties between Balkan cities and implement concrete collaborations.

🌍 Save the Date: B40 Balkan Cities Network Sofia Summit!

From February 23-25, 2025, the heart of the Balkans will beat in Sofia, Bulgaria, where city leaders, experts, and policymakers will come together to discuss Innovation, Green Transition, Cooperation, and Growth.

🔹 What’s on the agenda?
✅ Inspiring discussions on the future of our cities
✅ Best practices for sustainable development
✅ Urgent action against climate change 🌱🌍

📅 Preliminary Schedule
📍 Day 1 (Feb 23): Arrival & Informal Networking Dinner
📍 Day 2 (Feb 24): Summit & General Assembly Meeting (panel discussions, parallel sessions)
📍 Day 3 (Feb 25): Panels & Closing Remarks

Let’s build a more innovative, cooperative, and greener Balkans—together! 🌱🌆
Stay tuned for more updates! 🚀