The B40 Local Economic and Cultural Cooperation Summit was hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality between 3–5 September 2025, within the framework of the 94th İzmir International Fair. Mayors and representatives from member cities—including Istanbul, Izmir, Lefkada, Mytilene, Muğla, Edirne, Prishtina, Bijeljina, Kotor, Pula, Galati, Tetovo, Zagreb, Durrës, and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye—came together to discuss the future of cities under the theme: “Brain Circulation, Digital Nomads, and the Future of Urban Innovation.”
The opening speeches were delivered by Dr. Cemil Tugay, Mayor of İzmir and host of the Summit; Mr. Nuri Aslan, Acting Mayor of Istanbul; and Mr. Dražen Lucanin, Head of the IT Department of Zagreb, on behalf of Mayor of Zagreb, Mr. Tomislav Tomašević, the next B40 President.
B40 President and Mayor of Sofia, Mr. Vassil Terziev; 2023 B40 President and Mayor of Athens, Mr. Haris Doukas; and Member of the European Parliament, Mr. Dario Nardella, conveyed their messages to the opening ceremony via video.
Sessions underscored that democracy stands as a cornerstone of sustainable development and prosperity. Discussions further focused on how cities can turn brain drain into brain circulation, attract global talent through digital mobility, and strengthen cultural diplomacy as a means of fostering solidarity. Panels also addressed mission-driven governance and innovative financing models designed to support dynamic urban innovation ecosystems.
The event concluded with the presentation of the B40 İzmir Joint Declaration on Culture and Economy, reaffirming the commitment of Balkan cities to deepen cross-border cooperation, foster resilience, and advance solidarity through democratic values and creativity.
In addition to the thematic discussions, participants engaged with İzmir’s rich cultural and historical heritage through guided visits to Ephesus and the Agora Archaeological Site, highlighting the city’s role as a hub of creativity and cultural exchange. The group visiting Ephesus was hosted by Mayor of Selçuk, Ms. Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel at the Efes Tarlası Yaşam Köyü, an agriculture and life center.
Guided by the vision of B40 Founder President, Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Network continues to broaden its reach and momentum, building stronger ties among Balkan cities towards a shared and sustainable future.
