During its existence, Yugoslavia hosted events that strengthened its international reputation. The first was the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade in 1961, when Yugoslavia under Tito’s leadership became a key voice for global peace and neutrality in the Cold War. Leaders from more than 100 countries attended this event, and the summit strengthened Yugoslavia as a bridge between the East and West.

The 1979 Mediterranean Games in Split were another great success, when Split hosted 2,500 athletes from 15 countries. The Games transformed the city, gave it new infrastructure and positioned Yugoslavia as an important player on the sports stage. With around 100,000 visitors, the event had a major impact on local tourism.

However, the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo were the pinnacle of international recognition. The Olympic mountains and modern sports infrastructure impressed the world and brought more than 500,000 people to Sarajevo. This event left a lasting legacy, both for Yugoslavia and the region.

In addition to these events, Yugoslavia also hosted internal events, such as Youth Day, which gathered tens of thousands of people every year in a relay race in honour of Tito’s birthday. These celebrations were a symbol of the country’s strength and unity, highlighting its multi-ethnic character.

Today, more than four decades after the Olympic Games, Expo 2027 Belgrade brings a new great moment to our region. It is expected that Belgrade will attract more than 4 million visitors from all over the world, giving Serbia the opportunity to show its innovation, culture and hospitality in the global spotlight. This event represents a chance to not only position the region as a centre of international events, but also for Serbia to emphasise its role as a leader in the promotion of games, sports, art and innovation. Expo 2027 will be by far the biggest event in the history of Serbia and the entire Western Balkans.