The training began with the presentation by Milan Gocić, providing an overview of the University of Niš and the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture. The agenda for the training activities at UNI was also presented, setting the stage for the sessions to come.

The first day of training featured informative sessions on various topics related to climate-smart urban development, such as architectural covers as microclimate modifiers and advances in managing built heritage for climate-smart development. The training also delved into the realm of smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT), highlighting the role of IoT devices and connected sensors in collecting and analyzing data for predictive analysis, traffic management, and optimizing urban mobility.

The second day of training commenced with an interactive session on the augmented collaboration toolkit. The toolkit, jointly designed through academia and lifelong learning programs, supports trainers and teachers in higher education. The importance of e-learning and serious games in online education was emphasized, as well as incorporating game mechanics and behavior-based solutions as a method of enhancing learner engagement and motivation.

The final day focused on urban resilience and nature-based solutions. Nature-based solutions, ecosystem-based adaptation, and urban green infrastructure were discussed, emphasizing their goals, characteristics, and best management practices. Sessions provided insight into urban hydrology and nature-based solutions related to the urban water cycle, highlighting global challenges, stormwater management approaches, and low-impact development elements.

The training concluded with visits to the laboratories of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, providing participants with hands-on experience and practical insights into the application of acquired knowledge.

The theme-based training fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants, promoting capacity building in climate-smart urban development. The SmartWB project continues to drive progress in curricula innovation, preparing teaching staff to meet the demands of climate-smart urban development. By equipping professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, SmartWB aims to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the Western Balkan region.