By decision of the Executive Committee of the International Economic Association (IEA), Serbian Association of Economists was selected to host the XXI World Congress of the IEA, which is to be held in June 2026.
"In a highly competitive procedure, our bid to host this prestigious event has been assessed as the best one by the President and Executive Committee of the International Economic Association", Aleksandar Vlahović, President of the Serbian Association of Economists (SAE) said, adding:
"In June 2026, Belgrade will be the economic center of the world. We expect the arrival of more than 1000 leading world economists from the most prestigious universities. The importance of this event is best illustrated by the fact that the renowned Professor at Harvard University, Mr. Eric Maskin, who was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, is spearheading the Program Committee of the Congress. We expect several other Nobel Prize laureates to come, as well as numerous economists who have occupied throughout their careers the highest counselling positions in the leading economies of the world. It is important to highlight that the World Congress of the International Economic Association shall be held for the first time in this region, and that after twenty years it shall be hosted again by a European country. Being selected to organize this high-profile event is a major achievement for the Serbian Association of Economists and it is yet another confirmation of our long-lasting successful work, this time coming from the most important international association (IEA)."
The World Congress of the International Economic Association shall be a remarkable opportunity for universities in Serbia and in the region to establish firm connections with the global academic community. Economic policy creators, as well as the business community of the entire region, will also have an opportunity to exchange innovative ideas and experiences through a meaningful dialogue, as well as to make the most of the advice from leading world economists.
The Serbian Association of Economists would also wish to emphasize that already during its preparation of the bid to host the World Congress, it has secured support from all relevant institutions of the Republic of Serbia, in particular the Government and the National Bank of Serbia, as well as from the business community and academia. We also wish to mention the enthusiastic support from professional associations and chambers of commerce from the neighboring countries. All of the institutions shall together help Belgrade become the academic and economic center of the world from June 22nd to June 26th, 2026.
As of 2013, SAE has been a full-fledged member of the IEA and at the same time the only representative of Serbia in this prestigious organization. The IEA organizes the World Congress every three years. The previous World Congress of the IEA was held in 2023 in Medellin, Columbia.