The world we live in changes quickly and often, unpredictably. The results of modern processes are reflected in climate changes, sea level rise, changes in ecosystems, accelerated urbanization, transformation of the economy, intensive migrations and changes in the structural characteristics of the population, and their impact on nature and the population. Technology is developing at a high speed, there are many new possibilities for communication and connecting people from different parts of the planet and this leads to various geopolitical and socioeconomic phenomena. However, some processes are constant, such as human needs for food, water, safety, etc. In order to achieve the three dimensions of sustainable development of the 2030 Agenda (economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection), there are more and more activities that try to mobilize available resources. All this makes the study of geography more relevant than ever, with the aim of achieving the universal progress of planet Earth and life on it. Geographical science provides a critical review of where and why processes occur, and how the geographic context affects ecological processes and human activities in the present and future, that is, how people, landscapes and settlement systems are organized and interconnected.
In recent decades, the concept of geographic horizons has expanded far beyond traditional boundaries. The University of Belgrade - Faculty of Geography and the Serbian Geographical Society have been gathering the scientific, educational and research community for more than a century, following the trends that shape and redefine the geographical image of the world, with the task of providing answers to the causes and consequences of global, regional and local changes, with the aim of their understanding and more effective anticipation of phenomena, and then managing future challenges.
Therefore, the organization of the VI Congress of Geographers of Serbia with international participation by the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Geography and the Serbian Geographical Society under the name "Where is geography going?" came at the right time, in order to provide answers through plenary lectures, panel discussions and discussions. to the challenges facing geographical science and practice. Encouraged by current social events, thematic discussions on the current and future state of geography education, the status of teacher study programs at universities and the social position of teachers involved in the education process, are the key topics of the Congress. The event was organized with the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, the Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management of the University of Novi Sad, the Department of Geography of the University of Niš, the Department of Geography of the University of Prishtina with a temporary seat in Kosovska Mitrovica, PMF of the University of Banja Luka, Geographical Institute "Jovan Cvijić" SANU and Faculty of Philosophy in Nikšić.
From the 29th to the 31st, we set out to meet new geographical horizons from the "golden mountain". in August 2024 with the aim of addressing various topics related to contemporary and development-oriented research areas, but also significant didactic-methodical issues of geography teaching. In two books of over 1,000 pages of proceedings, with more than 300 authors from Serbia and abroad and a total of 112 scientific and professional papers, the results of research projects that treat the impact of numerous natural and social processes on space, as well as the possibilities of transmitting and interpreting them, are summarized. new knowledge in the educational process. By researching different aspects of geographical horizons, it was analyzed how geography is changing and what impact these changes have on the planet and society. A special section consisted of the works of young researchers, who are essential for the future of science.