The GURT initiative has been addressing the challenges of rural development in Belarusian regions for many years, connecting small, often rural businesses with the aim of knowledge transfer and community building. The project focused on the importance of the SDGs for agricultural practice and strengthening the village community. Renowned economist Dr Aleg Sivagrakau placed particular emphasis on the practical application of sustainability goals in rural businesses during the face-to-face events. Natalia Neumann from KUNA e. V. supported the online events with contributions on social agriculture in Germany and the model of community-supported agriculture, and used examples such as farm festivals to explain marketing strategies for the direct marketing of agricultural products. A special chapter of the lecture series was devoted to the organisation of village festivals as an instrument of cultural identification.