Ljubljana Forum 2024: AI and Urban Innovation Shape the Cities of Tomorrow

The Ljubljana Forum 2024, held at Ljubljana Castle and the Rog Centre, brought together a diverse range of city leaders, policymakers, urban planners, industry experts, and academics to discuss the future of urban development under the theme of “Sustainable, Smart, Inclusive, and Resilient Cities”. Special attention was given to the challenges of Z generation and their view on future developments with appeal for concrete actions today.
The discussions at the forum centred on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in tackling pressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and urban sustainability. There was a strong emphasis on the need for collaboration between public and private stakeholders, including city governments, financial institutions, and technology innovators, to drive these changes. These partnerships were viewed as essential for improving the quality of life in urban settings.

Key Discussions and Notable Speakers

• Ms. Tanja Fajon, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs emphasized that quality of life must be at the centre of urban development, linking this core idea to global challenges such as clean water, clean air, and resilience.
• Mr. Zoran Janković, Mayor of Ljubljana focused on the importance of quality of life as the core principle for building the ideal city.
• Mr. Simon Savšek, Director of European Investment Bank Slovenia highlighted the critical role of cities in tackling climate changre, poiting out that urban areas are responsible for over twi-thirds of global CO2 emissions.
• Mr. Blaž Golob, Chairman of Ljubljana Forum and Director of GFS Institute underscored the importance of technology and innovation in enhancing urban quality of life, especially through long term plannin with the use of foresight and new emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart city solutions.
• City of Vienna’s AI Compass and KITT training program, presented by Sindre Wimberger, showcased AI’s transformative power in promoting individual innovation and enhancing city operations. His presentation emphasized how generative AI can empower citizens as co-creators in city management.
• The round table of mayors and city leaders spotlighted leaders from cities like Ljubljana, Podgorica, and Rijeka, who shared their approaches to integrating AI and smart solutions for urban sustainability, ranging from smart traffic management to AI-driven resource optimization. Mayor Olivera Injac of Podgorica was honored with the 2024 Ljubljana Forum Award for her innovative initiatives in green urban planning and digital transformation.

Insights on AI, Data, and Urban Challenges

Panel discussions focused on the intersection of AI and city challenges, stressing that data is the foundation of smart urban management. However, effective data usage requires robust data governance frameworks to ensure security and accessibility. Additionally, several speakers highlighted the need for collaborative action to break down data silos and support open data initiatives.

Conclusions of Ljubljana Forum 2024

HUMAN QUESTION?

Please provide us with five concluding remarks when you evaluate the insights and conclusions of the sessions in the attached Synthesis Report of Ljubljana Forum 2024. 

What would be the 5 key messages on the topic of AI and the model of ideal city for the future?

AI ANSWER …

Based on the insights and conclusions from the Ljubljana Forum 2024 sessions on AI and the ideal city model for the future, here are five key concluding messages:

1. Data as a Pillar for Urban Innovation: The effective use of data is essential in developing smart city initiatives. Transparent and secure data governance enables cities to improve decision-making and deliver citizen-centric services, ensuring data accessibility and utility while maintaining privacy and security.
2. AI as a Catalyst for Sustainability: AI-driven technologies are pivotal in achieving climate-neutral and resilient urban spaces. By optimizing resource use—such as energy and water—AI supports cities in meeting their sustainability goals, aligning with global climate objectives and enhancing urban efficiency.
3. Cross-Sector Collaboration for Scalable Solutions: The development of smart cities requires robust collaboration across public, private, and community sectors. EU funding, partnerships, and shared projects enable cities to scale smart solutions efficiently, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective action.
4. Citizen-Centric and Inclusive Growth: Future city planning must prioritize inclusivity by engaging citizens in governance and providing tools that foster well-being and economic opportunity. Emphasis on creative spaces, accessibility, and participatory decision-making ensures that smart city solutions serve diverse urban populations equitably.
5. Resilience through Innovation and Foresight: Building resilient cities requires ongoing innovation, foresight, and adaptable frameworks. By integrating new technologies like AI and adopting sandbox approaches for testing solutions, cities can remain flexible and resilient, capable of addressing emerging challenges and ensuring a sustainable urban future.

Synthesis Report on Futures of Cities

For a deeper dive, the full Ljubljana Forum 2024 Report is now available for download, offering a comprehensive overview of the discussions, conclusions, and action points from this year’s event.

Looking Ahead to Ljubljana Forum 2025

As Ljubljana Forum 2024 wraps up, the mission to transform cities into future-ready urban centers remains vibrant. The forum calls upon stakeholders worldwide to prioritize responsible AI use, foster citizen-centered solutions, and strengthen partnerships to realize an inclusive, prosperous urban future.