Advancing Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
On the 5th and 6th of October 2023, the 13th edition of the Ljubljana Forum convened in Slovenia’s capital, bringing together a diverse array of city leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and academics. This year’s theme, Climate Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030, set the stage for deep discussions on how urban areas can transform to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Key discussions revolved around sustainable urban development, the integration of smart technologies, and the importance of resilient infrastructures. Notably, the “Superblock” model of Barcelona was highlighted as a transformative urban initiative, showcasing how cities can be redesigned to improve livability, reduce pollution, and create vibrant community spaces. The forum also underscored the essential role of financial mechanisms, particularly the contributions of the European Investment Bank (EIB), in enabling the green and digital transitions necessary for achieving climate neutrality by 2030.
In addition to the exchange of ideas, the forum fostered significant collaborations among participating cities, including Ljubljana, Belgrade, Vienna, Sarajevo, and others from the Southeast European region. These partnerships are crucial in addressing shared urban challenges, from managing water resources to enhancing public spaces. The Ljubljana Forum emphasized the need for cities to work collectively, sharing knowledge and strategies to achieve common goals. The forum concluded with a strong message on the necessity of integrating financial support with innovative urban planning to create future-ready cities that are not only technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable but also inclusive and adaptable to the diverse needs of their inhabitants.