LJUBLJANA FORUM
ABOUT
Is an annual gathering that combines knowledge and experience of city governance and defines key areas, visions and strategies of the future development of cities.
The objectives of the Forum are to connect, enable and encourage good practice cases and concrete cooperation among different stakeholders.
The Ljubljana Forum is an excellent opportunity to strengthen co-operation for better performance of cities and regions in Europe and worldwide and to present industry solutions for cities.
FOUNDATION
Enabling urban prosperity requires linking strategic foresight with urban and territorial planning, which inspired the creation of the Ljubljana Forum in 2011. Founded by Blaž Golob (Director of the GoForeSight Institute) and Miran Gajšek (Chief Urban Planner of the City of Ljubljana), the forum serves as a global platform for key city-building stakeholders.
The annual gathering brings together:
- City leaders: Mayors and municipal decision-makers.
- Global networks: The Foresight Europe Network and the Millennium Project.
- Public institutions: EU bodies and government representatives.
- Financial and industry partners: Banks (including the European Investment Bank) and business leaders.
- Knowledge partners: Universities and research organizations alongside civil society.
Supported from the start by the Cities of Ljubljana and Vienna and the European Investment Bank, the forum continuously shapes the evolving model of the "City of the Future."
NUMBERS
- 1200 participants, coming from all over the world.
- 330 expert speakers and moderators, coming from all over the world.
- 100 innovative governance, business, and technology solutions for promoting smart city development and improving city management.
- 55 best smart city practice cases and projects presented. Innovative business models and technology solutions for smart city development presented.
- 7 new project initiatives with a total value exceeding € 300 mio."
Center Rog
Center Rog is Ljubljana’s premier creative hub and a cutting-edge venue. It is located along the Ljubljanica River in the masterfully renovated building of a former iconic bicycle factory. Spanning over 8,500 square meters across four floors, this modern public infrastructure seamlessly blends architectural heritage with contemporary functionality. As an event and exhibition space, it features a large main exhibition hall, multipurpose event areas, and highly integrated community zones. These spaces are supported by a dynamic marketplace, a library branch, an onsite café, and a bistro. The venue serves as an inclusive “factory of ideas,” making it a versatile location for hosting cultural festivals, business conferences, creative workshops, and corporate gatherings.
CITY OF LJUBLJANA
The City of Ljubljana and its Mayor Zoran Janković have been ardent supporters of the Ljubljana Forum annual gathering since its inception in 2011. Under Mayor Janković’s visionary leadership, the city has embraced the forum’s mission to foster sustainable urban development and innovation.
His unwavering support has been instrumental in establishing the Ljubljana Forum as a premier platform for global thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to exchange ideas and collaborate on building smarter, more resilient cities.
The partnership with the City of Ljubljana underscores the city’s commitment to forward-thinking urban solutions and has significantly contributed to the forum’s success and growth over the years.
