Ljubljana shows how creativity can drive urban resilience
At Urban Future 2026 in Ljubljana, cities engaged in dialogue, co-creation, and collaboration to transform ideas into tangible action—building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient futures for communities, people, and the planet.
ICLEI staff along with over 10 member cities took to the streets of Ljubljana (Slovenia) to attend the Urban Future 2026. The member cities had the opportunity to share their experiences on stage, network and build capacities at one of Europe’s leading gatherings on sustainable urban development.
The host city, a SPADES Pilot and a former European Green Capital, Ljubljana is committed to urban greening. Its five “green wedges” integrate biodiversity into the urban fabric while creating accessible spaces for residents. The city is also regenerating post-industrial areas such as the former Rog factory into vibrant, depaved community hubs.
A session organised by ICLEI Europe explored climate communication through a live experiment, asking: how can soil be made visible, understood, and valued in cities? Participants joined a “creative co-design studio” to tackle a real challenge from Ljubljana’s Šiška green wedge. Rather than relying on traditional methods, they developed art-based approaches – including games, storytelling, and community activities – linking soil health to human well-being. The session underscored co-creation as a compelling way to turn complex environmental issues into tangible, shared action.
Looking ahead, cities will continue advancing these ideas at the European Urban Resilience Forum on 17-19 June 2026 in Guimarães – registration is now open. And stay tuned for the Cities Festival / Nature-based Solutions Week on 2-4 November 2026 in Paris for more insights!
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