15th Edition of Ljubljana Forum – Oct. 2-3, 2025

The Ljubljana Forum 2025, organized by the GFS Institute hosting the Slovenian Node of The Millennium Project, will gather city leaders, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts from across Europe and the globe on October 2-3, 2025 at the Ljubljana castle. Celebrating its 15th edition, the Forum continues to explore strategies for the future development of cities, fostering cooperation and sharing best practices for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban growth.

Over two days, participants will engage in keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and forward-looking discussions on the “City of the Future.” This year’s agenda is more diverse than ever, covering topics ranging from strategic foresight workshops and urban planning to AI, sport, and well-being initiatives. The opening session will feature welcome speeches by Mr. Blaž Golob, Chairman of Ljubljana Forum, Mr. Zoran Janković, Mayor of Ljubljana, Mr. Miran Gajšek, State Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning and member of the Slovenia Node, and Mr. Kyriacos Kakouris, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, with Jan Künne, CEO of Grundig Academy Nürnberg, serving as moderator.

Mr. Blaž Golob will also speak on “The City of Well-being: 15 Years of Progress and Towards the Urban Futures of 2040,” reflecting on the Forum’s achievements and vision for the future. Ibon Zugasti, Deputy Director of The Millennium Project and Spain Node Chair, will speak in the session on “Cities for the Future – City as Negotiator,” where he will provide a futurist’s perspective on enhancing urban well-being. Zugasti will also join Session V, “Centers of Relevance for the Future: Cities Thriving Europe and the World by 2040″ moderated by and Frane Šesnić, Croatia Node Co-Chair. Zugasti will be discussing the Latin America–Europe perspective alongside Lorenzo Madrid. Fred Uduma, member of the Slovenia Node, will also join this session discussing the Africa-Europe perspective. The event will also welcome Mara Di Berardo, Communications Director of The Millennium Project and Co-Chair of the Italy Node, who will conduct interviews for the Forum’s 15th anniversary celebrations and join the networking activities.

Since its founding in 2011 by Blaž Golob of the GFS Institute and Miran Gajšek, Chief Urban Planner of Ljubljana, the Ljubljana Forum has become a European and global platform connecting city mayors, international organizations, industry, R&D, universities, and civil society. Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic space for shaping the vision of the City of the Future, promoting prosperity, resilience, and innovation in cities worldwide.

For more information, visit the conference website.