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Territorial Dialogue with Cities

We use the territorial dialogue with cities to expand the discussion on the role and importance of Slovenian cities and their opportunities for sustainable development, and connect various stakeholders in urban development.

Territorial Dialogue with Cities

Closer dialogue with city representatives in the field of urban development was established in 2014 and is led by the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning. That dialogue was triggered by the European Cohesion Policy for the period 2014-2020, which emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban development within the European Union and allocates part of the cohesion funds exclusively to cities for sustainable urban development comprehensive measures. The Ministry first established a direct two-way dialogue with the cities for which cohesion policy measures were planned, in order to prepare sustainable urban strategies in a timely and efficient manner and to obtain cohesion funds. The debate on the role and importance of cities is also spreading among other stakeholders in urban development.

Urban forum

The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, together with the Association of Municipalities of Slovenia, has been preparing events within the framework of the Slovenian "Urban Forum" since 2015. This had broadened the debate on the role, importance and opportunities of Slovenian cities for sustainable development, their role in the development of the country, the promotion of new opportunities for green growth, the development of new knowledge and innovative ways of working.

Two events take place annually – the Spring Urban Forum is the largest annual event of its kind in Slovenia and addresses current strategic topics regarding urban development, exchange of experiences and networking. It brings together mayors and representatives of cities and other municipalities, ministries, regional development agencies, businesses, institutions and associations, experts in related fields, non-governmental organisations and the general public and the media. The Autumn Urban Forum is dedicated to current professional topics regarding urban development and specific implementation issues. The Urban Forum is thus a platform for dialogue and networking between cities, the state and other stakeholders in urban development in Slovenia.