Creative Forum Ljubljana: Fostering Cooperation Between the Western Balkans and the Southern Mediterranean Shores

The Creative Forum Ljubljana is organised by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) as a unique platform that links the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans through creativity. Creative industries hold great potential for the Euro-Mediterranean countries seeking to diversify their economies and participate in one of the most dynamic sectors of world commerce. The recommendations and the takeaways from this landmark Forum will feed directly into the UfM roadmap activities and Slovenia’s Positive Agenda for Youth.

The Creative Forum Ljubljana, organised by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Union for the Mediterranean, is taking place in Ljubljana from 12 to 15 November. The Forum provides capacity building and networking opportunities as well as room for debate and policy review. It is an advocate for policy change that aims at creating an enabling environment for the cultural and creative sector at the regional level.

Miro Cerar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, today underlined in his keynote speech that he sees “particular importance in the fact that we were able to bring together decision-makers from the fields of economy, foreign affairs and culture. This is what we call Creative Capital United: not only cities, regions and countries working hand in hand, but also sectors finding common ground for break-through in industry, education, foreign affairs, tourism, information technology and other fields.” Minister Cerar also reminded us of “creativity’s unique potential to guide us through the turbulent waters of the Euro-Mediterranean region” and of “the necessity to make culture not an accessory, but the pillar of the regional development strategy.”