Text by Blaz Golob, Chairman of GFS Institute
This year’s Ljubljana Forum showcased our collective vision of a smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable urban future. With inspiring discussions on generative AI, we explored how technology can empower individuals, turning every employee into an innovator and each city into a lighthouse of progress.
The Climate Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 initiative was a major highlight, emphasizing our shared commitment to a sustainable and climate-friendly future. The European Investment Bank (EIB) was also recognized for its crucial role in financing smart city projects, ensuring that the resources are available to turn innovative ideas into impactful realities.
Ljubljana Forum 2024 highlighted practical initiatives, like the City of Vienna‘s AI Compass and KITT training, as prime examples of how we can responsibly use technology to foster innovation and growth.
With the release of the State of the Future 20, GoForeSight Institute as a node of The Millennium Project and Global Futures Society, demonstrated through Ljubljana Forum its commitment to addressing global challenges in a practical way. By collaborating with city stakeholders, GFS Institute aims to create cities of wellbeing that meet the needs of all citizens.
Ljubljana as European Green Capital of 2016, itself demonstrated significant achievements towards becoming a leading wellbeing city. By integrating technology, sustainability, and citizen-centric solutions, Ljubljana continues to inspire as a model of effective urban transformation.
Our journey from Individual Empowerment to Organizational Innovation and ultimately to Smart City Transformation isn’t just a vision—it’s a reality we’re actively building together. With collaboration between public and private sectors, academic institutions, and innovators, we are creating cities that serve their communities better, enhance resilience, and prioritize responsible technology use.
A huge thank you to all participants, partners, and speakers for making this year’s forum a success. Let’s continue working towards a future where technology and humanity thrive together.