Successful launch of "Vienna Connect" at the "Urban Future" conference in Ljubljana

Successful launch of "Vienna Connect" at the "Urban Future" conference in Ljubljana

24. - 26.3.2026

From 24 to 27 March, the renowned international conference on sustainable urban development, "Urban Future", took place in Ljubljana. Vienna’s experts exchanged ideas with participants from 290 cities on topics such as vibrant city centres, circular economy, the resilience of urban societies and change communication. The City of Vienna’s presence was organised by the International Offices of the City of Vienna. The conference also marked the premiere of the new event format "Vienna Connect", underlining the importance of international cooperation for the development of liveable, sustainable and inclusive cities.

At panels, presentations and strategic networking meetings, Vienna’s experts showcased innovative solutions from Vienna at "Urban Future". For example, the panel "Women Changing Cities" explored how gender-equitable urban planning can improve quality of life for all residents. Other thematic priorities of the Vienna delegation included participatory urbanism, the temporary use of vacant buildings, sustainable tourism management and modern administrative structures.

Throughout the event, the City of Vienna’s information lounge was open to interested visitors. At an ideas wall, guests were invited to submit proposals for addressing current urban challenges in Vienna and had the chance to win small prizes.

A networking event hosted by the City of Vienna together with its partner institution Advantage Austria Ljubljana, the Municipality of Celje, Eurotowns and "Climate Neutral City" on the evening of the first conference day provided an opportunity for informal exchange at an international level.

"Vienna Connect" as a platform for international dialogue

The Vienna delegation impressed at "Urban Future" with both its thematic breadth and professional expertise, while also benefiting from established practices and new approaches from other cities. The successful premiere of the international platform “Vienna Connect” in Ljubljana also laid the foundation for future formats in which the City of Vienna can contribute its expertise to exchanges with other cities in a targeted manner.

With "Vienna Connect", the International Offices, on behalf of the City of Vienna, are launching a flexible and dynamic format to position Vienna internationally as a hub for innovation and business. The format is conceived as an open, dialogue-oriented platform. In doing so, Vienna provides impetus, strengthens existing cooperation and builds new connections.