The Urban Future Conference, a prestigious international conference on sustainable urban development, was held in Ljubljana from 24 to 27 March 2026. Experts from Vienna exchanged views with participants from 290 other cities on a variety of topics, including vibrant city centres, the circular economy, the resilience of urban societies and change communication. The City of Vienna's participation was organised by the Vienna International Offices. The conference also marked the launch of the new event format "Vienna Connect", which highlighted the importance of international cooperation for the development of liveable, sustainable and inclusive cities.
City of Vienna experts showcased innovative local solutions in panels, presentations and strategic network meetings at the Urban Future Conference in Ljubljana. For example, the panel "Women Changing Cities" featured a debate on gender-sensitive urban planning and the ways in which it improves quality of life for everyone in a city. Further focus topics of the Vienna delegation included participative urbanism, interim use concepts for vacant buildings, sustainable tourism management and modern administrative structures.
The City of Vienna Information Lounge was open to all participants of the Urban Future Conference for the entire duration of the event. Guests were invited to contribute their ideas and suggestions for solving current urban challenges on a brainstorming board, with a chance at winning small prizes.
A networking event in the evening of the first conference day, organised by the City of Vienna in cooperation with its partner institution Advantage Austria Ljubljana, the town of Celje, Eurotowns and "Climate Neutral City”, provided an opportunity for informal exchange at international level.
"Vienna Connect" - a launch pad for international dialogue
The Vienna delegation demonstrated profound expertise and know-how in an impressive range of fields. Conversely, the experts from the Austrian capital benefited from the knowledge of other cities on tried-and-tested methods and new approaches. The successful launch of the international platform "Vienna Connect" in Ljubljana also laid the foundations for future formats in which the City of Vienna will be able to contribute its specific expertise in its exchange with other cities.
With "Vienna Connect", the International Offices commissioned by the City of Vienna have initiated a flexible, dynamic international format to consolidate Vienna’s international status as a strong location for business and innovation. The new format was designed to cover various topics and is based on a dialogue-centred approach. It helps Vienna make an impact, intensify existing cooperations, and establish new relations.
Further information
- Urban Future (English)
- Eurotowns (English)
- Pioneer cities - Mission Climate Neutral City (German)
- Advantage Austria Ljubljana - Vienna Economic Chamber (German and Slovenian)