From Discovery to Definition
More than a meeting, this get-together was a moment of transition from discovering what matters to defining how to make it happen. For many, it was the first time meeting face-to-face after months of online collaboration and it made a real difference. The in-person exchanges helped participants connect beyond the screen, share experiences, and strengthen the sense of community that will carry them forward in the months ahead.
Since June, city teams had been working locally on the DISCOVER phase — analysing their urban contexts, identifying key challenges and stakeholders, and delving into their chosen themes: Urban Nature, Waste Management, Sustainable Tourism and Mobility. This groundwork, combining research, fieldwork, and collaboration with thematic experts, built a solid understanding of both local realities and the broader EU policy framework. In Ljubljana, teams met with their thematic experts to consolidate insights that “connected the dots” between analysis and vision. These activities set the stage for the DEFINE phase, where ideas take shape into shared visions and actionable goals.
Meeting the people behind the process
The event was also a chance to strengthen the network of people that will be driving change locally. Each participating city introduced their URBACT Intern, who help local teams coordinate URBACT activities and engage stakeholders.
Participants also met with URBACT Local Mentors — senior experts in integrated sustainable urban development rooted in the local contexts of the Pioneers’ cities. Validated and trained by URBACT, these mentors guide city teams in their own languages, support key participatory events with local stakeholders, and ensure that methodologies and thematic insights translate effectively into local action. Nine mentors have been appointed to accompany the 27 cities:
- Alisa Aliti Vlasić
- Biljana Radonjanin,
- Branislav Antonić,
- Ivana Maksić,
- Ivana Unkovic,
- Klodian Zaimi,
- Medina Garić
- Milena Ivković,
- Mirko Mandić.
Together they will plan upcoming Action Labs leading towards the delivery of the final small-scale pilot projects on the ground.
Ljubljana Inspi/ exploration
No URBACT gathering is complete without local inspiration. Participants explored Ljubljana through a site visit focused on Zunaj (“Outdoors”), a grassroots initiative promoting small-scale, tactical urban interventions and community engagement.
The learning continued with contributions from Maruška Marković, who presented the award-winning BeePath project — an URBACT Good Practice shared across Europe — and Lea Korva, who showcased the EU Mission - 100 Climate Neutral and Smart cities related initiatives focused on participatory green transition. Their stories illustrated how small shifts in mindset can lead to major transformation, echoing the reflections of Deputy Mayor Dejan Crnek, who described how Ljubljana turned its vision from 2012 into reality.
Motivation, vision, and forward motion
The event also gave participants time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their motivation. They co-created a “motivation package” collectiing shared aspirations such as “making a visible difference at home,” “seeing the change we create,” “engaging citizens,” and “leaving a legacy for future generations.” Above all, they emphasised “the joy of working and learning together.”
With renewed energy, city teams worked with their mentors using creative tools such as “How Might We?” questions to focus challenges, and the “Newspaper of Tomorrow” exercise to imagine bold, positive futures which they presented collectively. The latter was presented at a joyful Vision Fest, — a celebration of ambition, creativity, and belief in what can be achieved together. Deadlines, funding opportunities, and measurable impact matter — but above all, it’s the shared vision of greener, happier, and more inclusive cities that keeps these Pioneers moving forward.
The Journey Continues
Next, the URBACT Pioneers Accelerator heads into a new stage of learning: Thematic Expeditions to EU cities. Thematic Experts will lead study visits to Munich, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Vienna & Zlin, where participants will explore cutting-edge urban practices, discover how ideas turn into reality, and deepen their understanding of implementation pathways.
Stay tuned for the upcoming articles reflecting Pioneers thematic exploration.
