Bratislava, February 2024 – UNDP Europe and Central Asia, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, is set to host next week Catalyzing Urban Transformation, a regional forum aimed at advancing urban development through innovative and systemic approaches in cities in the Europe and Central Asia region.
This two-day event, taking place on February 14 and 15 in Bratislava, Slovakia, will bring together policymakers, urban planners, development experts, and private sector stakeholders from across the region.
Through the Slovak Transformation Fund, a program supported by the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, UNDP is actively collaborating with cities in the region in addressing the challenges of urbanization through adopting a portfolio approach to urban development, mitigating investment risks, and developing sustainable pathways to growth.
The conference will showcase the progress and lessons learned from cities involved in the City Experiment Fund (CEF), an integral part of the Slovak Transformation Fund, which has been instrumental in working with cities such as Skopje, Pljevlja, Pristina, Almaty, and Stepanavan to craft innovative visions and systemic approaches for more liveable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments.
“Cities are at the forefront of development challenges – I trust this forum will create a shared understanding of what is needed for the twin transition and a call to action to unlock the financing needed, especially for tertiary and intermediary cities,” said Lejla Sadiku, Team Leader for Innovation, UNDP Europe and Central Asia. “This conference also provides a unique platform to explore progress on urban transformation in the region, highlight valuable best practices, and explore new collaboration opportunities to shape sustainable urban futures for the region.”
Moreover, the forum will feature discussions on systemic approaches to urban challenges and opportunities, strategies to accelerate access to finance for urban development projects, and the reinforcement and expansion of partnerships with regional actors and stakeholders.
As cities grapple with various global challenges and crises, the upcoming forum in Bratislava serves as a timely opportunity to continue amplifying efforts to accelerate urban transformation in the region and beyond.
To learn more about the forum, see the full agenda.
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