UL and MOL consolidating cooperation for a sustainable, creative and inclusive future of the city

One such initiative is the Saturday science and art stand in front of Ljubljana Town Hall. Launched in April, it offers the public an engaging look into the research and artistic work of the UL member faculties, enabling scientists, artists and the city’s residents and visitors to establish direct contacts.

In the field of culture and the arts, the UL collaborated with MOL to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (UL ALUO) during the June in Ljubljana festival. The celebration brought art closer to the general public and underscored UL ALUO's role as one of the central institutions shaping Slovenia’s artistic landscape. Students from the UL ALUO showcased their works at a fair in Park Zvezda.

Both the UL and MOL are also committed to raising awareness of nature conservation. On the International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated on 22 May, the UL partnered with MOL’s RaznoŽivo biodiversity festival to host a free screening of the documentary Wild Slovenia (Divja Slovenija) at the cinema of the UL Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television (UL AGRFT). The screening was followed by a roundtable discussion on the role of nature documentaries in fostering public awareness of the need to protect the natural environment. Further collaborative efforts are planned for September. In cooperation with the UL Botanical Garden, native vegetation will be planted on Ljubljana Passenger Transport (LPP) bus shelters at the Ljubljana Zoo as part of the project “University of Ljubljana for a Sustainable Society – ULTRA”. This greening initiative will add new micro-green spaces across the city, creating alternative habitats for endangered plant species and feeding grounds for pollinators.

The cooperation between the UL and MOL also extends to the preparation of orientation signage for the UL faculties and academies, involvement in the activities of the Rog Centre, the development of a conceptual project promoting the coexistence of senior citizens and students, participation in the Bobri (Beavers) Festival, and the expansion of benefits for the UL alumni.

“We are pleased that the City of Ljubljana recognises the University as a key co-creator of knowledge, art and innovation. In an era of global challenges, such as climate change, growing social divides and rising distrust of science, cooperation between academia and the city is more vital than ever. Together, we can build a city where science is not distant, but vibrant, present and accessible, and where art is not a privilege, but a natural part of everyday life,” said the UL Rector Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič.

Mayor Zoran Janković also emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating: “Ljubljana is a university city, and we are proud of that. Each year, we welcome young people from across Slovenia and abroad who choose our city to pursue their studies. We are committed to ensuring they have a safe and welcoming environment, where they can enjoy student life while learning and acquiring new skills. In doing so, they grow into responsible young individuals, prepared to face life’s many challenges on their way to achieving their dreams. I believe young people best embody the spirit of our city – living together and embracing diversity.”

The collaboration between the MOL and UL continues to serve as a model of integrating knowledge, creativity and responsibility towards a shared environment. Together, we are building a city that fosters innovation, engages all generations, and strives for a sustainable future.