FORCEP - Meeting in Novo Mesto
The FORCEP project, under Project No: 101054252-CERV-2021-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT, held a significant meeting in Slovenia from January 16th to 18th, 2023
This meeting brought together various stakeholders to collaborate and share best practices aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, addressing unemployment, and empowering socially excluded groups. The venue for this meeting was the Municipality of Novo mesto and other associated locations, with participants accommodated at the Hotel and Apartments Ravbar.
On January 16th, participants arrived throughout the day and checked into their accommodations. The day concluded with a welcome dinner at Gostišče Loka, setting an informal tone for networking and initial interactions among the attendees. This dinner was crucial for fostering a sense of community and easing participants into the collaborative spirit of the meeting.
The official proceedings commenced on January 17th with a morning session at the Municipality of Novo mesto’s City Hall. The initial segment included welcome speeches and a short presentation of the FORCEP project, providing a comprehensive overview of the project’s goals, timeline, and key milestones. A notable presentation on Novo mesto's Sustainable Urban-Development Strategy, titled “City of History and Future,” highlighted the city's developmental vision, integrating historical preservation with future growth.
Following the morning session, participants walked to the Development and Education Centre Novo mesto (RIC NM). This journey not only facilitated a brief exploration of the city but also symbolized the transition from theoretical discussions to practical insights. At RIC NM, a study visit focused on sharing good practices in combating unemployment and empowering socially excluded groups. This session was instrumental in providing actionable insights and real-world examples relevant to the project's objectives.
After a networking lunch at Gostilnica Barba, the participants proceeded to the Development Centre Novo mesto: Business Incubator Podbreznik and Europe Direct Point. Here, sessions were conducted on EU policies and programs related to environmental protection and the green labor market, including a presentation on LabTop. These discussions underscored the importance of integrating sustainability with economic development and provided innovative approaches to fostering green entrepreneurship.
The afternoon concluded with a return to the city center and a walking tour of Novo mesto’s Old Town. This tour offered participants a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural and historical context, enhancing their appreciation of the local environment. The day ended with another dinner at Gostišče Loka, providing further opportunities for reflection and informal exchanges.
On January 18th, participants had breakfast at their hotel before checking out and preparing for departure. This final morning allowed participants to consolidate their learnings and network further before leaving Novo mesto.
The FORCEP meeting in Slovenia was a pivotal event that facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices among European partners. Through presentations, study visits, and interactive sessions, participants gained valuable insights into sustainable urban development, strategies for reducing unemployment, and methods for empowering marginalized communities. The event not only advanced the objectives of the FORCEP project but also strengthened the collaborative network among European municipalities and organizations committed to fostering social innovation and cohesion.
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