On Wednesday, 4th December, the NONA project (Interreg Danube Region) and the BauNow project (Interreg Euro-MED) joined forces in Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia, for the conference Investments in the Green Transition in Remote Industrial Regions. The event brought together key local, regional, and national stakeholders to explore sustainable development opportunities in industrial and rural areas. Through expert panels, best practice presentations, and site visits, participants exchanged knowledge on green investments, cultural heritage revitalisation, and urban transformation.
Held at the newly opened KoRa Multigenerational Centre—an exemplary case of sustainable revitalisation—the venue itself embodied the themes of the event. Once an abandoned castle, KoRa now integrates a restored historic structure with a sustainably built modern extension, offering a powerful symbol of combining heritage with forward-looking design.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Blaž Barborič (Geodetic Institute of Slovenia), Mateja Softić (ISKRIVA Institute), and Dr Tomaž Rožen (Mayor of Ravne na Koroškem). Alexander Wetzig (HfG Ulm and former Deputy Mayor of Ulm) presented the city’s long-term urban transformation strategy, highlighting the evolution of planning objectives and the coordination between politics, administration, and the public.
Barbara Černič (Geodetic Institute of Slovenia) addressed the role of green investments in circular space management, while Katarina Kuk showcased a participatory planning approach through a case study of the Stolpniška neighbourhood. Kristijan Plesnik (SIJ Metal Ravne) presented the company’s ESG-aligned sustainability strategy, and Dr Karla Oder (Carinthian Regional Museum) highlighted the role of industrial heritage in the town’s sustainable future. Barbara Teršek (NLB Bank) discussed how ESG directives are reshaping the financial sector to support green investments.
A key moment of the event was the panel discussion Investing in Sustainable Regions – From Visions to Reality, moderated by Zdravko Kozinc (ISKRIVA Institute), where stakeholders from municipalities, industry, culture, finance, and regional development shared insights on enabling green transitions in remote areas.
Organised in cooperation with the New European Bauhaus on the Danube network, the conference was part of the Future Works! programme and contributes to the broader revitalisation efforts of the Old Ironworks Museum Area in Ravne na Koroškem.
