Climate Change Adaptation: From Strategies to Action

📅 7–8 October 2026
📍 Maribor, Slovenia

Organised by:
Regional Development Agency (RRA) Podravje – Maribor, in partnership with the Assembly of European Regions (AER), the Municipality of Maribor, Energap (Energy and Climate Agency for Podravje), and the Slovenian Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development

About the Conference

Climate change is no longer a challenge of the future—it is shaping our regions today. Across Europe, communities are facing more frequent heatwaves, floods, droughts, storms and other climate-related impacts that demand immediate and coordinated action.

The International Climate Conference 2026 will bring together policymakers, regional authorities, researchers, businesses and civil society from across Europe to explore how climate adaptation can move from strategy to implementation. Through inspiring keynote speakers, practical examples and interactive discussions, participants will exchange knowledge, showcase successful initiatives and identify new opportunities for cooperation.

The conference will place a particular spotlight on the Podravje Region and its efforts to strengthen climate resilience through innovative governance, nature-based solutions, regional cooperation and European projects. Participants will discover how local and regional actors are translating climate policies into concrete actions while exploring financing opportunities and partnerships that can support adaptation across Europe.

Beyond knowledge sharing, the conference is designed to foster meaningful dialogue, build new partnerships and inspire collaborative solutions that strengthen the resilience of Europe’s regions.

A Study Visit Opportunity for European Regions

The conference will serve as a study visit opportunity for members of the Assembly of European Regions (AER).

Participants will learn first-hand about the Podravje Region’s approach to climate resilience and adaptation, discover successful practices developed through European cooperation projects, and exchange experiences with fellow regional authorities from across Europe.

The event offers a valuable platform to strengthen interregional cooperation, identify transferable solutions and develop new partnerships for future European initiatives.

Conference Objectives

The conference aims to provide a professional platform for knowledge exchange, networking and cooperation while accelerating the transition from climate adaptation strategies to concrete action.

The conference will:

• Support the implementation of Slovenian and European climate adaptation policies.
• Connect science, policymaking and practical implementation.
• Promote innovative and nature-based solutions.
• Strengthen cooperation between municipalities, regions, businesses and research institutions.
• Present successful adaptation practices and transferable models.
• Explore financing mechanisms for climate adaptation investments.
• Foster new European partnerships and collaborative projects.
• Increase the international visibility of Maribor and the Podravje Region as a centre for climate resilience.

Who Should Attend?

The conference is intended for:

• National, regional and local policymakers
• Municipalities and regional development agencies
• Researchers and universities
• Environmental and climate experts
• Businesses and innovation organisations
• NGOs and civil society organisations
• European institutions and project partners
• Students and professionals working in sustainability, climate adaptation and regional development

Registration

Registration will open soon.