1st Stakeholder meeting held in Slovenia by Municipality of Sevnica

1. Overview

On 29 September 2025, the Municipality of Sevnica hosted a stakeholder meeting as part of the ELEVATE project. The event, held in the Sevnica Cultural Hall, was one in a series of local workshops aimed at strengthening community engagement and promoting cooperation among public institutions, professionals, civil society, and citizens. The meeting addressed the themes of intergenerational cooperation and long-term care, both recognized as crucial for building inclusive and resilient communities.

2. Objectives

The workshop was organized under Activity of the ELEVATE project, which focuses on events, trainings, and community building with cross-sectoral stakeholders. Its purpose was to provide a platform for open dialogue and knowledge exchange between experts, practitioners, and local actors from different fields. By engaging representatives of various sectors, the Municipality of Sevnica sought to enhance community resilience, encourage sustainable development, and contribute to the project’s broader goals of inclusive governance and social cohesion.

3. Agenda and Process

The meeting opened with a presentation of the ELEVATE project, introducing its main objectives, activities, and current progress. Participants were familiarized with the concept of multi-level governance and its role in promoting participatory decision-making and intergenerational solidarity. The municipality also presented one good practice that had inspired its involvement in the project, showcasing examples of cooperation between local stakeholders in similar European settings.

Following the introductory presentations, participants discussed the specific needs of the local community and shared reflections on existing challenges related to long-term care and the inclusion of elderly residents. The meeting also introduced the idea of developing local action plans and community consultations, inviting participants to take part in shaping future project activities and pilot initiatives.

4. Discussion Highlights

The workshop featured a participatory discussion where attendees were encouraged to express their views on intergenerational cooperation and social inclusion. Participants responded to several guiding questions: how interested they are in participating in intergenerational activities; what types of activities they would like to do with children or younger generations; whether they enjoy sharing personal experiences and life stories; and whether they would be interested in learning from younger people, for example by improving their digital skills. They also reflected on what motivates them to participate in such activities and what possible barriers might discourage participation.

These discussions provided valuable insights into the needs, interests, and motivations of Sevnica’s residents. They also helped to identify themes that could guide the municipality’s future community-based activities within the ELEVATE framework.

5. Local Context

Alongside the main discussions, the meeting included a presentation on the topic of long-term care. This part of the event attracted both professionals and interested citizens, who received an informative booklet prepared by the Institute participating in the project. The debate highlighted that long-term care is a topic of broad social importance, relevant not only to older adults but to all residents. It is closely connected to the goals of the ELEVATE project, which seeks to encourage intergenerational understanding and to support local communities in developing inclusive services that ensure a dignified life for all, regardless of age or ability.

6. Outcomes and Next Steps

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue collaboration and dialogue. Participants expressed strong interest in taking part in upcoming workshops and consultations. Several ideas were proposed for future activities, including initiatives promoting intergenerational learning, social inclusion, and local support networks.

The Municipality of Sevnica plans to organize additional thematic events and workshops in 2026 in cooperation with project partners, professionals, and local organizations. The findings and feedback from the September meeting will feed into the project’s ongoing stakeholder mapping and the preparation of local action plans supporting inclusive territorial development.

7. Conclusion

The stakeholder meeting in Sevnica successfully brought together representatives from different sectors and generations, creating a meaningful platform for exchanging experiences, identifying community needs, and strengthening local cooperation. By focusing on intergenerational solidarity and long-term care, the event reaffirmed Sevnica’s commitment to fostering inclusion, social participation, and sustainable local development. The Municipality will continue to build on these discussions to develop actions that enhance the wellbeing of all residents and contribute to the overarching goals of the ELEVATE project.