What makes a city truly livable and sustainable?
On the afternoon of September 19, the heart of Pécs buzzed with ideas and inspiration as the Learning City Festival welcomed its participants. Our Pécs Group 1 and Pécs Group 3 were also there to explore what makes a city more than just a place to live—how it can become a real, livable, and sustainable home.
The afternoon began with the PécsPITCH roundtable discussion, moderated by Dr. Balázs Pankász, where experts shared their insights. They made it clear that a city’s beauty is not merely in its tidy streets or modern buildings. The real secret lies in whether its residents feel connected to their surroundings. Energy efficiency, smart transportation, preservation of green spaces, and community responsibility—these are all key elements that together create the harmony that makes urban life truly enjoyable in the long run.
The experts emphasized that the cities of the future cannot exist without addressing technological, environmental, and social issues simultaneously. Through inspiring examples, they demonstrated how citizens can play an active role—whether through conscious energy use, community gardening, or choosing sustainable forms of transportation.
Following the thought-provoking discussion, a quiz game lifted the mood, and then we explored the exhibition stands. We learned about the beneficial effects of medicinal plants, planted our own seedlings to take home, and enjoyed the growing sense of community among the participants. The day was crowned by a concert by the Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra, a true musical journey that provided a perfect conclusion to a rich and inspiring afternoon. And of course, ice cream was the sweet finale—what better way to end a late summer day?
The festival’s message was clear: a city doesn’t become sustainable on its own—it does so because of us, the people who live in it and make daily choices that shape its future. And if we are willing to change, the city can grow and evolve with us. Pécs set an example: the city of the future is not something to dream about—it’s something we must create together.
Pécs Group 1, Pécs Group 3
