Stop 1: EARTH Stop 1: EARTH

Your Hearth Summit Journey Begins

This year, all roads lead to the HEARTH – and we want to get you excited, spark your curiosity, and start connecting with the community as we approach our global gathering this June in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Your seat around our collective fire is confirmed, and now the global Hearth Summit experience begins!

We will make four stops on our road to the HEARTH – meaning that you will receive four emails of this sort, including this one. Closer to the event, you will also receive separate emails with important technical and logistic information.

These will be short stops with light, informative content for you to enjoy and start getting a sense of what is coming in June.

With no further ado, dobrodošli (welcome) to our:

MYTHS & LEGENDS

There are many myths and legends, but no Slovenian tale would be complete without mentioning its mighty guardian and protector—the Dragon.

Legend tells the story of the Greek hero Jason and the Argonauts, fleeing up the Ljubljanica River after his quest for the Golden Fleece. Suddenly, the dragon rose—scales rippling like bronze, eyes blazing with ancient fire. Its roar shook the air, a challenge to all who dared cross it.

Jason, courageous and steady, faced the beast. Their battle was fierce, a storm of strength and will. But it was Jason’s cunning that won the day. With a final blow, the dragon fell, its spirit transforming the land and woven into the very fabric of the capital city.

Some say the thick winter fog is the dragon’s sleeping breath, rising from beneath Ljubljanski Grad (Ljubljana Castle), where it continues to watch over the city, its bridges, and the people who cherish its legacy.

Today, Ljubljana’s dragon stands atop its iconic Dragon Bridge, wings wide – not as a symbol of fear, but of resilience, connection, and belonging. The dragon reminds us of what happens when we meet challenges with courage and community: we transform and can lead with our heart, breath, and collective fire.

HISTORY

The tale of Jason and the Argonauts is not the only heroic journey tied to Slovenia—the country itself has its own story of resilience and triumph.

Slovenia had been ruled by various empires throughout the centuries: from the mythical Roman Empire, the Habsburgs, and more recently, as part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. But the desire for freedom and independence remained strong in the hearts of the Slovenes as they wished to govern their own land and destiny. 

In the 90s, amidst the uncertainty of a changing world, the Slovenes decided their moment had come. Despite the complications, challenges, and doubts, the people united under a vision of freedom and a yearning for prosperity. In 1991, Slovenia achieved and declared its independence from Yugoslavia, an act that echoed around the world. There were tensions in the early days, but the Slovenes remained resilient, protecting their dream of a free and peaceful country. In 2004, Slovenia strengthened its resilience by fostering closer ties with its neighbors and entering the European Union in its fifth and largest enlargement.

CULTURAL RICHNESS

From generation to generation, Slovenes have told stories, sang songs, and prayed in their own language, passing down their heritage from parents to children.

Long before borders were drawn, the Slovenes spoke an ancestral tongue—one they shared with neighboring tribes. This ancient language, Proto-Slavic, was a unifying melody that connected different peoples across vast lands.

Over time, Slovenes preserved and evolved their own distinct linguistic identity. Proto-Slavic adapted to the rhythms of Slovenian life, giving rise to a unique language deeply rooted in its landscape and traditions.

Today, Slovene stands as one of the few surviving Slavic languages that has retained its complexity and rich historical depth. There are 40 different dialects throughout the country and each of them remains a testament to the resilience of a nation that, despite the passing of empires and shifting borders, has held onto its voice—its most powerful link to the past.

The arts have long played a central role in Slovenia’s cultural and national identity. Literature was instrumental in the country’s path to freedom– so much so that the verses of France Prešeren, Slovenia’s most celebrated poet, now form the lyrics of the national anthem, Zdravljica”—a powerful ode to unity and peace.

Music is another vital part of Slovenian culture connecting past and present, from traditional folk melodies to the distinctive harmonies of Slovenian choral singing, to today’s thriving and diverse music scene featuring classical compositions, jazz festivals, and an emerging indie movement.

In addition, Slovenians have long balanced pragmatism with a love of beauty and artistic expression. This is evident in the works of Jože Plečnik, the visionary architect whose designs have shaped not only Ljubljana’s cityscape but also inspired urban aesthetics in Vienna and Prague. His work in Ljubljana entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “Human Centred Urban Design” including the Triple Bridge, the National and University Library, and the Central Market, all of which blend classical grandeur with functional modernity.

GREEN CAPITAL FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Sustainability is evident in Ljubljana’s and Slovenia’s commitment to energy and waste-management goals, green tourism, and sustainable mobility. Top national priorities include embracing a low-carbon and circular economy via reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and developing sustainable urban systems and mobility.

In recent years, Ljubljana has been celebrated for its cultural scene and leadership in urban sustainability, receiving many renowned titles such as European Best Destination, European Best City Break, European Green Capital, UNESCO City of Literature, and the first capital city with a Zero Waste Goal.

In 2009, Ljubljana introduced Kavalirs (Cavaliers), electric vehicles providing free public transportation within the city’s pedestrian zones. This initiative has significantly improved accessibility for both residents and visitors, particularly benefiting the elderly and individuals with mobility challenges.

At a national level, Slovenia is dedicated to preserving its natural wonders and cultural heritage, leading the way in sustainable tourism through the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism. This initiative offers over 100 certified sustainable experiences as it equips destinations and service providers with tools to assess and improve their sustainability practices, ensuring long-term environmental and cultural preservation.

WHY DOES OUR ROAD TAKE US TO LJUBLJANA?

Slovenia is a country deeply committed to sustainability and inclusivity, integrating these values into every aspect of its society. Its capital, Ljubljana, is renowned as a welcoming and walkable city, offering a harmonious blend of history, nature, and modern innovation.

Through its myths, traditions, history, and artistic expression, Slovenia embodies the spirit of the hearth—a place of gathering, warmth, and renewal. For centuries, people have come together under trees and around fires, sharing stories, wisdom, and a deep connection to the land.

The global Hearth Summit mirrors the legend of Jason and the dragon—a gathering of changemakers who face the challenges of our time, not alone, but together. Here, we honor traditions, reconnect with nature, and create space for renewal. Just as the people of Ljubljana built a thriving city on the dragon’s legacy, this summit calls upon us to build a better world by supporting those who carry the fire of change.

Together, we cultivate a safe and nurturing space where changemakers can recharge, forge deep connections, and draw strength from one another and the land. Like the dragon’s tale, the Hearth Summit reminds us that through courage, connection, and belonging, we can transform chaos into creation—and shape a world rooted in care, resilience, and hope.

Slovenia is a place where you can hear yourself and others, experience art, honor the earth, and practice traditions with the heart.

In the meantime, keep exploring: You’ll HEAR from us in a few weeks.

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Hearth Artist: Cheng Tsung Feng

Hearth Artist: Cheng Tsung Feng

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