In October 2024, RESDI co-hosted a regional roundtable discussion in Košice in cooperation with the municipality of Košice–Luník IX and the Slovak Climate Coalition. The event convened stakeholders from the public sector, private companies, and civil society to address persistent social and environmental challenges in Luník IX—with a shared focus on long-term, inclusive, and sustainable development.
The meeting took place at Ľudmila Podjavorinská Primary School, a key community institution located directly within the district.
Purpose of the Roundtable
The roundtable was part of RESDI’s ongoing engagement in Luník IX and aimed to:
- Present current strategic and technical initiatives led in partnership with local leadership
- Facilitate multi-sector dialogue on shared priorities for the district
- Prepare the ground for launching a community-based social enterprise to serve Luník IX
Highlights and Contributions
Strategic Development Priorities for Luník IX
Policy advisor Anton Marcinčin introduced a draft framework of Development Priorities for Luník IX, focused on actionable interventions in areas such as housing, employment, public services, and environmental restoration. Central to the strategy is the planned establishment of a community-based social enterprise, designed to deliver services for the local municipality while creating opportunities for long-term unemployed residents.
Institutional and Private Sector Engagement
Participants included representatives from Slovenská sporiteľňa (the country’s largest bank), Tesco, the Alliance for Social Economy, regional self-governing bodies, and other relevant institutions. Discussions emphasized the need for long-term cooperation, sustainable financing, and the inclusion of marginalized communities in development processes.
Key Outcomes
- The roundtable highlighted broad stakeholder support for targeted, community-based interventions in Luník IX
- Participants expressed interest in developing structured, recurring partnerships for urban inclusion and sustainability
- RESDI committed to continuing facilitation of this process by organizing regular roundtables, aimed at building an integrated approach to development and investment in the district
Acknowledgments
We thank all partners and participants for their contributions—especially Mayor Marcel Šaňa for his leadership and commitment to improving conditions in Luník IX. We also express our appreciation to Slovenská sporiteľňa, Tesco, and the Alliance for Social Economy for their engagement and willingness to support innovative, community-driven solutions.
Stay connected for further updates as we work toward a more inclusive and sustainable future for Luník IX.