Announcement 22 June 2026 Slovenian Railways planted a solar future in 14 municipalities

In a significant move toward environmental sustainability and community engagement, Slovenske železnice (Slovenian railways) have launched their second consecutive year of the "Sejemo sončno prihodnost" (We Sow a Sunny Future) initiative. This nationwide project has seen sunflowers planted in nearly all 14 Slovenian municipalities where the railway company operates, including notable locations such as Dravograd and Velenje. The campaign aims to promote sustainable mobility while fostering closer ties between local communities and the environment.

The initiative began symbolically on World Bee Day, with the first planting taking place in Domžale, Grosuplje, and Ivančna Gorica. Over the following weeks, the campaign expanded to eleven additional towns, including Sevnica, Laško, Divača, Šmartno ob Peki, Celje, Kočevje, Medvode, Ljubljana (Dolgi most), Dravograd, Velenje, and Ormož (Osluševci). Each location hosted special events aimed at connecting generations—from young children in kindergartens and schools to representatives of local governments, beekeepers, athletes, and members of local associations. Cultural performances, music, and creative workshops were organized to highlight the importance of nature, pollinators, and sustainable development.

Local officials emphasized that even small steps can lead to more responsible behavior towards the environment. They noted that symbolic gestures can serve as examples of how to interact with nature and the spaces we live in. In several towns, the campaign coincided with important historical milestones related to rail transport. For instance, in Divača, the project was linked to the 150th anniversary of the Istrian railway line, while in Celje, it marked the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the first train in Slovenia. In Ormož, the campaign celebrated the centenary of the Osluševci railway station. These anniversaries reaffirmed the role of the railway as a connector of people, places, and values—both historically and in the present day.

Sunflowers were chosen not by chance but because they contribute significantly to preserving biodiversity. As nectar-producing plants, they support pollinators and thus play a crucial ecological role. Their vibrant yellow color brings optimism and warmth into public spaces, enhancing views from train windows. Moreover, the sunflower's symbolism aligns well with the campaign’s message of growth, unity, and shared progress toward a better future. The bright hue also mirrors the colors of the coat of arms of the City of Velenje, which features green and yellow tones.

The campaign received international recognition, winning the Best Green Campaign award in Europe within the framework of the European Travel Commission – Rail Tourism Awards 2025. This acknowledgment highlights the innovative approach taken by Slovenske železnice in promoting eco-friendly communication rather than traditional advertising methods. Instead of relying on large billboards, the railway company uses natural elements to convey its message, emphasizing intergenerational cooperation, environmental care, and the preservation of biological diversity.

Community involvement was central to the success of the initiative. In Dravograd, the planting took place at a strategic location where three valleys meet—the Mežiška, Dravska, and Mislinjska valleys. The sunflowers will bloom along the internationally visited cycling path Štrekna, making the project highly visible. Local schoolchildren, beekeepers, and municipal representatives participated in the planting, underscoring the collaborative spirit behind the campaign. The mayor of Dravograd, Anton Preksavec, highlighted the town's commitment to sustainable mobility, mentioning ongoing projects such as the promotion of cycling, electric bike rentals, and free transportation services with electric buses.

In Velenje, the project continued for the second year in a row, with the planting site located near the Šaleška road. Visitors to Velenje will see the sunflowers just before the bus station, which falls under the Nomago group, part of the Slovenian railway network. The event included participation from students of the Primary School Antona Aškerca Velenje, who performed cultural acts and engaged in creative activities. The mayor of Velenje expressed enthusiasm about the alignment of the sunflower's color with the city's emblem, reinforcing the connection between the campaign and local identity.

Support for the initiative came from prominent Slovenian sports figures and ambassadors of sustainability, including elite athlete Maruša Mišmaš Zrimšek, chess grandmaster Laura Unuk, top gymnast Mitja Petkovšek, former alpine skier and successful entrepreneur Ana Drev, young footballers from NK Celje, young handball players from RK Sevnica, judoka Maruša Štangar, Olympic medalist and former handball player Matevž Skok, and hockey players from HK Olimpija Ljubljana. Their presence underscored the importance of movement and coexistence with nature, encouraging broader communities to adopt more sustainable practices. Their unified message was clear: the future is built together, through example and action.

The campaign not only beautifies the landscape but also encourages reflection on sustainable mobility. Participants often emphasized the significance of public transport, highlighting the benefits of trains in terms of time efficiency and reduced environmental impact. As the sunflowers bloom this summer along the tracks, they will serve as a living reminder that sustainability is not merely a concept but a way of thinking and acting. Through the combined efforts of local communities, organizations, and individuals, the project demonstrates that even small actions can lead to substantial change.