Dr. Andreja Kutnar signed the declaration in support of establishing the International day of Living with wood

Dr. Andreja Kutnar, department chair of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, signed the Declaration as part of the first public presentation of the Manifesto and initiative for the establishment of the International Day of Living with wood, which proposes 7 November as a global day dedicated to promoting a culture of living with wood. The signing ceremony was held on 12 May 2026 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The initiative promotes wood as one of the key natural materials for living environments and as a foundation for more sustainable, healthy and responsible spatial development. It brings together individuals, experts, institutions, companies and communities in a shared reflection on architecture, design and the cultural role of wood in everyday life.

At the core of the initiative is the understanding that wood is not only a raw material, construction material, or industrial opportunity, but also part of a broader culture of living, coexistence with nature and sustainable development. Its value reflects in technical, aesthetic, psychological, sensory, biophilic, social and environmental dimensions, influencing well-being, perception of space and quality of everyday life.

The International Day of Living with wood aims to encourage dialogue on the role of wood in shaping living environments, from architecture and interior design to public spaces and everyday objects, while highlighting its contribution to well-being, sustainability and responsible resource use. The initiative also complements existing international observances dedicated to forests and wood by introducing an additional focus on the human experience of living with wood and the quality of living environments.

InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM as part of University of Primorska is among the founding academic partners who supports this initiative. Other founding signatories include representatives of academia, industry, public institutions, and the Slovenian wood sector.

The celebratory event took place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia in Ljubljana, during the exhibition event Living with Wood: From Forest to Home. Wood as a Reflection of Development and Quality of Living, led by SLOWOODLIFE, d. o. o. The event coincided with the 175th anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and brought together representatives of institutions, companies, designers, architects and researchers committed to promoting responsible spatial design and the use of natural materials in contemporary living environments.