ITF at Bled Strategic Forum 2017

11/09/2017

The foreign policy event took place on 4 and 5 of September in Bled, Slovenia.

Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), the two-day foreign policy event organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia and the Centre for European Perspective, took place on 4 and 5 September 2017 in Bled, Slovenia. The overarching theme ‘New Reality’ addressed the issues of technology and the new societal and economic changes happening in the world.

ITF always keeps itself busy at BSF. Although it is hectic, it is always exciting to jump between meetings and panels. During the conference, we met with a number of our partners, with whom we discussed the results and further prospects of our cooperation. We also met with prospective associates, to whom we presented ITF activities and projects. We met with Mr Salah Abdel Shafi, Ambassador of Palestine, Mr Taeho Choi, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Mr Jacek Bylica, EEAS Non-proliferation & Disarmament Envoy, Ms Gabriella Vogelaar, Project Manager WOSCAP and Regional Coordinator for Europe at Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, Ms Isabelle Poupart, Ambassador of Canada, and other old friends and colleagues.

The first day also welcomed a number of high-ranking politicians and leaders, including Mr Borut Pahor, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Miro Cerar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, and Mr Karl Erjavec, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Slovenia. The keynote address was delivered by Ms Federica Mogherini, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who emphasised the importance of peace as a sign of strength. A number of panels and compelling discussions on different topics ensued, such as nuclear security, water security, the future of EU integration and the situation in South East Europe. Mr Zeid Raad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also addressed the conference participants, and shed light on several human rights issues across the world.

BSF continues to be an insightful event, full of meaningful discussions and new acquaintances. We are already looking forward to the 2018 edition.