The 12th International Africa Day Conference in Brdo pri Kranju's theme, "Africa and Europe: Climate Security for the Future - Global Issues, Local Action," was launched by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon.
More than 350 individuals from Africa and Slovenia will attend the two-day conference, which will include a robust cultural programme in addition to political and economic debates.
In her opening remarks, Minister Fajon emphasised the disastrous consequences of the climate crisis and called for immediate action: "If any issue can be referred to as a global problem, it is without a doubt the ramifications of climate change, which render us all little and defenceless. Alliances can be strengthened or new ones might be formed in response to climate change. Due to its small size, Slovenia must establish international alliances and focus its foreign policy on respect and unity.
In her remarks, Minister Fajon also emphasised the need of partnership-based information, technology, and innovation transfer in the fight against climate change, as well as the necessity of integrating women and young people in policy-making and climate action.
"Young people are the backbone of our society; they are growing in number, and they all deserve to live in prosperity and dignity. If we cannot promise this, they will be compelled to go elsewhere for a brighter future," she added.
In a panel of leaders that followed the opening comments, Minister Fajon took part alongside the foreign ministers of Malawi, Rwanda, Cape Verde, and Comoros. Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, Vincent Biruta, and the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Rwanda were the panellists. Dhoihir Dhoulkamal is the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Comoros.
They looked at effective global climate finance models, climate justice, and regional and local responses to specific environmental concerns. Through a video link, John F. Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Action, joined the attendees.
According to Minister Fajon, cooperation is essential for the preservation of natural resources: "I frequently use the term water diplomacy - because by managing water peacefully and sustainably, together, across borders, we can also better manage conflicts and violence and protect the well-being of our citizens."
In her statement to the media, Minister Fajon said, "Of course, the meeting with our African colleagues is also an opportunity for them to come to know Slovenia as a green nation, a trusted partner, caring about poverty, energy and food security, peace, and devoted to ending conflicts and wars."
Following this was a panel discussion on the UN Security Council's (UNSC) responsibility in addressing climate change. The experts on the panel agreed that the Security Council should frequently talk about climate change. Additionally, they promoted the active involvement of regional organisations that are most familiar with the particular problems and challenges of the local populace, such as the African Union.
Both Jutta Urpilainen, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and Nataa Pirc Musar, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, who is now the conference's patron, addressed via video link. The conference is funded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and is organised by the Bled Strategic Forum in collaboration with Chatham House and the European Commission.
The Novi trg in Ljubljana will feature a varied cultural programme that will end with a performance by Ghanaian singer-songwriter Wiyalla, accompanied by Slovenian musicians, following the conference's political and economic sessions.
