Bled Strategic Forum 2019
2 – 3 September 2019, Bled, Slovenia
The availability, geographical distribution and allocation of strategic resources (natural, capital, human, etc.) greatly influence relations between different actors and are among the main determinants of stability in the international order.
Humans are living longer, wealthier and better lives than ever. However, growth, wealth and well-being come at a price. The sources of global instability have become more complex, dispersed and unpredictable.
The effective management of strategic resources maintains stability, reduces security risks and improves living standards, while uneven and unjust distribution leads to inequality and a concentration of resources in centres of power. Globalisation has not only polarised society, but also led to the rise of non-state actors, including international corporations. At the peak of human development, the West is now faced with the challenge of maintaining economic growth, preserving the welfare state and securing key democratic decision-making tools. Furthermore, citizens’ alienation from institutions, distrust in governing structures and the unfair distribution of resources strengthen nationalist and populist movements and rhetoric.
The battle for (re)sources has only just begun. What are the (re)sources of (in)stability regarding peace and security, sustainable development and economic progress?
Monday, 2 September
Opening of the 2019 BSF
14.00–14.30
@Bled Festival Hall
Welcome address: H.E. Dr Miro Cerar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
Address by: H.E. Mr Marjan Šarec, Prime Minister of Slovenia
Keynote Address: H.E. Ms María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly
Chaired by: Mr Peter Grk, Secretary-General of Bled Strategic Forum, Slovenia
Conversation with Presidents
14.30–15.15
@Bled Festival Hall
Speakers:
• H.E. Ms Kersti Kaljulaid, President of Estonia
• H.E. Mr Borut Pahor, President of Slovenia
Moderator: Mr Ali Aslan, Journalist and TV Presenter, Germany
Multilateralism at Crossroads
15.15–16.15
@Bled Festival Hall
Speakers:
• H.E. Ms María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly
• H.E. Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation of Spain
• H.E. Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey
• H.E. Dr Miro Cerar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
Moderator: Mr Ali Aslan, Journalist and TV Presenter, Germany
Presentation of the BSF Distinguished Partner 2019 Award
17.05–17.15
@Bled Festival Hall
Presenters:
• Ambassador Iztok Mirošič, Ambassador-at-Large / Special Envoy of the Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Slovenia
• Ms Alenka Bratušek, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure of Slovenia
• Prof Enrico Letta, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po Paris, France
Winning the ’20s: A Leadership Agenda for the Next Decade
16.30–17.00
@Bled Festival Hall
Speaker:
• Mr Martin Reeves, BCG Managing Director and Senior Partner, Global Director of the BCG Henderson Institute, United States
Let’s Talk About Sustainability
17.15–18.15
@Bled Festival Hall
Keynote Speaker:
• Prof Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, United States
Speakers:
• Dr Andrea Illy, Chairman, illycaffè S.p.A., Italy
• Dr Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, UNEP International Resource Panel
• Prof Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, United States
Moderator: Ms Ladeja Godina Košir, Founder and Director Circular Change, Ljubljana, and Chair of CG ECESP, Brussels
The (Soft) Power of Creativity: The Entertainment Industry in International Relations
18.30-19.30
@Bled Festival Hall
Speakers:
• Mr Sebastian Cavazza, Actor, Slovenia
• Ms Katarina Čas, Actress, Slovenia
• Prof Bill Elliott, Professor of Contemporary Writing and Production, Berklee College of Music, United States
• Prof Zlatko Šabič, Professor of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Moderator: Mr Žiga Pirnat, Bled Strategic Forum Creative Director, Slovenia
Soft power – the ability to influence the behaviour of stakeholders in the international community and achieve one’s foreign policy goals through means other than coercion – has undergone a substantial shift in the last two decades. With rapid digitalisation, new media, and countless disruptive innovations, the arts and entertainment industries as the principal components of soft power have undergone extensive transformation, becoming even more critical for cultural diplomacy in shaping the modern world.
Musicians, actors, writers, poets and other “creative influencers” represent cultural values and political ideologies. They can reach far beyond the prescribed formats of political meetings and communications, and interact directly with the target audience. Therefore, they have often been involved in foreign policy initiatives to reinforce national interests abroad. Moreover, the last few decades have seen increased awareness and endeavours by artists and other public figures to influence policies at both the national and international level, on a predominantly humanitarian note.
How can artists in the entertainment industry influence national and global affairs in a world of social media interactions and increasing populism? Do they have an obligation to take a stand on critical issues and use their reputation and influence to shape public opinion and political/civic engagement?
Night Owl Session – Who owns the future? A Gallery Walk of Resilience and Inclusiveness
In partnership with Global Diplomacy Lab.
22.00-00.00
@Grand Hotel Toplice, Lake Lounge
Contributers:
• Ms Cecilia Barja, Community Organizer and Writer, Bolivia
• Ms ElsaMarie DSilva, Founder and CEO, Red Dot Foundation, India
• Ms Elizabeth Maloba, Change and Growth Facilitator and EAC Member, Global Diplomacy Lab, Kenya
• Young BSF Representative: Ms Lilla Judit Bartuszek, Relations Officer, V4SDG, Hungary
• Young BSF Representative: Mr Ivan Nikolovski, Junior Researcher, Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis”, North Macedonia
Gender inequality and climate change are two critical contemporary concerns. In a democracy, how can we address these concerns in an inclusive manner to create resilient systems? Women are not only a resource; if provided the right platform, they can be valuable agents of stability. And yet, more often than not, they are excluded from the planning process and leadership. By making linkages we can help policy makers think through these complex problems in a holistic manner and put “gender on the agenda”.
Tuesday, 3 September
NATO: What’s Next? – Views on Euro-Atlantic Security 70 Years after the Washington Treaty
In partnership with Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia.
9.00–10.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Arnold I Hall
Keynote Speaker:
• Mr Karl Erjavec, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Slovenia
Speakers:
• Dr Damir Črnčec, State Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister of Slovenia
• Mr Sven Sakkov, Director, International Centre for Defence and Security, Estonia
• Mr Pedro Serrano, Deputy Secretary General for CSDP and Crisis Response, European External Action Service
• Ms Radmila Shekerinska, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of North Macedonia
• Mr Róbert Vass, President, GLOBSEC, Slovakia
• Mr Scott M. Weber, President, Interpeace
• Young BSF Representative: Mr Emir Hasanović, Program Development Officer, Chemonics, North Macedonia
Moderator: Ambassador Jelko Kacin, Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Security Policies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Slovenia
More than seven decades ago, countries on both sides of the Atlantic committed themselves to fostering the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations, to eliminating conflict in their international economic policies and encouraging economic collaboration.
During these 70 years, NATO experienced many changes in the international politico-security landscape. From the aftermath of WWII and the rebuilding of Europe, the 9/11 attacks, through to contemporary crisis management operations and cyber defence, NATO, with the transatlantic bond at its core, has been able to respond and adapt, thus becoming the most successful alliance in history.
Despite these changes, the Alliance’s purpose and raison d’etre remains to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members. Alongside defence and deterrence in the strict military terms, NATO has set up a spectrum of activities, such as fighting terrorism, promoting stability in its neighbourhood, preventing piracy and helping to address the refugee and migrant crisis in Europe. Through its consultation and cooperation mechanisms, the Alliance strives to promote democratic values, build trust and thus prevent conflict.
The 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty is a good time to look back on the path travelled and on the future of the Alliance.
Are we making the most of NATO’s resources? Is the current ‘It’s all about the money!’ mantra simply a public diplomacy problem? By boosting NATO’s hard power while responding to the changed situation, is there a game plan for the future, bearing in mind the senselessness of yet another arms race? What, if anything, does rising NATO scepticism in some circles mean for the Alliance’s future?
(Re)sources on the Move
9.00–10.30 (Re)sources on the Move
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Arnold II Hall
Speakers:
• H.E. The Honourable Carmelo Abela, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion of Malta
• Ms Nina Gregori, Executive Director, European Asylum Support Office
• Ms Shada Islam, Director for Europe and Geopolitics, Friends of Europe, Belgium
• Dr Karin Kneissl, Independent Analyst, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria
• His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Prefect, Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Vatican
• Dr Matteo Villa, Research Fellow, Italian Institute for International Political Studies, Italy
• Young BSF Representative: Ms Amélie Jaques-Apke, Head, Franco-German Department, EuropaNova, France
Keynote Listener:
• Mr Martijn Pluim, Director of Migration Dialogues and Cooperation, International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Austria
Moderator: Ms Camino Mortera-Martinez, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for European Reform, Belgium
Migration is the mainstay of human history. Due to need or desire, people have always been on the move. Migration has shaped every nation. When regulated and safe, it is beneficial to all. When well integrated, migrants bring diversity, fresh energy, innovation and dynamism. They form an integral part of well-functioning economies in the receiving countries; through remittances, they contribute to the development of their countries of origin (globally, remittances amount to three times the total sum of development aid). How should governments adapt their migration policies to their labour market needs, and how should they regulate migration?
Our globalised world is being transformed by the fourth industrial revolution, which is no longer about cost efficiency, economies of scale or the size of the economy. The most precious resource of the future is talent. Due to demographic challenges, Europe will need to keep importing talent to stay in the lead of the innovation game.
With their burgeoning population, developing countries have plentiful talent, which can be used to jumpstart their development and leapfrog to the latest advancements; or they can benefit from exporting their talent to developed countries, thus profiting from remittances and from the eventual return of experienced labour. However, if migration is a form of brain drain, leaving countries without talent, these can suffer severe development setbacks. Where is the balance of labour migration that benefits all?
Protectionism as a Source of Global Instability
9.00–10.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Zrak Hall
Speakers:
• Mr Lawrence Agyinsam, CEO, Ghana Export-Import Bank, Ghana
• Ms Sandra Gallina, Deputy Director General, DG Trade, European Commission
• Ambassador Ulrik Knudsen, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD
• Dr Rem Korteweg, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute, The Netherlands
• Dr Mojmir Mrak, Professor, School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Mr Timothy Yeend, Principal Adviser to the DG and Chef de Cabinet, WTO
Moderator: Mr Guy De Launey, Correspondent and Presenter at BBC News and Monocle, United Kingdom
Free trade has not been such a hot political topic for many years. After decades of making rules to liberalise trade, we are facing a retreat into protectionism. We are witnessing increased international confrontation, which is reflected in a shift in US trade policy, intensifying a trade conflict primarily with China, the UK vote for Brexit and various nationalist/populist movements across Europe. However, can anything be gained from protectionism? Is the EU the last remaining defender of an open and free international trade system?
There are more signs that ongoing trade wars between the leading global powers might escalate into currency wars, resulting in more volatility in financial markets. The United States is moving away from the “strong dollar” policy in order to increase its exports, narrow the trade deficit and boost profits for its companies. The next economic crisis seems to be lurking around the corner. How will the Eurozone weather the next economic downturn without all the necessary reforms and mechanisms that are not yet in place to finalise the banking union? Will EU governments defend the achievements of the common market or will populist movements force them to defend their national (protectionist) position?
Will a new competing global economic system arise with China in the lead? Surprisingly, it was Xi Jinping who enthused the Davos crowd in 2017 with his full-throated advocacy of an open world. “Those who push for protectionism are shutting themselves inside a dark house,” he said. “They have escaped the rain and clouds outside, but also missed the light and air.”
Tax Them If You Can: Fiscal (Re)sources in a Globalised World
8.30–10.00
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Voda Hall
Speakers:
• Mr Marko Mršnik, Senior Director, Sovereign Ratings Europe, S&P Global Ratings, Spain
• Ms Sarah Perret, Economist, OECD
• Dr Frank-Jürgen Richter, Chairman, Horasis, Switzerland
• Dr Karl Soukup, Director, DG Competition, European Commission
• Dr Paul Tang, Member, European Parliament
Moderator: Mr Martin Sandbu, Economics Commentator, Financial Times, United Kingdom
Benjamin Franklin once said that nothing in this world is certain, except death and taxes. Today, there is a growing sense that, in a globalised and increasingly digitalised economy, being taxed is no longer an inevitable certainty for everyone.
In today’s global businesses, value and income are generated in fundamentally new, highly distributed ways, transcending the state system. The very basic assumptions underlying the existing tax rules are being challenged, in particular the notion of unambiguous physical presence. Answers to basic issues such as where and what to tax have thus far proven elusive.
The task for policy makers to find the right solution is complex, given not only the fiscal challenge in many advanced economies, but in many cases also the democratic accountability of the states. This is additionally demanding in an atmosphere of tax shaming fuelled by general public frustration over multilateral corporations getting away with supposedly huge untaxed income.
Furthermore, state indebtedness is on the rise. Downward tax competition among states in many cases results in smaller state budget revenues, which, in turn, has a direct impact on the sustainability of the welfare state and on rising populism. Many argue that the democratic sovereignty of states has been constrained.
On the other hand, voices of caution claim that the “stateless income doctrine” is an oversimplification, and that the corporate income tax system is not broken. To what extent is this an issue of aggressive accounting and tax strategies and to what extent does it erode the corporate tax base?
There is a clear will and increasing political urgency to compel metanational and digital businesses to contribute their share in a fair redistribution of wealth. Given the global nature of the phenomenon, it is not difficult to conclude that a global solution would be best. However, progress at the global level has been slow – the longer the wait for global solutions, the greater the pressure to fill the gap with suboptimal and interim solutions. The trouble with interim solutions is that they have a tendency to become permanent. Which is better: to wait or not to wait?
Rules-Based International Order or the Return of Geopolitics?
11.00–12.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Arnold I Hall
Speakers:
• H.E. Dr Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs of Iran
• Dr Babafemi Badejo, CEO, Yintab Strategy Consults, Nigeria
• Mr Jean-Christophe Belliard, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs – Political Director, European External Action Service
• H.E. Mr Jae-bok Chang, Ambassador for Public Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea
• Ms Theresa Fallon, Director, Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies (CREAS), Belgium
• Dr Walter Kemp, Head, Strategic Policy and Planning Unit, OSCE
• Ambassador Iztok Mirošič, Ambassador-at-Large / Special Envoy of the Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Slovenia
• Mr Richard Moore, Political Director, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom
Moderator: Mr Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of Office in Belgrade, Council of Europe
We live at a time less violent and more affluent than ever before. In many respects, this is due to the multilateral system that we have gradually developed over the past 70 years. Although not flawless, the rules-based international order with the United Nations at its core has brought prosperity, the recognition of human rights and dignity, and relative stability.
At the same time, our world is more unpredictable and uncertain than ever before, with new challenges multiplying and old ones never seeming to go away. Their complexity means that they can only rarely be resolved by one or a few parties alone. Moreover, an old world view seems to be gaining ground again, a view in which the law of the strongest prevails over the strength of the law. A sharp turn from multilateralism towards assertive unilateralism and the shifting balance of power, also spurred by profound economic and technological changes, opens the door to new or re-emerging actors that attempt to reshape the system. Having invested heavily in consolidating a rules-based international order, the EU has become increasingly polarised and recently also preoccupied with its resurgent populist movements.
In an increasingly multipolar and unpredictable world, the case for preserving multilateralism is clear. However, the future of multilateralism can be secured only by realising that certain things will need to be adapted, changed and reformed in order to be sustainable. How do we go about adapting the current multilateral system to its challenges? What is the future of international institutions in a changed geopolitical context and in a world where policy is not just communicated through, but also formed in, the social media?
State of Human Rights: A Conversation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
11.00–12.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Arnold II Hall
Speakers:
• Ms Michelle Bachelet Jeria, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Moderator: Mr Dan Damon, Presenter, BBC World Service, United Kingdom
History teaches us that protecting the dignity and rights of everyone is a cornerstone of stable societies that leave no one behind. We should only remind ourselves that almost all current crises and conflicts around the globe, from Syria and Yemen to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Myanmar and Venezuela, are the result of a disregard for human rights. Despite the ever-growing pile of evidence that (gross) violations of human rights fuel instability, we still fail to do enough to fully implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Designed to protect the individual from oppression by the powerful, human rights and fundamental freedoms are pushed aside by populist movements that use people’s fears for political gain, by conflict, by economic disenfranchisement and, sometimes, by pure ignorance. This is a global disease, which is rapidly spreading through our societies. Even Europe, which considers itself a stronghold and beacon of human rights, has fallen prey to this epidemic.
Luckily, the picture is not all bleak. Brave individuals are standing up for their human rights and for those of their fellow human beings. Many governments are taking measures to increase the protection and promotion of human rights through a wide array of policies, from domestic violence to climate change. Seven decades after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the realisation that people all around the world possess these fundamental rights and freedoms can no longer be disregarded.
The status of human rights today, why we need to protect them and how they underpin stable societies will be discussed with the leading person responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights at the global level – the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.
Climate Change – Saving the Planet by Going Circular
In partnership with Circular Change.
11.00–12.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Zrak Hall
Keynote Speaker:
• H.E. Mr Pekka Haavisto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Speakers:
• Mr Alejandro Adler, Director, Well-Being Science and Policy, Sustainable Development Solutions Network, United States
• Ms Cathrine Barth, Co-founder, Head of Strategy, Circular Norway, Norway
• Mr Freek van Eijk, CEO, Holland Circular Hotspot, The Netherlands
• H.E. Mr Bernard Fautrier, Vice-president CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Minister Plenipotentiary, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on sustainable development issues, Monaco
• Mr Kari Herlevi, Project Director, Circular Economy, The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Finland
• Ms Marjeta Jager, Deputy Director-General, European Commission
• Mr Ben Macpherson, Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development, The Scottish Government
• Mr David McGinty, Global Director, Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE), The Netherlands
• Mr Jack Pineda Dale, Legal Director, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Finland
Moderator: Ms Ladeja Godina Košir, Founder and Director Circular Change, Ljubljana, and Chair of CG ECESP, Brussels
Amid global fanfare, the Paris Climate Accord was signed less than four years ago. For a brief moment, this seemed to be quite an achievement. However, the lack of progress since then has made it abundantly clear that we still have a long way to go in terms of meaningful climate action. The negative effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, droughts, floods, storms, abnormal weather patterns and water scarcity prove that we have crossed several planetary boundaries. How do we devise a persuasive climate story plan that we will all agree to and be willing to follow collectively? How do we de-carbonise the planet?
The way the global economy treats our limited natural resources deeply influences the Earth’s climate. Unless we radically change course, we will soon need another planet. This means that we must change the way we produce and the way we consume. It also means that we need to transform our economic model from linear to circular, in which resources are reused, recycled and remanufactured. What systemic approach and what partnership is required for such a transformation?
Throughout history, resistance to change has presented a formidable obstacle to innovation-based progress. How do we convince those who feel left behind that the transformation to a green economy makes economic sense and creates new jobs? How do we assure them that implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will lead to lasting prosperity on our planet?
What lies ahead for the New European Commission?
In partnership with Real Instituto Elcano.
14.00–15.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Arnold I Hall
Opening Address:
• H.E. Mr Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia
Speakers:
• Ms Melania-Gabriela Ciot, State Secretary for European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania
• Mr Pierre Heilbronn, Vice President Policy and Partnerships, EBRD
• Mr Guillaume Klossa,President, Civico Europa (Brussels)
• Prof Enrico Letta, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po Paris, France
• Mr Igor Mally, State Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister of Slovenia
• Mr Andreas Peschke, Director-General for European Affairs, Federal Foreign Office, Germany
• Dr Dimitrij Rupel, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
• Young BSF Representative: Mr Klajdi Kaziu, Board Member and Project Manager, United Nations Association, Albania
Keynote Listener:
• Mr Alojz Peterle, Former Prime Minister of Slovenia
Moderator: Dr Charles Powell, Director, Real Instituto Elcano, Spain
Faced with some of the most pressing challenges in its history, the European Union is going to the polls, mapping out the course for the next five-year period. With the outcome of this election overshadowed by rising Euroscepticism on the one hand, and determining the fate of the selection process for the presidency of the European Commission on the other, significant changes to the character of the EU and to its inter-institutional dynamics are imminent. EU bodies will continue to address the core issues on the bloc’s identity and functioning. Confronted with the bulk of responsibility, the Commission will emerge in a new composition by the end of the year. Following the Juncker Commission and its attempts to consolidate the ‘European voice’ in areas such as defence and foreign policy, deliberations about the extent to which these and other priorities will be heralded in the coming five-year mandate in light of the changing nature of the Union are coming to the foreground. With rising questions about the future of the EU budget, the potential constellations in the Commission, and its functioning in a polarised institutional framework, this panel will explore what the future holds for this body, thus providing a long-term perspective on institutional development for one of the central actors in the EU policy arena.
Data – (Re)source of the Future
14.00–15.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Arnold II Hall
Keynote Speaker:
• Mr Julian King, European Commissioner for the Security Union
Speakers:
• Mr Levente Juhász, Public Policy Manager, Central and Eastern Europe, Google Poland
• Mr Gregor Pilgram, CEE & Russia Regional Financial Officer, Generali CEE Holding, Czech Republic
• Mr Uroš Salobir, Director, Strategic Innovation Department, ELES, Slovenia
• Mr Samir Sharma, CEO, datazuum, United Kingdom
Moderator: Ms Jolene Creighton, Editorial Director, Boma Global, United States
Exponential technological advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles and biotechnology is transforming our economies, challenging the way we live, and reshaping our identity as human beings. How can governments adapt to these changes? How do we make sure that technologies do not erode the trust in innovation?
In high-speed digitisation, everything is expressed in data, which is fast becoming the currency of the future. The smart use of big data can be a highly effective mechanism for managing and optimising public systems such as health care, social affairs, education, transport, demographics, energy, and security sectors. When implemented in an inclusive manner, digitalisation can tackle inequalities and social stratification in ways hardly imagined before. Managing open complex data makes predicting events easier, thus enabling control and prevention. Innovation is possible only when data flow freely and safely across borders.
On the other hand, data are also a source of power and influence. Technological development has made it possible for every individual with a smartphone to collect, process and interpret data. As a result, personal data are all too often traded and misused. How do we protect this highly valuable currency? How can we draw up the relevant ethical guidelines and a values-based framework to protect sensitive data and privacy?
(Re)sources in Women’s Hands: Tapping the Potential
14.00–15.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Zrak Hall
Speakers:
• Lady Barbara Judge CBE, Chairman, Athene Capital, United Kingdom
• Ambassador Nasser Kamel, Secretary General, Union for the Mediterranean
• Ambassador Ulrik Knudsen, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD
• Ms Monica McWilliams, Chair, Interpeace Governing Board
• Ms Melanie Seier Larsen, Managing Director and Partner, The Boston Consulting Group, Slovenia
• Mr Aleksander Zalaznik, President, Managers’s Association of Slovenia
Moderator: Ambassador Simona Leskovar, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
Women make up half of the world’s population. Nevertheless, women earn only about half as much as their male counterparts; 62 million girls worldwide are still being denied their right to an education, and 104 economies still have laws preventing women from working in specific jobs. Twenty years after the groundbreaking UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, women are still rarely included in peace processes.
Neither sustainable development nor peace and security can be achieved without the meaningful participation of women. The potential of one half of the world’s population as a resource must not be overlooked, as was rightly recognised in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Data show that when women participate in decision-making processes on an equal footing with men, societies become more resilient, integrated and successful.
On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and on the verge of the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s rights – we will look at how tapping the (re)sources in women’s hands can contribute to a peaceful and sustainable future for humankind.
Disinformation Campaigns – A Source of Instability in Eastern Partnership Countries
In partnership with Centre for European Perspective and the U.S. Department of State.
14.00–15.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Voda Hall
Speakers:
• Dr Angelina Gros-Tchorbadjiyska, Security Union Task Force Secretariat, DG Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission
• Ms Elina Lange-Ionatamišvili, Senior Expert, NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
• Mr Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
• Mr Alexandr Roitman, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Moldova
• Ms Veronika Víchová, Coordinator and Analyst of the Kremlin Watch Program, European Values Think-Tank, Czech Republic
• Dr Mark V. Vlašič, Adjunct Professor of Law, Georgetown University, United States
Moderator: Ms Oana Popescu-Zamfir, Director, GlobalFocus Center, Romania
More than 2,500 years ago, Aristotle argued in his treatise entitled Rhetoric: “Of the modes of persuasion furnished by the spoken word there are three kinds; the first kind depends on the personal character of the speaker (ethos), the second on putting the audience into a certain frame of mind (pathos), and the third on the proof, or apparent proof, provided by the words of the speech itself (logos).”
These words still hold true in the context of today’s perspective. Unfortunately, malign actors use the same tactics to establish an emotional connection with their audience by means of compelling messages. We have witnessed how disinformation campaigns – either by state actors, profiteers, status seekers, entertainers or even true believers – have tested our Eastern European partners’ resilience and affected their progress towards democratization.
However, effective resilience requires recommitting to Aristotle’s key principles, along with a renewed resolve to use them in a manner that empowers citizens with the information they need to educate themselves and adjust their behaviour – while reducing their vulnerability to manipulation. Strategic communication (StratCom) therefore plays a crucial role in ensuring a country’s resilience to, deterrence of and response to disinformation. How do we increase the credibility (ethos) of a country’s strategic communications?
Although technology has made access to information and communication easier, it has made the necessary discourse more difficult. How do we use StratCom to address this issue?
Some StratCom elements are universal but some must be customised and country-specific. The EU has recently decided to upgrade the capability of its East StratCom Task Force. What kind of StratCom should we develop in order to reach wider audiences of our Eastern Partners?
Western Balkans – Europeisation, Democratisation, Shared Responsibility
In partnership with Central European Initiative.
16.00–17.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Arnold Hall
Keynote Speaker:
• H.E. Mr Pekka Haavisto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Speakers:
• Ms Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Bosnia and Herzegovina
• H.E. Mr Igor Crnadak, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• H.E. Mr Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
of Serbia
• H.E. Prof. Dr Srđan Darmanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro
• H.E. Mr Nikola Dimitrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia
• Dr Vedran Džihić, Senior Researcher/Senior Lecturer, Austrian Institute for International Affairs, University of Vienna, Austria
•H.E. Mr Behgjet Pacolli, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo
• Mr Matthew A. Palmer, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, US Department of State
• H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary
Keynote Listeners:
• Ms Nina Kodelja, Deputy Secretary General, Central European Initiative – Executive Secretariat, Slovenia
• Prof John O’Brennan, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration, Maynooth University, Ireland
Moderator: Mr Goran Svilanović, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
The story of the EU and the Western Balkans should not be oneof missed opportunities, changing and unfavourablecircumstances, constant election cycles and broken promises. The relationship between the region and the EU should not be held back or running in circles while the world is moving on.
After years of suspended dreams, is it possible to realise that theEU has no magic wand to wave, and that change is not likely tocome from the outside; the region needs to do it itself. Is the region ready for change?
The responsibility rests mainly on the shoulders of the region, as progress on EU integration does not automatically bring the Europeisation of society and values, nor does it automatically ensure the highest democratic standards.
Are the countries ready to carry out the necessary reforms and change the persisting paradigms that are not consistent with the EU perception of the rule of law, democracy or political and economic sustainable development?
Are political elites ready to facilitate the change and,fundamentally, is the EU ready to help restore the promise of a better tomorrow for the region?
Is it time to admit that the enlargement process is flawed, and that the Western Balkans’ EU integration needs fresh wind in itssails, including restored trust between the region, its citizens and the European project?
Closing of the 2019 BSF
17.30–18.00
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Arnold Hall
Closing Remarks:
• Ambassador Simona Leskovar, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
Tuesday, 3 September
SIDE-EVENTS
Brexit: Where next?
In partnership with Chatham House.
10.15–11.45
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Voda Hall
Speakers:
• Mr Chris Cook, Partner / Editor, Tortoise, United Kingdom
• Dr Stefaan De Rynck, Senior advisor of Michel Barnier, European Commission
• Mr Martin Sandbu, Economics Commentator, Financial Times, United Kingdom
• Rt Hon Gisela Stuart, Chair, Change Britain, United Kingdom
Moderator: Mr Thomas Raines, Head of Europe Programme, Chatham House, United Kingdom
More than three years after the referendum, the UK has yet to agree on how to leave the European Union. After Theresa May’s government negotiated a withdrawal agreement with the EU that was rejected three times by the Parliament, British politics is stuck in a stalemate in which there is currently no majority for any way forward. Meanwhile, the EU side steadfastly refuses to reopen negotiations on the terms of the divorce. The panel will discuss the different scenarios around the October deadline, lessons that can be learned from the process and where Britain may end up.
How will the new UK Prime Minister try to break the deadlock in Westminster? If a breakthrough cannot be reached, what are the prospects of both sides agreeing to a further extension?
What would be the implications of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, particularly on the island of Ireland? Is ‘No Deal’ an end point, or another stage in a process that will lead to further negotiations?
If the Withdrawal Agreement is passed in the UK, what will be the key issues in negotiations on the future relationship? Will the UK develop a settled vision for the future, and will the EU remain as united as it has been in phase one?
What might the UK-EU relationship look like in five years?
Resources of Modern Diplomacy: Honorary Consuls and Their Renewed Role
In partnership with World Federation of Consuls.
12.00–13.30
@Rikli Balance Hotel, Voda Hall
Keynote Speaker:
• Dr Marko Smole, Director, FICAC World Federation of Consuls, Slovenia
Speakers:
• Prof. Dr Klemen Jaklič, Judge and Professor of Constitutional Law, Constitutional Court of Slovenia
• Mr Nikolaos Margaropoulos, Secretary General, International Federation of Consular Corps and Assocations (FICAC), Greece
• Prof. Dr Ernest Petrič, Senior Adviser to the President of the Republic, Slovenia
• Mr Leif-Kristian Sverstad, Director and Chairman of the Trade and Economic Development Committe, International Federation of Consular Corps and Associations (FICAC), Norway
Moderator: Ms Katja Geršak, Executive Director, Centre for European Perspective, Slovenia
In today’s globalised world, with its increasing number of states, mega-cities and a rising global population, diplomacy among states has gained in importance and complexity. However, many states have not proportionally expanded the resources they allocate for consular diplomatic networks; in fact, numerous states have even downsized them. We are also seeing the rise of powerful regional sub-systems within states due to the rise of mega-cities, the populations of which can surpass those of many smaller states. The economic ties among these regional centres across the globe are becoming more pronounced.
How are states dealing with the increased need for their economic/diplomatic presence everywhere around the globe? How are we to address the need to increase connections between large urban centres that in themselves exhibit a powerful political, economic and financial influence?
In this context, honorary consular work is taking on a greater role in diplomacy among states. It is becoming recognisable as an important element of diplomatic and economic activities and a useful upgrade in the development of traditional diplomacy.
While consular diplomacy, together with all supplementary forms of consular-diplomatic service, will not replace traditional diplomacy, it can successfully supplement and upgrade it and make it more cost-effective. The panellists will examine the latest trends in diplomatic practice, discuss how traditional diplomacy will adopt new forms of practice in order to cope with the increasing speed of dissemination and quantity of information, and develop possibilities for enhanced cooperation between the private and public sectors in order to better serve the citizens of today’s world.
Start:up Slovenia Meet-up with Yossi Vardi
In partnership with Start:up Slovenia, organised by Venture Factory, Slovene Enterprise Fund and Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia. (by invitation only)