Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon introduced 12th International Conference on Africa Day

"Africa and Europe: Climate Security for the Future - Global Issues, Local Action," the topic of the 12th International Africa Day Conference in Brdo pri Kranju, was introduced by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon.

The two-day conference, which will feature a strong cultural program in addition to political and economic discussions, will draw more than 350 people from Africa and Slovenia.

Minister Fajon emphasized the catastrophic effects of the climate catastrophe in her opening remarks and urged for drastic action: "If any topic can be termed a global challenge, it is without a doubt the implications of climate change, which make us all little and defenceless. Climate change presents a chance to create new alliances or strengthen current ones. As Slovenia is a tiny nation, it is crucial that it forges global alliances and orient its foreign policy towards respect and solidarity.”

Minister Fajon also emphasized the necessity of including women and young people in policy-making and climate action in her speech, as well as the significance of the partnership-based transfer of information, technology, and innovations in the fight against climate change.

"Young people are our future; they are becoming more and more numerous, and they all deserve to live in wealth and dignity. They will be forced to turn elsewhere for a better future if we are unable to guarantee this”, she continued.

Following the welcome remarks, Minister Fajon participated in a panel of leaders along with the foreign ministers of Malawi, Rwanda, Cape Verde, and Comoros. The panelists were Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Comoros, Vincent Biruta, and Rwanda's minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.

They examined regional and local responses to particular environmental problems, climate justice, and efficient global climate funding models. John F. Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Action, joined the participants via video connection.

Cooperation is crucial for the preservation of natural resources, as Minister Fajon emphasized: "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 media release, Minister Fajon continued, "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."

A discussion panel on the UN Security Council's (UNSC) role in combating climate change followed this. The panelists agreed that the Security Council should regularly discuss climate change. They also advocated for the active participation of regional organizations, such as the African Union, which are most familiar with the specific issues and the struggles of the local populations.

Nataa Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, who now serves as the conference's patron, and Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, both spoke at the conference via video connection. The Bled Strategic Forum, Chatham House, and the European Commission work together to organize the conference, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.

After the conference's political and economic sessions, Novi trg in Ljubljana will host a varied cultural program that will culminate with a performance by Ghanaian singer-songwriter Wiyalla, joined by Slovenian musicians.