Bled Strategic Forum

WIN Academy – Youth Edition

14. 11. 2025 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR

The first OSCE WIN Academy – Youth Edition, co-organised by the Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), the OSCE, and the Faculty of Social Sciences, took place in Ljubljana from 3–6 November. The programme brought together 16 students from South-Eastern Europe for four days of workshops, discussions, and exchanges focused on gender equality and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda.

The Youth Edition is part of the OSCE WIN (Women and Men Innovating and Networking for Gender Equality) project. The main objective of WIN is to advance gender equality as a prerequisite for achieving and maintaining stable, prosperous, and peaceful societies across the OSCE area. WIN regularly delivers capacity-building programmes, leadership trainings, and skills development opportunities for professionals and practitioners. This was the first time the Academy was organised specifically for young people, making it a new step in extending WIN’s tools and training approaches to the next generation of peace providers.

The programme

The programme opened with a public event titled “Looking Back in Order to Look Forward: Empowering Youth to Lead and Strengthen WPS.” Speakers underlined that the WPS Agenda is about ensuring full inclusion in peace and security efforts and highlighted the need to shift narratives away from seeing women only as victims.

The panel featured:

Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret, MFA Slovenia
Prof. Dr. Ljubica Jelušič, University of Ljubljana
Dr. Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Gender Issues Programme

Moderated by Peter Grk, BSF Secretary General

The event was opened by Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Dr. Scarpitta, and Prof. Dr. Andrej Kohont, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Over the next few days, the participants then engaged in the participant-only programme, which included sessions on the OSCE’s work and its field operations in South-Eastern Europe, key international frameworks on gender equality, and the intersections of gender, youth, and peacebuilding.

Throughout the programme, they had the opportunity to learn from and engage with a range of OSCE experts and practitioners, including Anastasia Fusco (WIN Project Manager, OSCE Gender Issues Programme), Augusta Featherston (Head of Democratization Department, OSCE Mission to Serbia), and Elmaja Bavčić (Adviser on Gender Equality, OSCE), who led sessions on OSCE structures, gender frameworks, and practical approaches to equality in the security sector.

The programme also featured a conversation with Sonja Lokar, former Chair of the Stability Pact Gender Task Force, as well as a fireside chat with alumnae of the OSCE Young Women’s Dialogue Academy. In addition, participants took part in the workshop “Youth Voices for an Equal Future,” a feminist tour of Ljubljana, and a discussion with Ms. Lucija Tacer, Member of the National Assembly.

Bled Strategic Forum 2025: Twenty Years of Dialogue in a Runaway World

11. 9. 2025 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR

The Bled Strategic Forum celebrated its 20th edition on 1–2 September 2025 under the title A Runaway World, gathering over 2,300 participants from 94 countries. Once a modest regional meeting, the Forum is now widely recognised as Central and South-Eastern Europe’s leading platform for dialogue among statesmen, diplomats, academics, youth and civil society.

Organised jointly by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia — through the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs — and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), the Forum has thrived thanks to this close partnership from its inception. While the Ministry ensures the political and diplomatic vision, the Centre for European Perspective plays a vital role in the logistical organisation, supporting every detail that allows the Forum to function smoothly and to welcome thousands of participants and high-level guests year after year. The synergy of these two institutions has been essential in shaping the Bled Strategic Forum into a flagship event for Slovenia’s diplomacy.

This year’s edition featured 32 debates and over 180 speakers, including presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers. A recurring theme was the state of the global order, strained by persistent crises, space for cooperation shrinking, and international law under pressure. Among the most emphatic messages was a call for leaders to assume responsibility, act with integrity, and defend the fundamental values that underpin democratic and cooperative societies.

Dialogue featured not just between nations but across generations. Young leaders engaged in the Young Bled Strategic Forum programme and specialised Deep Dive sessions to address issues such as climate apathy, rising geopolitical tensions, and the ethical dilemmas posed by European rearmament. Their participation highlighted the Forum’s commitment to ensuring that the voices shaping tomorrow’s policies are heard today.

In one especially symbolic moment, the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan each took part in separate panels on European partnerships. Although they were not co-panelists, both listened attentively to one another’s contributions. This simple act conveyed a powerful message: after the signing of a peace agreement, the region is entering a new chapter of stability and cooperation. It captured the essence of what the Bled Strategic Forum — and the Centre for European Perspective as its long-standing co-organiser — strive for: not just discussion, but trust, mutual recognition, and constructive engagement.

As the Bled Strategic Forum turned twenty, its continuing strength lies not only in what is said on its stages, but also in how ideas are shared, relationships formed, and future paths explored. With the Centre for European Perspective’s dedicated work from the very beginning, the Forum continues to serve as a bridge — between states, between generations, and between ambition and action.

The 21st edition of the Bled Strategic Forum will be held on 31 August and 1 September 2026.

Young BSF 2025 Kicks Off: Exploring the Role of Values in International Politics

27. 8. 2025 | PR, Young BSF

Pokljuka, 28 August 2025 – Today marks the beginning of the 14th edition of the Young Bled Strategic Forum (Young BSF), taking place on Pokljuka and later continuing at the main Bled Strategic Forum. This year’s programme, titled What values?, puts the spotlight on values as one of the core forces shaping global politics. In a time marked by a resurgence of realpolitik, Young BSF poses a timely and layered question: How – if at all – do values influence international politics? And what does the state of the world reveal about ourselves and the values we hold?

Designed with and for young professionals

This year’s Young BSF brings together 49 young professionals from 26 countries, aged 18 to 35, working broadly across the field of international politics. The group includes diplomats, activists, journalists, advisors, parliamentarians, legal experts, entrepreneurs, trade unionists, and more – all united by their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

The 2025 edition has been shaped in close collaboration with past and current participants. Last year’s alumni helped co-design the programme; young experts will lead most of the workshops, and this year’s participants will take on roles as moderators in all forum discussions. Every element of the programme was built with the aim of maximising participant engagement and ownership.

What can today’s world tell us about our values?

Young BSF 2025 explores values as a fundamental driver of international politics. At the centre of the programme is the question of whether values still meaningfully shape global decision-making – and how our current world reflects, reinforces, or challenges the values we claim to uphold.

Participants will explore this intersection through three key thematic pillars:

the crisis of the rules-based international order,
the stalling fight against the climate emergency, and
the personal experience of practitioners confronting the gap between their values and the constraints of their working environment.

The event’s format is deliberately participant-oriented. Workshops and peer-to-peer discussions take priority, while classic panel formats are reserved for the closing part of the programme. By focusing on exchange among participants themselves – all of whom bring exceptional knowledge and experience – the forum fosters an environment for both deep reflection and practical idea-sharing.

In addition to promoting learning and professional development, the forum also plays a crucial role in community building. New connections and friendships formed during these three days often lead to fresh collaborations and future opportunities, making the Young BSF experience as personally enriching as it is professionally impactful.

Bringing in the best from abroad – and showcasing Slovenia’s own expertise

Twelve institutional partners supported the development and delivery of this year’s Young BSF – six of them directly involved in shaping the programme content. The organisers emphasised the importance of quality and diversity in both local and international partnerships, with the dual goal of bringing top talent to Slovenia while also showcasing Slovenian expertise to the world.

Among the content partners are the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Germany), The Carter Center (USA), Cast from Clay (UK), the Gajst Institute, the Centre of Excellence in Finance, and the Slovenian Student Association of Psychology. The event is co-organised by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Centre for European Perspective, with additional support from the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, the Central European Initiative, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

The Young BSF continues to serve as a dynamic tool of Slovenian public diplomacy – one that brings international professionals to Slovenia while creating space for the country’s ideas, people, and institutions to be presented to a global audience.

An independent programme, deeply connected to Bled Strategic Forum

Although independently curated, Young BSF is closely interwoven with the broader Bled Strategic Forum. On Monday, participants will host a special series of in-depth conversations – Deep Dive by Young BSF – which will be open to all Bled Strategic Forum attendees. These sessions, held in either one-on-one or focused panel formats, offer selected Bled Strategic Forum guests the opportunity to explore their ideas in greater detail and in dialogue with the younger generation.

As in previous years, selected Young BSF participants will also participate in Bled Strategic Forum panel discussions and be given priority during Q&A segments, ensuring that insights from mid-level practitioners inform high-level debates.

Ekipa 20. Blejskega strateškega foruma išče študentske okrepitve!

13. 5. 2025 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR

Blejski strateški forum iz leta v leto postaja večja mednarodna konferenca, tako po številu visokih gostov kot tudi po številu drugih udeležencev. Vsakoleten uspeh Blejskega strateškega foruma brez dvoma ne bi bil možen brez izdatne pomoči razširjene ekipe Blejskega strateškega foruma, ki opravlja neprecenljivo delo pri izvedbi foruma. Zato tudi v letošnjem letu ponujamo priložnost mladim, da se pridružijo ekipi in postanejo del naše zgodbe.

Kje in kako boš vključen/a kot del ekipe Blejskega strateškega foruma?

na odprtju foruma v Festivalni dvorani,
v medijskem centru,
pri sprejemu delegacij na letališču Jožeta Pučnika,
v dvoranah na razpravah (tehnična in logistična pomoč, podpora moderatorjem),
na bilateralnih srečanjih,
na akreditacijskem pultu,
v PR ekipi.

Zakaj postati del ekipe Blejskega strateškega foruma?

nova poznanstva,
priložnost za mreženje,
izkušnje z delom na mednarodnem projektu,
možnost priznanja dela kot prakse v okviru formalnega izobraževanja,
delo, plačano po urni postavki 6,32 €/h neto,
izkušnja največje regionalne strateške konference.

Kaj pričakujemo?

Urejen študentski status do konca septembra 2025.
Zaželene (ne pa tudi nujne) so predhodne izkušnje pri organizaciji dogodkov.

Za celo ekipo Blejskega strateškega foruma bosta organizirana prehrana in prevoz iz Ljubljane do prizorišč na Bledu. Delo bo potekalo predvsem v ponedeljek, 1., ter v torek, 2. septembra, del ekipe bomo potrebovali že v soboto, 30. avgusta, in v nedeljo, 31. avgusta, kot tudi v času priprav na forum. Predpriprave za delo bodo vključevale nekaj koordinacijskih sestankov in krajših izobraževanj.

Če te delo na Blejskem strateškem forumu zanima ter želiš postati del naše ekipe in zgodbe, te vljudno vabimo, da se prijaviš preko spodnje povezave do vključno nedelje, 1. junija 2025. Ob izpolnjevanju prijavnice, te prosimo, da priložiš tudi svoj življenjepis (CV) in kratko motivacijsko pismo (do 300 besed). O izboru boš obveščen/a najkasneje do ponedeljka, 16. junija 2025.

PRIJAVNICA: https://form.jotform.com/250932959602362

V primeru dodatnih vprašanj se obrni na [email protected].

Na kratko o Blejskem strateškem forumu

V dvajsetih letih obstoja je Blejski strateški forum prerasel v vodilno mednarodno konferenco v srednji in jugovzhodni Evropi, ki vsako leto pritegne najrazličnejše domače in mednarodne udeležence. Namen foruma je sodelujoče spodbuditi k razpravam o sodobnih regionalnih in globalnih izzivih ter iskanju inovativnih rešitev. Poleg tega je odlična priložnost za različna dvo- in večstranska srečanja ter mreženje z vidnimi regionalnimi in globalnimi deležniki.

Letošnji, že 20. Blejski strateški forum, ki ga organizirata Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve in Center za evropsko prihodnost, bo potekal 1. in 2. septembra 2025 na Bledu. Pred tem se bo med 29. in 31. avgustom na Pokljuki odvijal tudi Blejski strateški forum za mlade (Young Bled Strategic Forum – Young BSF), ki širokemu naboru mladih voditeljev, podjetnikov, vplivnežev, mislecev in družbenih aktivistov ponuja platformo za deljenje vizij, izmenjavo idej in mreženje.

Young BSF 2025 applications now open

3. 4. 2025 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR, Young BSF

We are happy to announce that the applications for the 14^th Young Bled Strategic Forum (Young BSF) are now open! Young BSF is a participant-driven platform where bright young minds from around the world come together to share ideas and find inspiration to improve their communities.

We are inviting ambitious young professionals working in a broadly defined field of international politics to apply by 27 April 2025. All the relevant information can be found on the Young BSF website.

About Young BSF 2025

Under the title ‘What values?’ Young BSF 2025 will explore the intersection of values and world politics. Our aim is to better understand the fundamental drivers of international politics at the personal, professional and institutional levels by explicating our individual belief systems and juxtaposing those with the values that guide our actions on the global stage. For more information on the content please refer to the concept note that you can find on the website.

The programme of the Young BSF 2025 will take place from 29 to 31 August 2025 in Pokljuka, Slovenia, with participants arriving on 28 August. Following the conclusion of the Young BSF programme, the Young BSF participants will attend the 20th Bled Strategic Forum in Bled on 1 and 2 September.

Who can apply?

The Young Bled Strategic Forum participants are promising, curious and proactive young professionals aged 18–35. They are leaders and practitioners in the broadly defined field of world politics, with overlapping educational backgrounds, professional interests and career paths. They are young people driven by a commitment to creating a positive impact.

Why should you apply?

To explore the main theme of Young BSF and source ground-up solutions for select contemporary challenges in collaboration and in discussion with other participants and world-renowned experts.
Attend a three-day Young Bled Strategic Forum tailor-made programme with insightful discussions and engaging workshops in Pokljuka and then participate at the Bled Strategic Forum international conference – the leading conference in Central and South-Eastern Europe.
Hang out with and befriend some 40 thought-provoking, up-and-coming, interesting, ambitious, and diverse young leaders from all over the world.
Because the attendance is free, and all the costs of your participation are covered by us! Young Bled Strategic Forum is possible because of donations and funds from generous partners and sponsors. This way we can enable participation to whomever, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Participant selection process

The applications are now open and will remain open until 27 April. As the conference is participant-driven, we aim to select a gender-balanced group of individuals who will bring diverse and informed perspectives to the discussions. Participants will be selected from all continents, representing a variety of worldviews, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences.

The 20th Bled Strategic Forum will be held under the title “A Runaway World”

2. 4. 2025 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR

Announcing the 20th edition of the Bled Strategic Forum international conference taking place in Bled on 1–2 September.

This anniversary edition will be held under the title “A Runaway World.” The conference will mark the 20th jubilee of the Forum and will focus on Europe’s role in a new global order. The Bled Strategic Forum is an intergovernmental project of the Republic of Slovenia, organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Centre for European Perspective, and is considered the most prominent foreign policy event in Slovenia.

“In a turbulent world, with many dynamic changes, crises and conflicts, politicians, world leaders, decision-makers are faced with increasing, complex global challenges to which we should respond with appropriate measures, policies, actions. This is why discussions within such an established, broad platform as the Bled Strategic Forum are particularly valuable for us, where we can seek answers and solutions to key issues in contemporary societies with a wide range of relevant actors,” emphasised Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs.

The Bled Strategic Forum 2025 reflects 20 years of its existence by steadfastly adhering to the core of its success: a global platform that brings together diverse stakeholders to exchange ideas and views on contemporary society and its future.

A Jubilee of Adaptive Reliance

Over the past two decades, the Bled Strategic Forum has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially established as a regional, one-day conference with a select group of panellists, it has evolved into a prestigious two-day international conference. Today, it attracts a diverse range of distinguished participants, including global decision-makers, thinkers, experts, think tanks, academics, business professionals and emerging talents.

The conference’s unique feature lies in its ability to foster meaningful exchanges and generate innovative solutions to address both current and future challenges. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, it creates an environment conducive to intellectual growth and collaborative problem-solving.

Recognised as the leading international conference in Central and South-Eastern Europe, the Bled Strategic Forum has gained global recognition. Its evolution from a one-off event to an ongoing platform has enabled it to establish partnerships with other global conferences, participate in international panels and expand its presence beyond Slovenia. This strategic expansion has not only enhanced Slovenia’s international standing, but has also contributed to its active role on the global stage.

Since its inception, the Bled Strategic Forum has been held in the picturesque town of Bled, which has become an integral part of the conference’s identity. This unique setting has garnered the trust and support of its participants, contributing to the enduring legacy of the Bled Strategic Forum.

Reshaping Resilience in the Evolving Global Landscape

Under the theme “A Runaway World”, the Bled Strategic Forum 2025 will focus on Europe’s role in a new global environment.

The Bled Strategic Forum 2025 will serve as a platform for reflection and action in a world overshadowed by ongoing crises and geopolitical uncertainty. As the international order fractures and new global complexities emerge, the Forum will invite leaders, experts and visionaries to examine Europe’s role in shaping a more stable, cooperative and resilient future.

Through strategic dialogue and innovative ideas, the conference will address the challenges of strengthening global governance, fostering strategic sovereignty and building trust in an increasingly polarised world.

Peter Grk, Secretary General of the Bled Strategic Forum, stated: “The Bled Strategic Forum 2025 will showcase its strengths by focusing on its guests through one-on-one talks, facilitating the exchange of ideas in panel discussions with diverse speakers and welcoming high-level decision makers.”

The concept and content of the Bled Strategic Forum are available here (link)

About the Bled Strategic Forum international conference

The Bled Strategic Forum international conference is the leading event in Central and South-Eastern Europe, bringing together participants from diverse fields and backgrounds to exchange views and generate ideas for overcoming current and future challenges.

The conference is the flagship event of a global platform of the same name, which aims to generate ideas and exchange views on contemporary society and its future. As an instrument of Slovenia’s soft power in foreign policy, it hosts and participates in key debates both in Slovenia and abroad throughout the year.

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