21. 4. 2023 | POTC, PR
Kliknite tukaj za branje prispevka v slovenskem jeziku.
The Sahel Peace and Security Seminar (Sahel region from a peace and security perspective), organised by the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) in cooperation with the French Ministry of Armed Forces, was conducted successfully between the 19th and 20th of April at Jable Castle in Slovenia.
With 28 participants in attendance, the seminar delved into various critical topics related to the Sahel region, including its historical and geopolitical aspects, security challenges for Europe, conflict resolution, development as a security issue, and challenges of Sahel cooperation between the Sahel countries and Europe.
The seminar provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the complex challenges faced by the Sahel region and emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates security, development, governance, and cooperation efforts. Participants engaged in thought-provoking sessions, including a review of the EU integrated strategy for the Sahel, a French approach to the Sahel region with a focus on two key countries by 2034, and the future of conflict resolution in the Sahel. The seminar concluded with a comprehensive overview of the discussions and key takeaways. It highlighted the significance of regional and international cooperation, as well as the involvement of local and regional actors, in addressing the multifaceted issues in the Sahel region.
In conclusion, the seminar on the Sahel region organised by the POTC and the French Ministry of Armed Forces was a success as it provided a valuable forum for participants to engage in meaningful discussions on various critical topics and fostered a greater understanding of the peace and security challenges in the Sahel region. The seminar’s outcomes will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing efforts in addressing the complex issues facing the Sahel region and promote peace and security in the region.

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24. 3. 2023 | POTC, PR
The past week, POTC successfully organised the 3-day Gender Equality and Gender Mainstreaming in Peace Operations and Missions training course, which officially concluded on April 23. This was the fifth edition of the training under the auspices of POTC.
Klikni tukaj za branje prispevka v slovenskem jeziku.
Participants from Slovenia and elsewhere in Europe were engaged in a stimulating multi-day training course that aimed to inform and educate about gender equality and gender mainstreaming in international missions and operations.
The focus of the gender mainstreaming course was primarily on:
- learning and understanding the concept of gender, sexual differences, biological and social determinants
- knowing and understanding the different consequences and outcomes that gender identity and sexual orientation have on people living in conflict zones
- getting to know the international legal framework that ensures gender equality in international operations and missions
- learning about the concrete tools and approaches for gender mainstreaming in international missions and operations
- practical mission knowledge from experienced trainers on the topic
The lecturers and participants all contributed to a fruitful and informative course that will hopefully impact peace operations and other areas of work in a positive and balancing manner.
We wish to thank everyone involved and look forward to our next courses!

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24. 3. 2023 | EUCTI, POTC, PR
Kliknite tukaj za branje prispevka v slovenskem jeziku
This Wednesday, February 22nd, Jable Castle was visited by military attachés accredited to or working in Slovenia. The visit was organised by the Defence Policy Directorate of the Ministry of Defence.
Nina Čepon, CEP Acting Executive Director, and Markko Kallonnen, EUCTI Project Coordinator, both presented the work of POTC, EUCTI and CEP in a productive and insightful visit of military attachés. They mentioned both the activities of CEP as a whole as well as the civilian crisis management sectors, concretely EUCTI and POTC. The presentations concluded with a fruitful Q&A session where questions were answered, and opinions were shared.
At the end of the presentations, Colonel Mitja Miklavec of the Bilateral and Multilateral Affairs Division of the Defence Policy Directorate from the Slovenian MOD gave some concluding remarks, thanked the hosts, and highlighted the refreshing work that POTC is doing, combining the visions of the three ministries. He also shared his thought that »POTC is linking us together for future activities« in the sense that attaché networking benefits all partner countries moving forward.
The visit formally concluded with a networking coffee break.

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8. 3. 2023 | POTC, PR
Kliknite tukaj za branje prispevka v slovenskem jeziku.
In April, Peace Operations and Training Centre (POTC) will organise a training titled “Acquaintance with the Sahel Region – the Peace and Security Perspective” that will run from 19–20 April at Jable Castle, Slovenia.
The countries of the Sahel are experiencing several crises simultaneously, including a security crisis with regular attacks on civilians and security forces by armed terrorist groups. Relations between European countries, the EU and the countries of the Sahel, in particular the G5 Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger), are of strategic importance for European countries, especially those bordering the Mediterranean, including Slovenia, in terms of security and stability, international commitments on climate and sustainable development, and migration routes to Europe.
The training will bring together national and French experts to present the current security situation in the Sahel and the outlook for the near future.
Participants will learn about:
- Historical, geographical, (geo)political and economic aspects of the region.
- Security challenges between the Sahel and Europe.
- The security situation in selected countries of the region.
Some more general information about the training:
- English will be the working language.
- 25 places are available for participants.
- Coffee/tea and lunch will be provided during the training.
- Registration is open until the 11th of April 2023.
For more information about the training, please contact: [email protected]

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22. 2. 2023 | EUCTI, POTC, PR
Kliknite tukaj za branje prispevka v slovenskem jeziku
This Wednesday, February 22nd, Jable Castle was visited by military attachés accredited to or working in Slovenia. The visit was organised by the Defence Policy Directorate of the Ministry of Defence.
Nina Čepon, CEP Acting Executive Director, and Markko Kallonnen, EUCTI Project Coordinator, both presented the work of POTC, EUCTI and CEP in a productive and insightful visit of military attachés. They mentioned both the activities of CEP as a whole as well as the civilian crisis management sectors, concretely EUCTI and POTC. The presentations concluded with a fruitful Q&A session where questions were answered and opinions were shared.
At the end of the presentations, Colonel Mitja Miklavec of the Bilateral and Multilateral Affairs Division of the Defence Policy Directorate from the Slovenian MOD gave some concluding remarks, thanked the hosts, and highlighted the refreshing work that POTC is doing, combining the visions of the three ministries. He also shared his thought that »POTC is linking us together for future activities« in the sense that attaché networking benefits all partner countries moving forward.
The visit formally concluded with a networking coffee break.

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16. 2. 2023 | Bled Strategic Forum, POTC, PR
Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) is organising its newest pilot training course titled »Climate Change, Peace and Security«, which will take place back-to-back with the 12th Africa Day International Conference between 24-26 of April in Slovenia.
Climate change is a security issue and a global threat multiplier. While climate change does not directly cause violent conflict, its impacts can exacerbate its drivers. Climate change can undermine livelihoods, increase mass migration, and weaken the governance and stability of states, particularly conflict-affected fragile states and territories. The European Union (EU), NATO and the UN have actively been calling for peace operations to assess climate risks and establish management strategies that incorporate these risks. With this in mind, POTC developed a comprehensive training programme that covers different aspects of the environmental peacebuilding, climate and security nexus at an introductory level. After its successful completion, the participants will be able to understand and analyse climate-related security risks and be better prepared to contribute to crisis prevention and sustaining peace.
The enrollment procedure is now open, so we encourage everyone interested to apply here by the 24th of March, 2023.
Due to the visa obtainment process, participants from African countries should apply by February 26th, 2023.
Additional information:
- The training is free of charge.
- Organisers do not cover travel and accommodation costs. However, we will provide support and recommendations.
- The working language is English.
- The organisers will cover coffee/tea breaks and lunch.
- Participants will be notified about the selection no later than March 31st, 2023.
- Location of the training: Jable Castle, Grajska Cesta 1, Mengeš, Slovenia.
The draft agenda of the training course can be viewed here.
Contact [email protected] for any additional questions you might have.
For more information about the 12th Africa Day International Conference, please view the following link: 12th Africa Days International Conference

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