Improving skills to make the world a safer place

ABOUT POTC

The Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) of Slovenia delivers training activities for military, police, and civilian personnel of our three overseeing ministries and for other civilian experts who can be deployed to peace operations and missions within the UN, EU, NATO and OSCE umbrella. As contemporary security challenges are becoming ever more complex, integration of different methodologies and a multidimensional approach is needed to equip future mission members with the necessary skills and expertise. POTC, as an interdepartmental training centre, provides such comprehensive trainings.

Organisation and implementation of trainings for participation in peacekeeping operations and missions would not be possible without the support and cooperation of our three overseeing ministries: the Slovenian Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Ministry of Defence.

Organisational chart (click to enhance):

COMING UP

Protection of Civilians Course

Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course (CPoC) in Nairobi, Kenya

1-12 September 2025

APPLY NOW! The Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course (CPoC) will be conducted in cooperation between the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC), the British Peace Support Team – Africa (BPST – A) and the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), Kenya.

protection of civilians

Protection of Civilians Training (UN-Certified)

6-10 October 2025

The Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (CPoC) Training focuses on the protection of civilians by addressing the responsibilities of states, international organisations, and other actors to safeguard individuals, particularly non-combatants, from harm during armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other forms of violence.

prebojne vojaške tehnologije

Disruptive Military Technologies and Practices Training

6 November 2025

The seminar will address the impacts of emerging technologies on strategic decisions and operational capabilities in the context of international peace and security.

stratcom 2025

Strategic Communications in the Contemporary Security Environment

10-13 November 2025

The training will address the impact of technical and technological advances on warfare and international peace operations, particularly in the field of cognition and information flow.

OUR MISSION

We offer specialised trainings for civilian personnel, police personnel and military personnel. Below are some of the main topics we cover, while we also routinely deliver tailor-made training activities:

Climate Change, Peace and Security

Recognising climate change as a security issue and a significant global threat multiplier, POTC developed an training programme in 2023, covering the various impacts of climate change on peace and security worldwide. POTC was one of the first training centre in Europe and the world to deliver this type of training activity. The next editions will build upon the pilot delivery, incorporating subject matter changes to provide an updated and enhanced learning experience.

Cultural Heritage Protection

Cultural heritage is a common good passed from previous generations, and threats to cultural heritage can be an indicator of underlying tensions. Trafficking presents a considerable source of financing for international crime and terrorism, so we are paying more attention to protecting heritage in the security sector as well.

Training of Trainers (ToT)

ToT provides a platform for participants to delve into the practical application of learning theories, enhancing their ability to conduct impactful training sessions.

Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (UN-Certified Training)

In modern armed conflicts, civilian deaths often overtake those of soldiers and armed fighters. As of 2024, POTC holds a United Nations Certificate of Training Recognition for our Protection of Civilians training. This means that our training conforms to the UN pre-deployment standards. Protection of civilians is a broad topic touching on international law, human rights, conflict-related sex- and gender-based violence, minority rights, methodologies for protection of civilians from physical violence, etc.

Gender Mainstreaming/Gender in Operations

Protection from discrimination on the basis of sex and gender is enshrined in the Slovenian constitution and equality between women and men is at the core of the foundational values of the EU and the UN. We equip training participants with knowledge and skills that help them engage and include women as stakeholders in the peace-building and peacekeeping process.

Tailor-made Training Activities

Sometimes, the three overseeing ministries need special, tailor-made training activities that fit the needs of our partners. POTC develops and delivers these special training activities in close cooperation with our designated partners to make sure the needs of peace operations personnel are met. In developing these trainings, we strive to meet the highest international standards with regard to curriculums and training execution.

Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)

Being able to effectively deal with risk-associated and emergency/critical situations while deployed in hostile environments abroad is crucial for the well-being of a mission member and for the overall success of the mission as well. That is why we deliver intensive four-day courses for future mission members to deal effectively with risk-associated and emergency/critical situations while deployed in hostile environments abroad. The course is designed for individuals with little or no experience of working in conflict areas.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

The International Humanitarian Law Training equips peace personnel with the knowledge to comply with legal obligations, protect human rights, and prevent war crimes in conflict zones. This training enhances mission effectiveness, promotes accountability, and ensures peacekeepers’ actions align with ethical and international legal standards.

Disruptive Military Technologies and Practices

Experts and attendees engage in interactive discussions on future security challenges and innovative approaches to emerging technological threats, fostering a deep understanding of the evolving military technology landscape.

LATEST NEWS

WORK PROGRAMME 2025

In 2025, we are covering the following topics (view announced dates):

WORK PROGRAMME 2024

In 2024, we covered the following topics (view announced dates):

WORK PROGRAMME 2023

In 2023, we covered the following topics:

WORK PROGRAMME 2022

In 2022, we covered the following topics:

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