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
23-27 February, 2026
POTC’s Gender in Operations 5-day training programme will be delivered in cooperation between the Peace Operations Training Centre and the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
8-13 March, 2026
This comprehensive training programme aimed to equip civilians deployed in peace missions and operations abroad with the necessary skills to navigate potentially dangerous working conditions and hazardous situations. POTC covers participation fees, accommodation and meals.
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
CEP is organizing HEAT – Hostile Environment Awareness Training in October
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) is an intensive four days course aiming to train professionals to deal effectively with risks-associated and emergency/critical situations while deployed in hostile environments abroad. The course is intended for people...
WORK PROGRAMME 2026
In 2026, we will be covering the following topics (view announced dates):
- Protection of Civilians (PoC) – Kenya (2-13 February, 2026)
- Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management – Ukraine (9-11 and 12-14 February, 2026)
- A Comprehensive Approach to Gender in Operations (23-27 February, 2026)
- Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) – no.1 – (8-13 March, 2026)
- Disruptive Military Technologies and Practices Seminar
- Personal Security Training for MFEA Personnel
- International Humanitarian Law Training
- Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) – no.2
- Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding Training (with the Geneva Water Hub)
- Strategic Communication in the Peace Operations Context Training
- Basic Pre-deployment Training
- Climate Change, Peace and Security Training in Africa
WORK PROGRAMME 2025
In 2025, we covered the following topics:
- HEAT (16-21 February, 2025)
- A Comprehensive Approach to Gender in Operations (10-14 March, 2025)
- Personal Security Training for MFA Personnel (27 May, 2025)
- Seminar on Cooperation with Local Communities (21 May, 2025)
- Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for Ukrainian SESU Personnel (26-29 May, 2025)
- Protection of Civilians (PoC) – Kenya (1-12 September, 2025)
- International Humanitarian Law Training (17-18 September, 2025)
- Protection of Civilians (PoC) – UN-Certified, Slovenia (6-10 October, 2025)
- Seminar on Disruptive Military Technologies and Practices (6 November 2025)
- Strategic Communication Training – NATO Approach (10-13 November, 2025) – Cancelled
- Climate Change, Peace and Security Training with a Training of Trainers Module – Ethiopia (3-7 November, 2025)
- Seminar for Ukrainian SESU Personnel (2 December)
WORK PROGRAMME 2024
In 2024, we covered the following topics:
- Training of Trainers – Namibia (January 8-12)
- Gender Mainstreaming in Peace Operations and Missions Training – Mongolia (March 11-15)
- A Comprehensive Approach to Gender in Operations (March 18-21)
- Cultural Heritage Protection Workshop (EUM Armenia & EUMM Georgia) (April 25)
- Climate Change, Peace and Security Training (May 20-22)
- Personal Security Training for MFA Personnel (May 29)
- Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) (June 2-7)
- Environmental Peacebuilding Training (with the Geneva Water Hub) (September 30-October 4)
- International Humanitarian Law Training (October 7-8)
- Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Training (UN-certified) (October 21-25)
- Women, Peace and Security Training – Mongolia (November 18-29)
- Seminar: Disruptive Military Technologies and Practices (November 27)
- Strategic Communication in the Peace Operations Context Training (December 2-5)
WORK PROGRAMME 2023
In 2023, we covered the following topics:
- Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (PoC) Training (2-6 October, 2023)
- Disruptive Military Technologies and Practices Training (30 November, 2023)
- International Humanitarian Law – Module II (6-7 November, 2023)
- Engagement with the Local Community – Pilot Training (13 September, 2023)
- Sahel Region: Peace and Security Perspective Seminar (19-20 April, 2023)
- Human Trafficking in the Missions and Operations Context – Train the Trainer (ToT)
- Gender Equality and Gender Mainstreaming in Peace Operations (21-23 March, 2023)
- HEAT Slovenia – Hostile Environment Awareness Training (24-29 September, 2023)
- Climate Change, Peace and Security – Pilot Training (24-26 April, 2023)
WORK PROGRAMME 2022
In 2022, we covered the following topics:
- Protection of Civilians – Pilot Course (19-21 April, 2022)
- Protection of Civilians – EUAM Ukraine (23-26 May, 2022)
- Gender Equality and Gender Mainstreaming in Peace Operations Training (21-24 March, 2022)
- HEAT Slovenia – Hostile Environment Awareness Training (18-23 September, 2022)
- International Humanitarian Law and Disruptive Military Developments (7-8 November, 2022)
- Stabilization and Reconstruction Training (21 November, 2022)
- Preparation for European Project Proposals (May – September, 2022)
- African Security and Defence Architecture Seminar
- Pre-deployment Training for Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Community Management Training
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