13. 3. 2024 | Decentralisation, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine, Waste management
On 20 March, we will begin the second three-week mentorship of 2024 in the municipality of Idrija under the auspices of the project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’.
The fourth mentorship visit of the project will focus on developing collaboration between Pereschepyne and Idrija and enhancing knowledge and cooperation across multiple topics.
The mentorship builds upon the needs expressed by Pereschepyne municipality, mainly the preservation of cultural heritage, waste management, and energy efficiency of public buildings, and will address topics crucial for the municipality’s further development, such as project management, project writing, and topics related to the EU enlargement process on the local level.
The Idrija municipality, with its rich heritage in cultural preservation, activities in the area of waste management, sustainability and zero waste, and the successful establishment of the Ljubevč waste collection centre, brings valuable experience that can be a boon to partners from Pereschepyne. Through presentations and site visits, mentees from Ukraine will gain insights into these practices and projects and explore project planning, preparation and management, and EU project funding.
The ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’ project is funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships and implemented in partnership with ‘U-LEAD with Europe’. U-LEAD with Europe programme is a partnership of the Ukrainian government and the European Union, and its member states Germany, Sweden, Poland and Slovenia to support the establishment of multi-level governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the population of Ukraine.
4. 3. 2024 | European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR, Strategic Communication
In 2024, the power of strategic communication holds and will hold unprecedented significance for the future of humankind. Over 4 billion individuals, representing half the planet’s population, will exercise their right to vote. It will not be just about countering disinformation; it will be about preserving democracy. In this pivotal moment, digital communication emerges as one of the essential tools poised to shape the course of events and uphold the values of democratic governance. Digital communication has the ability to reach a large audience, communicate more effectively and efficiently and connect people all over the world. It also enables immediate and real-time interaction, which will be crucial in facing all global crises, especially in the election year.
This year, our EDDE training that just successfully concluded was as relevant as ever. It was the 24th training since the launch of a project in 2016. The topic of this year’s edition was Enhancing Digital Strategic Messaging. We were joined by 46 government communicators from 20 countries and by nine international experts from CEP, DigiTips, META and the US State Department.
The four-day EDDE training took place in Bled from 27 February to 1 March 2024. It provided a comprehensive exploration of the critical intersection between government affairs and digital engagement. It offered participants a diverse display of speakers and activities aimed at enhancing their understanding and skills in this rapidly evolving field. The topics ranged from the evolution of the digital society to audience analysis, strategic marketing, and practical sessions on videography and photography techniques. The lectures also delved into graphic design principles, digital media monitoring, AI, and strategies for combatting digital disinformation. They culminated in a simulation exercise where attendees applied their knowledge in real-time scenarios. The final day showcased a dynamic simulation activity, challenging participants to create digital strategic communications campaigns for authentic case scenarios. This hands-on approach provided invaluable insights and skills, empowering attendees to navigate the complex landscape of digital engagement in government affairs.
In addition to educational sessions, our event emphasised fostering connections and strong bonds among participants. We organised different engaging activities. The highlight was a dinner in Ljubljana, attended by esteemed ambassadors, promoting meaningful exchanges in an informal atmosphere.
The project is a result of cooperation between the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, and the Centre for European Perspective.
You can check out more photos with a click on the photo below.
23. 2. 2024 | European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR
Due to the enduring complexities brought forth by the global COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical transformations, the demand for effective communication strategies has never been more needed. In this dynamic landscape, where the digital realm profoundly influences the dissemination and reception of information, government communicators face a pivotal challenge. They must navigate through the labyrinth of misinformation, ensuring that their messages resonate authentically and engender trust among audiences. With each day, it becomes more evident that adept utilisation of digital skills is paramount for governmental communicators striving to maintain credibility and efficacy in their messaging efforts.
Centre for European Perspective (CEP) and the U.S. Department of State are organising a four-day training session, scheduled from February 27 to March 1, 2024, against the stunning backdrop of Bled. This event will bring together government communicators from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Czechia, Estonia, Georgia, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine, to enhance their skills and expertise in the realm of digital strategic messaging.
Themed “Enhancing Digital Strategic Messaging,” the training focuses on equipping participants with essential skills to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. Led by leading experts, sessions delve into techniques for audience analysis, segmentation, and persuasive communication strategies tailored to specific demographics. Attendees will gain insights into the integration of visuals and other elements to bolster messaging effectiveness alongside practical exercises providing tangible solutions for implementation within their ministries. With an emphasis on strategic thinking and practical solutions, participants will leave armed with a roadmap for future digital communication endeavours.
The project is a result of cooperation between the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, and the Centre for European Perspective.
5. 2. 2024 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Strengthening Societal Resilience and Countering Foreign Perpetrated Disinformation in 6 Western Balkans Countries
Strengthening Societal Resilience and Countering Foreign Perpetrated Disinformation in the Western Balkans project is concluding its visiting tour of the region with the back to back visits to Pristina, Kosovo and Podgorica, Montenegro, in the week of 12-16 February.
The two visits will address the particular challenges that local efforts to counter disinformation encounter in Kosovo and Montenegro and look at the policy solutions found in the EU and the EU Member States. The project will be accompanied on these visits by renowned experts and practitioners in this field, who will discuss with the stakeholders from across societal sectors in the two countries the best ways of strengthening resilience against the threat of disinformation, taking into account both the local specificities and the lessons learned abroad. In addition to supporting democratic development, whole-of-society cooperation and comprehensive national security, countering disinformation will also assist the EU aspiration of the two countries.
The Project Strengthening Societal Resilience and Countering Foreign Perpetrated Disinformation in the Western Balkans is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia through development cooperation funds.
2. 2. 2024 | Peace and security, POTC, PR
Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) is set to conduct the second edition of the specialised training programme on the topic of climate security from May 20th to May 22nd, 2024, at Jable Castle in Slovenia. This climate security comprehensive course aims to address the critical intersections between climate change, security, and global peace efforts.
Recognising climate change as a security issue and a significant global threat multiplier, POTC developed an extensive training program in 2023, covering the various impacts of climate change on peace and security worldwide. The 2024 edition will build upon the pilot delivery, incorporating subject matter changes to provide an updated and enhanced learning experience. The training is specifically tailored to meet the needs of allied and partner countries deploying personnel to peacekeeping missions and operations.
Learning objectives for participants include gaining an understanding of the main environmental and climate issues related to global security, recognising climate and environmental elements in conflict and post-conflict situations, exploring the international legal framework regarding climate change, and understanding the role of water infrastructure as a global security issue. The program will also delve into environmental issues affecting host countries of missions, adaptation and mitigation strategies in field missions, and the gender dimensions in climate-related conflicts.
The target audience for this climate security training is comprised of civilian experts, police, and military personnel actively involved or planning to participate in international missions or operations. Country prioritisation will guide the selection process, with priority given to citizens of the largest Troop/Police Contributing Countries (T/PCC) to UN missions and operations from Africa.
Interested individuals can apply for participation until March 24th, 2024, through an online form. POTC will conduct a selection process, and participants will be notified of their selection by April 1st, 2024. The working language of the training is English, therefore fluency in English is required.
Attendance throughout the entire three-day program is mandatory to receive a Certificate of Participation. Participants are expected to arrive no later than Sunday, May 19th, and are encouraged to extend their stay for the Africa Day Conference on May 22nd-23rd.
POTC will help with entry into Slovenia for EU citizens and those with bilateral agreements, while non-EU citizens are responsible for processing their visa requests. Accommodation will be provided free of charge, with local transport, meals, and other refreshments covered by POTC. Financial support also includes reimbursement of travel expenses up to a certain amount.
Registration of Interest Form: JotForm LINK
Information Pack: PDF LINK
For additional information, interested individuals can reach out to: [email protected]
POTC’s commitment to addressing climate-related security risks underscores its dedication to preparing peace operations personnel for the evolving challenges in international peace and security.
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Cover photo: United Nations by Harandane Dicko
