The President participates in the World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia

Vienna, 8.6.2011  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, is participating at the World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia in Vienna: a forum for discussion on the development needs of European and Central Asian economies. Last night, the President attended a reception hosted by the Slovenian Ambassador to Austria, Aleksander Geržina and his spouse, Gaja Peric, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's independence. He then joined the debate on 'The Future of Government' as its keynote speaker. This morning, the President participated in the opening session of the World Economic Forum, dedicated to the topic of 'Expanding the Frontiers of Innovation' and, in the afternoon, he addressed the interactive session on 'Making Labour Markets Work'.

At the reception held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Slovenia, the President's address underlined that Slovenia's independence was part of a greater and positive change, as a result of which the Europe of today is different, united, free, on good terms, and in better shape. He recalled that Austria has understood the importance of this transformation, and expressed his gratitude for its support provided to Slovenia during its push for independence and also later in its efforts to accede to the European Union. He thanked the representatives of the Slovenian national minority in Austria, who at that time successfully presented the historic endeavours of the Slovenian people to the wider Austrian public. The President emphasised that, during the two decades of its development, Slovenia has become a reliable European partner with excellent relations with all its neighbours, and a prominent member of the European Union as well as other European organisations. At the same time, it is part of the region between the Baltic and the Adriatic Sea, where major future developments are expected.

In his opening address at the debate on 'The Future of Government', President Türk said that the world is facing economic inequality and unsatisfactory global governance. Therefore, according to the President, we should strive for an appropriate combination of improved global governance and the promotion of quality national governance. At the same time, the President underlined the importance of linking governments to civil society and other non-governmental organisations, but warned of the potential for structural corruption as a result. He also spoke about democracy, which should not exist for its own sake, but should bring forth adequate results. The President also pointed out the challenge of improving the technological skills of governments, which would enable them to steer the necessary social transformations.

At the interactive session on 'Making Labour Markets Work', President Türk spoke for the most part on the importance of small and medium-sized companies, which have proven to be the most vital foundation for national economies and therefore need to be included in strategic economic planning. The President also highlighted the potential of social entrepreneurship, which has also been developing in Slovenia. Social entrepreneurship has positive effects, not only on the economy, but also on society as a whole. In his address, the President also referred to the need to harmonise educational processes with economic requirements. He explained that all too often the economy cannot find human resources with the required knowledge and skill sets. Most of the discussions held at the interactive session addressed the question of how both the public and private sector can shape a labour market that strikes a balance between security and flexibility from a functional perspective.