The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor addresses participants of the 10th International Conference Africa Day

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor addressed the participants of the 10th International Conference Africa Day, which is taking place virtually.

Africa Day is an international conference that has been organised annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, the European Commission and Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs based in the United Kingdom.

The high-level international event takes place within the framework of the Bled Strategic Forum and under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Slovenia.



We here publish the speech delivered by Borut Pahor, President of the Republic of Slovenia:

Dear ministers,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is of great honour and pleasure to be able to address you at the jubilee tenth Africa Day.

Africa Day has been uniting representatives of the Slovenian political, economic and cultural life with representatives of the African states since 2012.

It makes it possible to seek stronger bilateral ties and to tackle global challenges in an easier and more efficient manner.

Africa Day has become an important form and asset for strengthening the cooperation and partnership. Not just between Slovenia and the African states, but also with our European partners.

I welcome the decision to continue this important tradition despite the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope the next meeting will take place in person.

I especially warmly welcome the direction of discussions on Africa Day to a more sustainable development and a more efficient engaging with the climate changes.

This year’s meeting is also dedicated to these issues, with water in its focus. Water is a very important topic that needs to be given maximum attention. Both in Slovenia as well as in the European Union, in Africa and elsewhere around the world.

Often it seems that, especially in a country as green and rich with natural resources as Slovenia, this is not an issue of seriuos concern. For a long time now, this is not the case anymore. We are becoming more aware of the importance of good water management.

Access to drinking water and sanitation facilities is an important aim of sustainable development and a prerequisite for implementing the Paris Agreement. Slovenia entered the right to clean drinking water into its constitution and it is devoting special care to water management.

In many other places, water sources are even more limited. I know that many African states have been facing water-related challenges.

Access to drinking water and management of the water sources is also a security threat for many environments. This is why I always urge for cooperation in managing water sources.

Dear guests,

In about a month, Slovenia will begin its six-month long presidency of the EU Council. In this role, it will dedicate all of the required attention to Africa, together with the European Union.

I am convinced that the current edition of Africa Day will strengthen the cooperation of Slovenia with individual African states and the African Union.

Thank you! I wish you all the success in your work!