"The world's water resources are increasingly strained, and safe drinking water is a strategic asset of the 21st century. Preserving this natural asset for future generations requires a carefully planned and comprehensive approach," Minister Logar remarked.

The participants were also addressed by African Union Commissioner Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, Minister of Forestry and Fisheries and Environmental Affairs of the Republic of South Africa Barbara Creecy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal Aïssata Tall Sall, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic Augusto Santos Silva and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland Pekka Haavisto.

In the framework of the three round tables, the participants discussed the umbrella topic of the conference – the cooperation between Africa and Europe in the field of access to drinking water for all. The debate covered several topics such as the importance of good governance and a comprehensive approach to drinking water and cooperation in the field of water infrastructure and creativity as a driving force of sustainable development. Three Slovenian companies presented their work in the field of water infrastructure.

The final part of the Conference was dedicated to the presentations by National Coordinator for Relations with African Countries and Organizations, Ambassador Matjaž Šinkovec, co-founder of the International African Forum Ibrahim Nouhoum, member of the Chatham House Council Mimi Ajibadé and Director-General of the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships Koen Doens.

As the last speaker at the Conference, State Secretary Stanislav Raščan gave assurances that, as an EU member state, Slovenia would use its in-depth knowledge of water and rich experience in cross-border cooperation to upgrade the existing EU-Africa cooperation on water. "Today's debate has indicated a clear need for progressive development and a more ambitious approach to water-related challenges. We need progress in governance, innovation, data, finance and capacity building. All this can only be achieved if we work side by side, in partnership," stressed State Secretary Raščan.

The Conference was organised for the tenth time by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia in cooperation with the Africa Programme of the Chatham House Institute in London and the European Commission under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Slovenia and in the framework of the Bled Strategic Forum.

The event was accompanied by a rich cultural programme organised by representatives of the African diaspora and fans of African culture in Slovenia.

Africa Day conference recording.