In his address, Director General Jukič presented the activities of the Foreign Ministry in the field of water diplomacy and development cooperation over the last two years. He underlined the importance of close cooperation between the institutions and the profession, as only in this way can we speak with credibility and argument in the international community. Among the achievements of Slovenian diplomacy, he highlighted the adoption of Council conclusions on water in the EU’s external action during Slovenia’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. In doing so, Slovenia has succeeded in increasing the visibility of water and place an integrated approach to water in all aspects of the Union’s external action. Slovenia is also among the countries that are participating proactively in the preparations for the United Nations Water Conference 2023, which will be the second in United Nations history.

Aleš Bizjak, National Contact Point of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) pointed out: “The Water Convention also presents itself as a special opportunity in Slovenia, as it enables, among other things, the promotion and application of Slovenian knowledge in countries outside the EU and in third countries.”

The representatives of both ministries also presented the activities of cooperation in various international organisations and fora, most notably the UNECE Water Convention, and outlined plans for the future. A large part of these activities is devoted to preparing for the next United Nations Water Conference, which is scheduled for March 2023.

Representatives of Slovenian universities and scientific research institutes and companies also spoke about their intentions, projects and plans outside the EU, in the European Neighbourhood and in developing countries. On this basis, the participants in the Interactive Dialogue identified priority topics and opportunities for cooperation.