Slovenia strengthens science diplomacy as a foreign policy instrument
SLOVENIA, September 21 - The meeting focused on the implementation of the new European framework for science diplomacy. Participants discussed national approaches to science diplomacy and capacity building, as well as ways to forge more effective links between diplomatic, research and innovation communities.
Slovenia outlined its approach to science diplomacy and its research and innovation environment. The highlighted instruments include the Science Fund, through which diplomatic and consular missions support the promotion of Slovenian science and research activities abroad, as well as the networking of Slovenian researchers and institutions with foreign partners. The publication Slovenia’s Research & Innovation Landscape was also presented, serving as a tool for diplomatic and consular missions to promote Slovenia’s research and innovation environment.
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to discussing ways to strengthen UNESCO's role in science diplomacy. The results of the UNESCO regional expert meeting on science diplomacy, hosted by Slovenia in Ljubljana last year, were presented, along with opportunities for their implementation. The discussion highlighted potential avenues for regional collaboration, such as establishing a science diplomacy forum, organising joint training programmes for scientists and diplomats, and launching specific cross-border projects within UNESCO networks.
Participants were also briefed on the development of a Mediterranean Science Diplomacy Centre within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean. The discussion outlined the potential of including existing institutions and networks, particularly the Slovenia-based Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), in the areas of education and training and in fostering collaboration between the academic and diplomatic communities in the Mediterranean.
Participants were addressed by Dr Stanislav Raščan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, who emphasised the strategic importance of science diplomacy for Slovenia and highlighted efforts to foster closer integration between science, the economy and diplomacy. Cooperation at the European level is an important way to develop common approaches and strengthen the role of knowledge and scientific findings in international relations.
The programme concluded with tours of the National Institute of Biology and the Jožef Stefan Institute, where participants gained first-hand insight into the work of Slovenian research institutions and their international collaborations.
The meeting confirmed the importance of further developing science diplomacy as a foreign policy instrument. It facilitated an exchange of up-to-date information and best practices, coordination of future activities and a discussion of opportunities for closer integration between the science and research sector and diplomacy. By hosting the meeting, Slovenia strengthened its role within the European science diplomacy community and raised the international profile of its own science and innovation.
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