Bridging the Divide

European Union: What Keeps Us United

Arnold I Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In recent years, the EU has been facing significant challenges, which have lifted the veil of its unity, revealing its internal fragmentation. Sometimes, the Union seems to be criss-crossed with divisive lines running from West to East, from the centre to the periphery, and from North to South, making it seem like a variable-geometry Union. However, despite the reality of sometimes diverging interests which arise from different historical, demographic, geopolitical and economic backgrounds, interdependence remains a key underpinning element of the EU’s daily reality. The key principle of managing our mutual dependence has been, or should be, solidarity, as proven from the outset of the integration process.

In the light of shared and recently unprecedented challenges, European leaders have reconfirmed the need for unity between Member States; however, the approaches to finding solutions appear to differ. The EU panel will seek to discover what unites us, how we are bridging the existing gaps and divisions within the EU, and how we will ensure that we maintain our unity.

Transforming World Development – Beyond the State-Centric Approach

Arnold II Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

By adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, world leaders pledged their commitment to a new approach to global development. This new approach is based on the realisation that states are no longer the only drivers of development, and that other partners have to assume greater responsibility for sustainable development, including financial institutions, the private sector, civil society and local communities. Only by engaging all partners will the 2030 Agenda produce transformative effects.

In light of the new development paradigm, the panel will discuss ways of changing the current mind-set to challenge the status quo and to better exploit the potential of all stakeholders, including through the empowerment of women. It will also look at the potential of innovations and technologies to overcome the global challenges defined by the 2030 Agenda.

It will also address the question of how to mobilise various developmental drivers in order to achieve the 2030 Agenda goals – that is, to end hunger, reduce inequality and ensure environment-friendly development – and in so doing, leave no one behind.

Digital Bridge: Transformation for Institutional Resilience

Zrak Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with Centre for European Perspective and U.S. Department of State.

Digitalisation is a modern imperative. Institutions find themselves in a fast-paced and evolving environment in which rapid changes in communications media and power dynamics have significant effect on the role and voice of governments, business, media, and civil society organisations. In order to remain resilient and pliant while further serving the best interests of society, institutions must embrace on the digital future and transform and transcend traditional ways of operating. They must form the bridge.

Global digitalisation was envisioned as a means of bringing us closer together, but discussions now focus on how it pushes us apart. Is digitalisation responsible for deepening social cleavages, or is it simply exposing us to rifts that existed already? The filter bubble phenomena, often cited as a result of digital communication platforms, existed long before the digital communication revolution, but has the volume and social element of modern media exacerbated this problem? How has empowering individuals to be their own editors and arbiters of truth hindered the ability of everyone to validate the accuracy of the information to which they are exposed?

Coffee Break

Hotel Lobby

Mediation in a New Multipolar World – Between Expectations and Reality

Arnold I Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

The world today is increasingly exposed not only to more threats, but also to new ones – conflicts are becoming more asymmetrical and interconnected, with a number of new actors involved; after decades, we are again facing the peril of the use of nuclear weapons; the number of terrorist attacks around the globe remains high; cyber space is becoming a new theatre of war; climate change is the most important threat multiplier. How should we effectively address all these complex contemporary challenges to international peace and security, which are not limited to state, ethnic or religious borders? The world may never have had so many tools for conflict prevention and early warning mechanisms; but are we also using them to the benefit of the people who are most affected (people on the ground), whose expectations are very often overlooked/ignored, or just for the advantage of main actors/players involved?

Cyber Security System: Achieving Resilience

Arnold II Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with Siemens.

The growing threat of advanced cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and industrial systems presents a unique challenge for businesses and countries alike. Increasingly, governments are being called on to respond to cyber-attacks and provide a secure cyber environment, despite the fact that the infrastructure of cyber security has so far been in the hands of the IT sector and not under state control. Cyber security has become one of the pillars of national security, and partial solutions by individual organisations are no longer sufficient to counter cyber threats. It is imperative for countries to build a system that ensures cyber security.

How do we build such a system and what elements does it need to include in order to effectively address these threats? Will the information revolution work to further integrate and connect Europe through a single digital market? How is the private sector dealing with the challenges of cyber-attacks, and what new business opportunities does the cyber insecurity offer for companies?

Networking Lunch

Hotel Rikli Balance Restaurant

International Criminal Court: 20 Years after Rome – Setting a Path for the Future

Arnold I Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the first permanent international criminal court for prosecuting individuals for atrocity crimes. Over the years, the Court has become a meaningful actor and achieved notable results, including with its judicial pronouncements on sexual and gender-based crimes, child soldiers and cultural heritage. However, the Court also faces several challenges. With Burundi’s withdrawal from the ICC, the goal of universality calls for greater attention. The Court’s effectiveness continues to depend on cooperation with states and international organisations, particularly the United Nations, and on adequate funding. As it becomes increasingly active, the Court could come under greater pressure. The 20th anniversary is an important opportunity to celebrate the Court’s many accomplishments and an encouragement to undertake a strategic assessment of the challenges with a view to securing its successful future.

Bridging the Trust Divide between People and Institutions

Sonce Hall, Rikli Balance Hotel

In partnership with Global Diplomacy Lab. 

Levels of trust in institutions vary across time and cultures. The 2018 Edelman TRUST BAROMETER, measuring trust across a number of institutions, sectors and geographies, reveals a world of seemingly stagnant distrust in business, government, NGOs and the media. However, trust in institutions is one of the most critical elements of healthy societies, as it matters for their legitimacy, well-being and, ultimately, stability. This is particularly relevant in periods of economic, political and social instability, when credible institutions are actually mandated to absorb shock waves. This participatory panel will seek to discuss the root causes of people’s declining trust in well-established and alternative institutions and share experiences of how this challenge is addressed in various regions and at different levels. It will also explore alternative ways of regaining trust and enhancing public engagement with institutions to bridge the gap between people and institutions.

Being Human in the Age of Technology

Arnold II Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with IBM.

At times our society feels like a runaway train. Technologies in artificial intelligence, biotech, nanotech, to name only a few fields, are developing at an extreme pace, but are not accompanied by a strategic analysis of their impact not only on our daily lives but the whole of humanity – on social relations, on our emotional and biological selves, as well as on our legal systems and regulatory frameworks. The infrastructure for such fundamental changes is not in place.

The panel will explore cutting edge technological advances and how they will affect our lives and the human race as a whole. What changes can we foresee in the coming decades? How can we ensure that they will lead us to a better existence and that we use technology to improve our lives and not to perpetuate the cycles of global violence and wars that mark human history?

Coffee Break

Hotel Lobby

Western Balkans: Lost Years or New Hope?

Arnold I Hall, Arnold II Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with Riko.

The EU enlargement process has always been a political process. Despite the technical benchmarks, monitoring missions, evaluations and progress reports, it took only one sentence from the President of the European Commission five years ago to raise doubt and fear about belief in the enlargement policy and the Western Balkans. After several years of uncertainty, it again took only one sentence from the same President to revive hope and enthusiasm in the region, which in the past was much more concerned about having a positive external appearance than internal reforms. This hope was translated into concrete language with a new strategy on enlargement; new tasks have been divided among the countries of the region, and uncertainty has been replaced by actual dates for enlargement.

But why will things be different this time? How will the lost years of slow progress be replaced by the swift and successful transformation of a society ready to embrace the norms, standards and values of the EU? Are the political elites ready to embark on this road, which in the end might cost them their privileges and functions? Is civil society ready to act as a watchdog and catalyst for changes?

Climate Change and Security Dynamics

Zrak Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

Scholars and security agencies around the world view the issue of climate change from two angles: climate change as a threat, and climate change as a threat multiplier. According to IPCCC, the increased magnitude of climate change disasters in coming years will alter countries’ environmental, social, and economic fabric. The resulting degradation of natural resources, reduced opportunities for livelihood and mass displacement and migration will increase competition for resources, and could lead to conflicts, unrest and even wars. However, amicable strategies/policies can prevent the resulting conflicts and mass migration. All of the above and many more dimensions of climate change as a threat multiplier require concerted efforts at the policy level, and discussions among important stakeholders. The session with leading experts and policy makers from around the world will discuss the various dimensions of security threats emerging from climate change effects and possible policy options to prevent climate change from becoming a threat multiplier.

Closing

Arnold I Hall, Arnold II Hall, Rikli Balance Hotel

Young BSF: Opening

Bled Festival Hall

Young BSF: Bridging The Divide Between Generations

Ljubljana Town Hall

Powered by the National Youth Council of Slovenia – Mladinski svet Slovenije – MSS.

The structure of the global population has radically changed over the past years. While one part of the world faces rapid population ageing, the other has a high fertility rate. Changed demographic conditions, combined with technological progress, have presented many challenges to the economic, social, transport, and health-care sectors. As a result, intergenerational relationships are undergoing drastic change which, in turn, will shape the way we understand society and affect all aspects of life. Intergenerational cooperation must be focused on ensuring a decent life in all life periods. Predictions show that in the next few years, there will be more people over the age of 65 than children under 5. As a result, the disparity between these two population groups will constantly increase.

What are the biggest challenges facing different generations regarding the labour market, housing and involvement in social decision-making? What needs to be done to enhance intergenerational cooperation? What are the inspiring best practices of intergenerational cooperation? The answers to these questions and more will be provided at the panel.

Young BSF: How Can Smart Communities Drive Sustainability?

City Hotel, Ljubljana

Powered by Club Alpbach Senza Confini.

The advent of new technology has brought about the emergence of smart cities and smart tourism, which aim to provide advanced technology-based solutions that ensure an efficient use of resources and optimal user experience. As a result, more and more types of smart communities are emerging, and these are determining the direction of development of digital services and business models, since the engagement of stakeholders brings value to any platform. This leads us to think that residents and tourists should be the drivers of sustainability, and that flourishing smart communities should be built bottom-up. On the other hand, all platforms need significant financial investment, which suggests a top-down approach to creating a smart community. Where is the balance? What are the most frequent concerns of investors, and when is a platform a good investment? How should circular economy models be designed, evaluated and implemented? Which segments show most disruptions? Which stakeholders drive sustainability in a smart community? How do we motivate users to opt for more sustainable mobility and energy-efficient use of services and products? What are the key resources and challenges of the sustainable ‘smart’ future?

Young BSF: Making A.I. Work – Exploring Practical Ways For Human–Machine Co-operation

Triglav Lab 

Powered by MUNSC Salient.

The looming spectre of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) seems to be omnipresent, with only a few professions still unaffected by the practices and solutions introduced by machine learning and other related technologies. While some hail the advent of machines, others remain sceptical, warning that at least in the short term, large-scale automation may not avoid having a negative impact on the job market and the nature of work as we know them today.

One way to offset some of the disruptive tendencies seemingly inherent in A.I.-related technologies is to explore how humans and algorithms can work side by side and complement each other. However, for such deliberations to retain their practical merit, they need to be grounded in at least a basic understanding of how A.I. may be applied in particular fields, sectors and contexts, each of which is determined by its own idiosyncrasies, while still keeping sight of the wider socio-economic perspective. To this end, the panel brings together leading experts from academia, technology, business, NGOs and policy-making, and challenges them to engage in a productive exchange that will delineate the potential as well as the limits of human-machine co-operation.

Young BSF: Conflict Prevention, Peace Building and Mediation

Arnold I Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with Doshisha University, Japan, and Faculty of Social Sciences, Slovenia.

Many of the divides we observe today were caused by conflict. It not only divides territories, but also the peoples and societies living there. To establish harmonious societies, we need to address the underlying roots of conflict in them; however, the nature of conflict is constantly changing, and we need to tackle these newly emerging problems through new perspectives.

The panel will seek methods of conflict prevention, peace building and mediation by focusing on contemporary cases in the Balkans and the Middle East from the political, cultural and social viewpoints. What role does democracy play in conflict prevention? What is the role of international and regional organisations? How do we address and bridge divides caused by conflict?

Diaspora’s Role of a Bridge in Contemporary International Relations

Arnold II Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad.

With modern societies becoming more and more mobile, countries are increasingly realising the importance of their respective diasporas for their transnational relations and development. With policies towards the new diasporas, traditional diasporas are gaining more attention. But there are big differences between countries regarding how much focus they put into these issues. Slovenia has traditionally considered the Slovenian diaspora as an important factor in its national development. A big effort is made today to develop constructive relations with new emigrants as well. Innovative approaches to maintaining the Slovene language, culture and national consciousness through connecting Slovenian scientists and students from around the world (ASEF, VTIS), interregional business conferences, supporting start-ups etc. are well-received and are examples of good practice. The aim of the round table is to compare and analyse approaches to the diasporas of countries that are best known in this field. Concepts of transborder cooperation, brain circulation, global networking, building economic ties and returning migration will be presented.

Young BSF: Mediterranean Dimension of the OSCE – Youth and Security

Voda Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with Embassy of the Republic of Italy in Slovenia.

The event will be held in light of the Italian OSCE Chairmanship and its commitment to work under the motto of “Dialogue, Ownership, Responsibility” in order to build a “genuine partnership” with Mediterranean countries. This partnership can be achieved only through enhanced political dialogue, more concrete collaboration on security issues and the promotion of a holistic approach to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as investment in education and culture, with more attention to women and young people.

The panel will address the role of youth in resolving interconnected security issues in the EuroMediterranean region, such as radicalisation, climate change, migration, gender equality, freedom of media and others. Often left out of the official debates and resolutions, the voice of youth is often not heard or included in resolving current issues in the region. Additionally, there is a pressing need to broaden the debate by forging new links between different generations and sectors within the EuroMediterranean region.

The Role of South East European National Security Authorities in Ensuring Cyber Security

Voda Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Protection of Classified Information.

Created in 2011 at the initiative of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat and with the support of the NATO Office of Security (NOS) and the EU Council General Secretariat Security Office, the South East European National Security Authorities (SEENSA) is a forum of heads of national security authorities (NSAs) from RCC members for discussing the development of common measures to protect classified information in the region.

These authorities are striving to facilitate an exchange of views and ideas on regional security cooperation and to help enhance regional security, stability and the building of trust. In addition to efforts towards unified security practices and procedures for exchanging classified and other information with limited distribution, where appropriate, the SEENSA also provides a forum for discussing ways to adapt security practices to the constant changes in the overall security environment of South East Europe.

De-Victimizing Victims

Zrak Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with ITF Enhancing Human Security.

Victim assistance is one of the main 5 pillars of humanitarian mine action. Without support provided to those affected by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, the civil population can remain incapacitated by the consequences of armed conflict for decades. Victim assistance is merely a matter of medical rehabilitation, but instead requires a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial support and socioeconomic assistance. It has to incorporate a long-term perspective; the involvement of mine victims and their situation has to be included in public policies and frameworks, especially relating to issues of health, disabilities, employment, and education. Mine victims remain after a country is declared mine free, but supporting them requires capacities, expertise and, above all, funding.

The panel will discuss the possibilities of overcoming the divides between mine victims and the donor community, bridging the gap between victim assistance and other fields of humanitarian mine action, and solutions for empowering mine victims.

Survivors: Breaking the Silence on Child Sexual Abuse

Voda Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

Book reading with Eirliani Abdul Rahman.

Eirliani A. Rahman is Program Director at the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation. After resigning from the Singapore Foreign Service, she set up her own non-profit YAKIN (Youth, Adult Survivors & Kin In Need), which is aimed at helping child victims and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. The book ‘Survivors’, published by Marshall Cavendish Asia in November 2017, chronicles the true stories of 12 brave survivors of child sexual abuse: 5 men and 7 women from Germany, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Africa, the UK and the US. The session will include a survivor from South Africa reading excerpts from his chapter in the book. We will be talking about the psychological impact of abuse both in the short- and long-term; how to protect your children and wards from danger; signs to look out for in an abused child; and how to be supportive to a survivor regarding the trauma.

Engagement, Conditionality or Both? Security and the Rule-Of-Law Through a Renewed EU Perspective

Zrak Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with IISG – Integrative Internal Security Governance.

Intensive efforts continue in the Western Balkans to meet the EU’s accession preconditions concerning security. The EU perspective remains a key driver of transformation, but the lessons learned from the efforts of the last decade and a half invested by countries and the international community are no less important. A unique and complex system of security cooperation involves capacity-building, transferring good practice and cross-border cooperation, inspired by both vertical conditionality and the need for horizontal cooperation. We should rethink the venues of security reform by applying comprehensive concepts in the period of the renewed EU perspective, including those of “Integrative Internal Security Governance”. What concepts have the potential to advance the engagement and achieve a sustained track record in tackling the challenges of serious and organised crime, violent extremism, terrorism and border security? How should the EU proceed to ensure efficient external policy governance?

Putting European Consensus on Development into Practice: Political Foundations as Bridge Builders for the Implementation of SDG’s

Voda Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with European Network of Political Foundations.

The New European Consensus on Development was launched in 2017 as a strong policy commitment of the EU and its member states to the basic assumption that sustainable development goes far beyond fighting poverty. By incorporating the principle of universality laid down by the Agenda 2030, the European Union positioned itself as a leader in tackling the complex nature of development challenges inside and outside its borders.

The European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) is a unique actor with a comparative advantage in the development field. In the context of implementing the Agenda 2030 and the New European Consensus for Development, ENoP plays a unique role in promoting sustainable development in Europe and beyond. With members active in over 100 countries and with the capacity to reach out to a broad spectrum of audiences and stakeholders, ENoP serves as a valuable bridge builder between CSOs and political actors and a key actor in efforts to implement the 17 sustainable development goals.

AmCham Business Leaders Club Breakfast

Sonce Hall, Rikli Balance Hotel

In partnership with AmCham Slovenia.

We are in an economic cycle in which jobs as we know them are rapidly changing. The World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs” study predicts that 5 million jobs will be lost before 2020 as artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology and other socio-economic factors replace the need for human workers. The good news is that those same technological advances will also create 2.1 million new jobs. But the manual and clerical workers who find themselves out of work are unlikely to have the skills required to compete for the new roles. According to the latest research, we will soon be only as good as the skills we possess, and for this reason we will have to refocus skills education.

What will automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) mean for tomorrow’s workforce and what effect will they have on jobs, skills, and wages? What are the skills and competences of the future, and how can we make sure that we keep pace? How do we bridge the rising divide between human beings and artificial intelligence?

Tourism as an Instrument for Cultural Co-Operation

Grand Hall, Grand Hotel Toplice

In partnership with Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia and Slovenian Tourist Board.

Strengthening cooperation between the tourism and culture sectors has become a major driving force of destination attractiveness and competitiveness in recent years. Meanwhile, tourism has not only economic effects, but also influences social and cultural relations at the national and international level. Therefore, tourism is an excellent instrument for connecting people, and learning about and accepting the diversity of cultures. Cultural tourism based on tangible and intangible cultural assets is one of the biggest and fastest-growing global tourism markets. Culture and the creative industries, with the support of innovative ICT, are increasingly being used to promote destinations and enhance their competitiveness and attractiveness. The creation and promotion of local distinctiveness is becoming a very important comparative advantage in the competitive, globalised tourism market.

The tourism panel will discuss the wide possibilities of cultural tourism, new technologies in tourism and opportunities for international co-operation in this field, including a presentation of good practices.

Session 2: Bridging the Divide: the Human Brain and Artificial Intelligence

Sonce Hall, Rikli Balance Hotel

The power of the human brain is enormous, and in order to behave more productively in complex business situations, we need to better understand how the brain works. With new technological advances such as AI, many opportunities related to solving these complex issues emerge, but also many challenges. How is the power of AI transforming society? Is the fusion of technology and human brain capacity creating a new hybrid species?

Session 3: Moving from a Physical to a Digital Society

Sonce Hall, Rikli Balance Hotel

In partnership with Microsoft.

A digital society is quickly emerging and blending the physical and the virtual worlds. It is affecting not only business models and how we work, but how we live and interact. More than ever, technology is becoming a part of our identity, while our digital and physical worlds are increasingly converging. The Internet of Things, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence are changing the nature of work in ways that could empower and liberate people and reduce inequalities between people and between countries; or the outcome could be diametrically opposite.

InvestTalk Slovenia 2.0

Voda Hall, Hotel Rikli Balance

In partnership with Bank Assets Management Company.

The session will aim to provide crucial answers and speaker insights into the main characteristics of foreign direct investments (FDI) in South-eastern Europe (SEE, FDI-related policies and privatisation as a vehicle of FDI in SEE, trends of economic development in SEE, main risks and challenges for the reform agenda to achieve a more competitive SEE). The representatives of participating institutions will also share their experience and examine best practices for attracting FDI to Slovenia.

Session 4: The Positives and the Dark Side of a Hyper-Connected World

Sonce Hall, Rikli Balance Hotel

In partnership with Pristop.

The world in which we live is more interconnected than ever. Physical and cyber boundaries have almost vanished, and almost every move we make affects every other individual in society. As interconnectivity simplifies many areas of our lives on the one hand, many challenges and security threats persist on the other.