ICPE attended Meeting of Forum on Slovenia in Vienna

On 5^th May 2014 Slovenian Embassy in Vienna organized the Meeting Forum on Slovenia. This meeting attended 20 representatives of the Embassies responsible for Slovenia in Vienna. Among them ambassadors of Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, New Zealand, Tunisia, Sweden, Oman, Namibia, Mexico, Yemen, State of Palestine as well as representatives of several other embassies like Cuba, Colombia, Kuwait, SAR, etc.

This meeting opened HE Dr. Andrej Rahten, Ambassador of Slovenia in Austria. Presentations about several very important issues had HE Mr. Bogdan Benko, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia and Dr. Janez Podobnik, Acting Director General of ICPE.

Mr. Benko informed about Slovenian Candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council as priority for 69. Conference of OUN. He stressed that respect for human rights is a pivotal founding principle of the Slovenian state. Its Constitution, in keeping with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, defines strong guarantees for human rights and fundamental freedoms, so Slovenia decided to present its candidature for membership of the Human Rights Council for the 2016-18 term based on its deep commitment to human rights at home and in the conduct of its international relations. Mr. Benko also informed about events planned to be organized in Slovenia like Seminar on ratification amendments from Kampala (the International Criminal Court), 3^rd Africa Day (19-20 May 2014), 9^th Bled Strategic Forum and First World War Centenary.

HE Dr. Andrej Rahten, Ambassador of Slovenia in Austria

Mr. Bogdan Benko, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia

Mr. Janez Podobnik, MD, Acting Director General of ICPE

In the second part of the meeting, Dr. Podobnik presented organization as well as new ICPE’s programmes, projects and activities planned to be implemented in the next period. In the presentation he underlined ICPE’s approach in creating mutual programs and developing co-operation between ICPE and countries according to concrete needs and requirements of the respected countries. As a good example for co-operation between ICPE and other international organizations he mentioned mutual activities with UNIDO, UNCTAD and OFID. As priority it is also planned to develop closer co-operation with UNEP and ITU. In the role of co-organizer of the 3^rd Africa Day in Ljubljana, Dr. Podobnik expressed opinion that this event will have significant impact to the further development of relations between Slovenia as ICPE host country, ICPE and African states which will take a part. He invited ambassadors to inform their respected administrations about ICPE and its invitation for co-operation.

HE Dr. Andrej Rahten, HE Mr. Bogdan Benko and Mr. Janez Podobnik, MD

Ambassadors and other representatives appreciated presentations and took an active part in discussion about Slovenian international priorities as well as programmes planned to be implemented by ICPE.

Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives at the Forum