Climate security and resilience to natural disasters, as well as the modernization of the defense sector, are priorities for both Slovenia and the Philippines. The Philippines is highly exposed to climate change–induced natural disasters, and the government invests significantly in the transfer of science and research and development (R&D) to businesses to better manage these challenges.

The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has once again exposed the fragility of global energy systems and the risks faced by countries dependent on external supply. For both the Philippines and Slovenia, this emerging energy crisis reinforces the strategic importance of advancing renewable energy solutions while urgently improving energy efficiency.

The breakthrough results of Slovenian research, development, and innovation (RDI) projects in the field of energy efficiency have drawn the attention of key international stakeholders, including the European Union (EU), NATO, and the UN. The solutions developed by research institutes and the private sector are applicable to both the military and disaster management. This is the result of close cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia, researchers, and private companies.

In line with this, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the Philippines and the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with International Center for Promotion of Enterprises (ICPE), Slovenian Energy and Environment Partnership in Defense (SiENE), and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, will host a two-day event entitled “Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security” on April 21-22, 2026 (Tuesday and Wednesday), at the Turf Room, Manila Polo Club, Makati City.

The two-day event will shed light on the ties among researchers, innovators, and businesses, facilitate the exchange of best practices and lessons learned, and promote direct cooperation among different stakeholders from Slovenia and the Philippines. The event also has a broader EU dimension, as it will showcase EU support in fostering a sustainable, secure, and innovative energy partnership with the Philippines.

The first day shall facilitate discussions on the challenges related to the transfer of science, R&D, and innovation to the private sector. It shall discuss the importance of, and solutions for, the decarbonization and energy efficiency of the defense sector. Lastly, it will discuss digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in crisis management, particularly in strengthening disaster resilience.

The second day of the programme is conceived as a business-oriented platform for direct market exchange and partnership development between Slovenian and Philippine stakeholders. By presenting the Slovenian business environment and research institutions, the B2B segment will showcase concrete solutions, capabilities, and areas of expertise with potential relevance for the Philippine market, particularly in energy resilience, critical infrastructure, water and environmental technologies, digital security, autonomous systems, and applied industrial innovation.