9th Bled Strategic Forum – Apply soon for media accreditation
On 1 and 2 September, Bled will be hosting the 9th Bled Strategic Forum under the title The Power of
Trust. Co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre for European Perspective, it will
bring together distinguished politicians, business and media representatives, academicians, young
professionals and experts. Participants will be welcomed by the President of the Republic, Borut Pahor,
and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karl Erjavec. The former will also host the main panel. The updated
list
of
participants
is
available
at:
http://www.bledstrategicforum.org/bsf_2014/confirmed_participants.
Bled Strategic Forum
The main panel will be dedicated to the philosophy of leadership and accordingly titled 'The Philosophy
of Leadership'. Traditional forms of leadership are proving too rigid and too slow to respond to new
challenges, so they must be adapted to modern trends in politics and the economy, while leaders must
change their mindsets.
Participants will also discuss cyber security and data protection – two issues that warrant the close
attention of governments, the business sector and civil society (Contemporary Threats: Cyber Security –
a Global Challenge and an Opportunity).
One of the greatest social and economic challenges of the 21st century, demographic change, together
with population ageing and rising life expectancy, which have led to different expectations and
requirements, as well as the interconnectedness and interdependence of young and old generations,
will be at the centre of the panel titled Demographic Change – Another Threat or an Opportunity.
Slovenia lies at the heart of Central Europe, between the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain
and the Balkans, which makes Bled and the Bled Strategic Forum a perfect setting for a discussion on the
Central European spirit (The Spirit of Central Europe). Central Europe needs greater integration, the
elimination of economic and social differences, and a common approach to international issues.
The traditional panel on the Western Balkans will be dedicated to regional integration, with a particular
emphasis on how to enhance joint efforts by different regional initiatives to make them more effective
(The Future of Western Balkans – How to Make Regional Cooperation Work).
A new feature in this year's programme, the morning discussion, will touch on the hidden dimensions of
international relations, while the night-owl session will address the digital economy.
Business BSF
Business BSF will focus on the role and power of trust as the core value of all business activities. Trust
builds connections, creates jobs, and drives progress. Trust is essential to generating social capital and
sustainable economic growth. The participants will focus on finding a balance between different parts of
Europe and integrating South East Europe in the infrastructure network of the European Union
(Interconnecting South East Europe), enhancing business cooperation with India (India and Central and
South East Europe), and defining the role of technological innovations as a major driving force of
economic growth (Start(up) New Technologies!). Attention will also be devoted to the future role of
tourism and its modern trends (The Power of Tourism).
Young BSF
This year's Young BSF, held under the title The Potential of Trust, will bring together promising young
leaders, diplomats, academicians, NGO representatives and business professionals. Its guiding principle
is not tradition, but creativity. Therefore, every year, Young BFS changes its format, but continues to
nurture an innovative approach to youth issues and offers young leaders from various professional and
geographical backgrounds a platform to socialise and network. This year's forum will run from 27 August
to 1 September and comprise three separate events: Young BSF Business Case Competition, Young BSF
Camp and a special panel titled The Potential of Trust.
Invitation to media representatives
Media representatives are welcome to attend the ninth Bled Strategic Forum. Journalists, photojournalists, camera operators, technicians and other media representatives will require accreditation to
cover the event. Please register and apply at: http://akreditacije.ukom.gov.si/
Registration will be open until 22 August, noon.
Accreditation badges will be provided at the media accreditation desk in Hotel Kompas as of
1 September starting at 8.00.
Contact information:
Andrej Savelli (+386 1 478 26 98, +386 31 855 127, info.ukom[@]gov.si)
Andreja Križ
(+386 1 478 26 04, +386 41 268 661, info.ukom[@]gov.si)
Sandra Letica (+386 1 400 26 13, + 386 51 379 211, info.ukom[@]gov.si)
Further information is available at:
www.bledstrategicforum.org
info.bsf@gov.si