The Bled Strategic Forum is a global ideas platform founded by the government of the Republic of Slovenia.
It produces events, discussions, roundtables, projects, analyses and publications.[1]
Bled Strategic Forum International Conference
The annual Bled Strategic Forum International Conference, hosted in Bled, Slovenia, is a gathering of participants from various fields to exchange views and ideas. It is an intragovernmental project of the Republic of Slovenia that focuses on areas that align with Slovenian foreign policy priorities.
The event traditionally takes place at the end of the summer (usually just before the UN General Assembly in September), each year under a different title that guides the content of the sessions.
History
The Bled Strategic Forum was launched in 2006, at a time when Slovenia was embarking on its path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration after joining the EU and NATO in 2004. The event was created on the basis of the successful Slovenian Chairmanship of the OSCE. The venue – Bled – was chosen for its picturesque Alpine setting and prominence.
In 2011, the Young Bled Strategic Forum was added. Since then, the Young BSF has grown from a one-day side event into a standalone three-day international conference for young participants.[2] From 2012 to 2019, the programme also featured Business BSF, which has later been integrated into its main part.
Over the years, the event has hosted some 60 heads of state and government, 380 ministers and 150 representatives of international organisations, as well as over 250 think-tank representatives and 1500 media representatives.[citation needed]
In his speech to the attendees of the Bled Strategic Forum International Conference in 2023, Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, set the goal for the EU and the Western Balkans to be ready for Enlargement by 2030.[4] The speech is known as the Bled Pledge.
Past editions
2023: Solidarity for Global Security
2022: The Rule of Power or the Power of Rules?
2021: Future of Europe
2020: Challenges and Opportunities in the Post-COVID–19 World; Neighbours – Regions – Global World: Partners or Rivals?
2019: (Re)sources of (In)stability
2018: Bridging the Divide
2017: New Reality
2016: Safeguarding the Future
2015: Visions of New Partnerships
2014: Power of Trust
2013: A Changing Europe in a Changing World
2012: Europe and the Reshaped Global Order
2011: The Power of Future
2010: Global Outlook for the Next Decade
2009: The Politics of Economic Crisis: Redefining Economic and Geopolitical Landscapes in Europe and Eurasia
2008: Energy and Climate Change: Si.nergy for the Future
2007: European Union 2020: Enlarging and Integrating
2006: Political Reform and Sustainable Development in the South Caucasus[10]
Partnerships
In order to expand the Bled Strategic Forum into a year-round platform, the organisation collaborates with other conferences and organisations, usually through joint sessions.[11]
The Bled Strategic Forum's close partners also include Interpeace, the BMW Foundation, the Global Diplomacy Lab, etc.
Secretaries general
The secretary general of the Bled Strategic Forum is responsible for steering the development and preparing events throughout the year.
List of the secretaries general of the Bled Strategic Forum[16]
Start
End
Name
2016
current
Peter Grk
2013
2015
Alain Brian Bergant
2010
2012
Miriam Možgan
2009
2009
Melita Gabrič
2006
2008
Darja Bavdaž Kuret
Young Bled Strategic Forum
The first Young BSF took place in 2011 under the title 'The Power of the Future'. It was established with the aim of bringing together students and prospective young professionals from the diplomatic, academic and think-thank fields in both Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Since then, the Young BSF has developed from a one-day side event with a couple of the discussions happening on the margins of the Bled Strategic Forum into a three-day separate international conference for young participants from all over the world. Young BSF is now a separate event, yet connected with the Bled Strategic Forum.[17]
