The seminar opened with introductory remarks by Dr. Tina Bregant, Chairwoman of the Slovenian People’s Party (SLS), Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak, Rector of Alma Mater Europaea University, and Marko Prusina, Research Associate at the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office. The speakers emphasized the importance of political dialogue, personal and social responsibility, and values-based leadership in today’s complex global environment.
The opening panel focused on global relations and changes in the world order. Prof. Dr. Iztok Podbregar from the University of Maribor provided an overview of current geopolitical challenges in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region, with a particular emphasis on their implications for European security, while encouraging participants to engage in critical reflection.
The continuation of the seminar concentrated on geostrategic perspectives and the responsible shaping of public policies. Dr. Gordan Akrap, President of the Hybrid Warefare Research Institute and Vice-Rector of the University of Defense and Security “Dr. Franjo Tuđman”, spoke about the ethics of political decision-making and the long-term consequences of national policies in a globally interconnected world. Following this, Franc Bogovič, former Member of the European Parliament and former Slovenian Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of food and energy security as well as resilient supply chains for economic and political stability.
Particular attention was given to political communication and building public trust. Julius Werner, KAS Policy Advisor, Digital & International Civic Education, emphasized the importance of clear, transparent, and values-based communication in the context of the growing influence of digital media.
The afternoon sessions included interactive panels led by Dr. Tina Bregant, focusing on leadership, conflict management, and intra-party communication. The seminar concluded with a workshop on public speaking and rhetoric, led by communication expert Božica Kitičić Prunč, providing participants with practical tools for more effective communication and public presentation.
Through a combination of expert presentations, open dialogue, and practical workshops, the seminar offered participants valuable knowledge and skills for responsible political engagement, while further highlighting the importance of ethical leadership, dialogue, and high-quality communication in strengthening democratic processes.
