Yesterday, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, undertook his first official visit to Slovenia, where he met with H.E. Karl Erjavec, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Jernej Pikalo, Minister of Education, Science and Sport, as well as main youth representatives in the country.
The Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth with Minister of Education, Science and Sport of Slovenia, H.E. Jernej Pikalo.
Talks with Slovenian Government representatives focused on challenges of Slovenian youth, especially youth participation and unemployment.
In the morning, the Envoy discussed with UNESCO Heralds, who are students from Slovenian secondary schools being responsible for promoting UNESCO values in their schools and school districts. UNESCO Heralds are exceptional and proactive young individuals, who through their actions offer an example to other young people.
Later in the day, Alhendawi visited the Simbioza Intergenerational Centre of Ypsilon Institute, where he got acquainted with the Simbioza project, which is one of the most popular Slovenian volunteer projects meant to introduce, at no cost, much-needed basic computer skills to senior citizens. Applauding the ethos behind the Simbioza Project, Alhendawi said, “This is a great example of how youth could be an engine for meaningful intergenerational solidarity, well done!”
The Envoy also attended a working lunch with representatives of youth organizations in the Council of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth, hosted by Ms. Tamara Vonta, State Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister.
At a round table event on youth participation – “Participation is not just a long word” – which was organised by the National Youth Council, the UN Youth Delegate programme in Slovenia was launched, dedicated to the Envoy’s first official visit to the country.
Alhendawi at a round table event discussing youth participation and the launch of the UN Youth Delegate Programme in Slovenia
In the evening, Alhendawi attended a working dinner with Young Bled Strategic Forum (YBSF) representatives. YBSF brings together aspiring young professionals from diplomacy, academia, and business, as well as think-tanks and students from all over the world. It is a platform through which young leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs exchange ideas on current affairs, which also provides an opportunity for them to discuss possible solutions with high-level participants of the Bled Strategic Forum.
Alhendawi with representatives of youth organisations that are part of the Council of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth.
Today, the Envoy will attend the Initiative on Mediation in the Mediterranean Region, organized by Bled Strategic Forum, where he will speak about “Promoting the value of mediation and peaceful coexistence through education, engaging youth and civil society.”
The Envoy with youth representatives of Slovenia.