Looking Back: Twenty Years of the Forum

The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Centre for European Perspective, gathered more than 2,300 participants from 94 countries.

More than 180 speakers took part in 32 discussions, including four heads of state, three prime ministers, and thirteen foreign ministers, as well as several European Commissioners and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

 The 20th edition once again demonstrated that the forum goes beyond the scope of a regional meeting, establishing itself as a venue where perspectives on the key issues of our time are confronted and aligned.

A Runaway World and the Responsibility of Leaders

The title of this year’s forum, “A Runaway World”, was no coincidence. At a time when wars are shaking the globe, when international law too often yields to power, when the political will for cooperation is weak, and when global institutions face questions of legitimacy, the forum offered a space for honest conversation about finding new paths for collaboration.

Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon stressed in her closing remarks that this made this year’s forum one of the most demanding so far.

At its core was a call for leaders to take responsibility, respect fundamental values, and seek solutions built on solidarity and trust. “The most important message of the anniversary forum is that leaders of all countries must assume responsibility, act with integrity, and safeguard the fundamental values on which Slovenia also stands,” she said.

Her statement echoed the thoughts of the forum’s Secretary-General, Peter Grk, who highlighted on the occasion of the anniversary that the forum is a call for Europe to act in unity, in the spirit of international law and shared responsibility.

“Europe must not act as a collection of separate states, but as a united whole, ready to shape its future,” he stressed, warning that fragmentation weakens collective influence in the global arena.

Through numerous discussions, the forum addressed issues of strategic sovereignty, global governance, trust, and cooperation. At a time of growing polarization and short-term interests, Bled heard a clear call for long-term thinking and for identifying common goals that transcend national borders.

Dialogue as a Symbol of Future Stability

Among the many debates, two were especially symbolic, featuring the deputy foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although they did not appear together, both listened to each other’s discussions, sending a clear message: after the signing of the peace agreement between their countries, a new chapter of stability and cooperation is opening in the South Caucasus. This moment transcended the scope of two panels and became a symbol of what the forum has represented for two decades—that listening is the first step toward dialogue, and dialogue is the first step toward peace.

Such a gesture is particularly meaningful at a time when Europe faces the challenge of preserving and strengthening its influence in the neighborhood and of shaping partnerships that will ensure long-term stability.

The symbolism at Bled shows that the forum, although held in a small country, can offer a stage for significant shifts in international thinking and practice.

Looking Back: Twenty Years of the Forum

The anniversary was also an opportunity to look back. Over the past two decades, the forum has hosted numerous heads of state, European Commissioners, senior representatives of international organizations, entrepreneurs, and academics. It has become a platform where many initiatives were born and where several pathways leading to concrete solutions were charted.

Over the years, the forum has grown into a recognizable international brand. In twenty years, it has welcomed more than 18,000 participants and 1,700 speakers from over 100 countries, with 400 debates held.

From its beginnings as a one-day gathering of a handful of regional politicians and experts, it has evolved into a two-day conference of international repute, uniting heads of state, policymakers, academics, business representatives, civil society, and young people at one venue.

More importantly, the forum has become synonymous with connection.

At a time when many global debates are shifting to closed circles, the forum has maintained openness, accessibility, and interdisciplinarity. Its strength lies precisely in this: bringing together diverse voices and weaving them into a common narrative about the future of the world.

Youth and the Future of the Forum

Young people have traditionally given the forum a special imprint. This year, before the main event, they gathered at Pokljuka for three days, exploring the role of values in shaping global politics. They discussed what the current state of the world reveals about us and about the values we live by.

At Bled, they then organized a series of in-depth Deep Dive discussions, addressing apathy as an obstacle to tackling climate change, fears about the future, and generational differences in understanding Europe’s armament.

The youth saw their role as an opportunity for critical engagement with reality and as a space for seeking common solutions. Their presence once again confirmed that the forum is not only a stage for high-level political discussions but also a school of the future, where new perspectives are shaped and ideas are born that will guide tomorrow’s world. “Dialogue among young future leaders is a prerequisite for a better future, and I am very grateful to Slovenia and the organizers for making this experience possible,” emphasized one participant.

Conclusion: The Forum as a Bridge to the Future

On its twentieth edition, the Bled Strategic Forum combined a look back at the past with reflections on the future. It highlighted the importance of responsibility, unity, and dialogue. It showed that out of crises and divisions, new willingness for cooperation can emerge.

And it reminded us that Slovenia, with its tradition of hospitality and diplomatic openness, remains a bridge connecting different parts of the world.

As the world faces numerous challenges, the forum continues to prove, with persistence and dedication, that it is possible to create a space where common solutions are born despite differences. That is why it remains an indispensable part of international diplomacy and Slovenia’s most recognizable contribution to shaping global dialogue. The next, 21st edition of the forum will take place on 31 August and 1 September 2026.