Gender equality and empowerment of women are among Slovenia’s foreign policy priorities. Notable progress has been made, but there are still numerous challenges ahead, both at home and in the international community. Encouraging equal opportunities, including gender equality and empowerment of girls and women, is vital for achieving development and fundamental for the respect of human rights and ensuring social justice. Slovenia contributes to this goal through activities in international organisations, bilateral relations and by supporting development projects in the field. The Ministry is engaged in raising awareness and turning intent into action. With this in mind, we designed the #YoungAmbassadors mentoring programme, launched today by State Secretary Ambassador Simona Leskovar and all women ambassadors in Ljubljana.

Ten female students from Slovenian secondary schools, who have been selected through a dedicated competition, will participate in the programme. Throughout this year, they will have the unique opportunity to have an insight into the activities of Slovenian and foreign women ambassadors in diplomacy and international relations, in addressing current global issues, in presenting positions and in the functioning of diplomacy, the economy and other areas. As part of the programme, the female students will spend a day with the women ambassadors at their workplace. They will attend several events on international topics, collective and individual talks, meetings with business, academic, culture and sports representatives, and participate at the Young Bled Strategic Forum in September 2019.

The programme is aimed at encouraging young women to consider their future and potential career in diplomacy and international relations, including with participation in finding solutions to all current issues confronting the global community.