AFRICA DAY 2026
Sustainable Water Management
Main theme: Water Management
Focus: Economic Development
Opening: Artistic performance by the African diaspora
- 2-3 JUNE 2026
- Jable Castle, Slovenia
About the conference
The 15th edition of the Africa Day conference in Slovenia represents an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between Slovenia and African countries. Over the years, the conference has become a central platform for dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities such as sustainable development, water, climate change, economic cooperation, education, and the role of youth. At a time when the world is facing increasing environmental and social challenges, cooperation between Europe and Africa is more important than ever. As a water-rich country, Slovenia can share its experience and expertise, while also learning from the innovative solutions and dynamic development of African countries.
Africa Day is a symbol of partnership, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future between Slovenia and Africa. This year, African countries are represented at the ambassadorial level, enabling direct dialogue between diplomacy and the economy. Slovenia can offer knowledge, innovation, technology, and experience in sustainable resource management, logistics, green solutions and high value-added industry, while African countries represent dynamic and fast-growing markets with significant potential.
The connection between Slovenia and Africa in the field of water is based on solidarity, development cooperation, and knowledge sharing. Slovenia can contribute expertise in sustainable water resource management and support for humanitarian projects. The shared goal is clear: to ensure that every person has access to clean and safe drinking water, as water is a fundamental human right and the foundation of a dignified life.
We will visit Bled Water Forum on the second day of the conference. You can expect global technological innovations in the field of drinking water and other water systems, desalination, wastewater treatment and other water technologies; a small technology showcase, water quality and water tasting.
Program
- Prof Zlatko Šabič, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Slovenia
- Neva Grašič, State Secretary MFEA
- David Tavželj, Executive Director ICPE
Dušan Pšeničnik, Global Gateway, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
Tanja Miškova, Special Envoy for Water Diplomacy, MFEA
Janez Rogelj, UNIDO, Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport
Jure Tomc, Advisor ICPE
Moderator: Rok Tomšič, MFEA
Laila Oualkacha
Project Manager at the General Directorate of Water Resources, Ministry of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco
Lamarti Sefian Narjiss
Director of the Moulouya River Basin Authority, Ministry of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco
Rwanda,
Zambia,
Algeria
Nuša Pavlinjek, Roto d.o.o.
Tomaž Rodič, Vesolje.si
Slavko Vekoslav Šolar, Geological Survey
Mitja Jermol, Jožef Stefan Institute
Egypt,
Burkina Faso,
Sudan,
Zimbabwe,
Tunisia
SPIRIT Slovenija, Public Agency for Internationalization, Tamara Zajec Balažic
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Matej Rogelj
AGRA Fair 2026, Boris Erjavec
Limnos Ltd, Alenka Mubi Zalaznik
EMUNI University, Rado Bohinc and EM CHAM, Tomaž Poglajen
African Centre, Tamer Ibrahim
Moderator:
Dr. Aleš Musar, Spouse of the President of the Republic of Slovenia
Speakers:
Mitja Bricelj, Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Slovenia, Coordinator, EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), Pillar Environment (TSG3), ICPDR Ambassador
dr. Ana Polak Petrič, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Berlin, Germany
Dr. Tuğba Evrim Maden, Policy Development Coordinator, Turkish Water Institute (SUEN), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey
Munira Alhajji, Ministry of Electricity and Water and Renewable Energy, Kuwait
Claudia Crosa, Director of the Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Public Works and Communications – Paraguay
Veronika Matuszná, Representative of the Water Protection Department, Ministry of the Environment, Czech Republic
Elchin Allahverdiyev, Director, Climate Diplomacy Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Moderator:
Dr. Mitja Bricelj, Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Slovenia, Coordinator, EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), Pillar Environment (TSG3), ICPDR Ambassador
Speakers:
Zaur Gadimaliyev, Head of Section at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Azerbaijan
Jhenelle Williams, Isotope Hydrologist and GloWAL Liaison Officer, Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, Vienna, Austria
Boštjan Oblak, Co-founder, Aquinity8, Slovenia
Satja Sajko, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana; Head of BWF Young, Bled Water Forum, Slovenia
Michael Toh, Managing Director, Singapore Water Association, Singapore
Paul Pring, Chief Technology Officer, GI Aqua Tech GMBH, Germany
Registration
Registration is possible via email:
Ms. Katja Bogataj
Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
katja.bogataj@gov.si
Event Highlights
Registration
Jable Castle
A historic venue in the heart of Slovenia, offering an inspiring setting for international conferences and partnership building.
Grajska cesta 1
Mengeš, Slovenija
Vila Bled
An iconic lakeside venue offering a unique atmosphere for dialogue, innovation and international exchange.
Cesta svobode 18
Bled, Slovenia