The forum, running under the title "The Power of the Future", saw 400 participants from the world of politics, business and academia, who flocked to the lakeside resort of Bled for the sixth edition of the forum.
A total of nine panels dealt with issues ranging from the new order in the Mediterranean, EU-China relations, the situation in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans, and energy and food security.
The transition of power was the central topic of the main panel, which highlighted the increasing influence of non-state actors and online social networks, fear of necessary changes, and enduring stereotypes as some of the main global challenges.
Fu Ying, Chinese deputy foreign minister, pointed to the enduring stereotypes in relations between East and West which Chinese investors face when they invest in the West.
The need for change in Europe was the central point of opening addresses given by Slovenian PM Borut Pahor and President Danilo Tuerk. Tuerk urged solutions coming from within, while Pahor sees a solution in a United States of Europe.
Saturday's EU-China panel reiterated the need for greater trust in relations between the EU and China, while panelists discussing Afghanistan established that there was still hope for Afghanistan despite the mistakes made. Food security was moreover stressed as a top priority if the world is to avoid a very unstable future.
Minister Zbogar described this year's event as a success that inspires for the future. He was happy with the choice of guests and topics and the fact that a less packed schedule of panels enabled debates to develop in a way that had perhaps been missing in past years.
Also proving a good decision was the introduction of the Young BSF, a forum for 20-somethings from around the world, something Zbogar feels should be continued in the future.
He said that from Slovenia's perspective, the basic goal of the forum was to consolidate the country's brand, its image of a place "where topical issues are discussed, where problems are reflected on to find solutions".
Slovenia should be seen as a modern, active country, participating in the international community, while the forum should also help Slovenian entrepreneurs build business ties abroad.
Also, there has been too little debate in Slovenia about problems of the international community and Slovenia's place on this landscape. There is no real think tank of this sort in Slovenia and BSF brings this debate to Slovenia, the minister stressed.
Zbogar explained that the EU-China panel had been the result of cooperation with China, which would be continued in the future. Also, Brazil helped organise the food security debate this year.
Another possible novelty for the coming years announced by Zbogar are meetings organised within the framework of the BSE during the year, which would be smaller scale but enable regular reflection on topical issues.
Politicians, think tanks, international organisations and business representatives are responding with great interest, as is the audience. This inspires us to feel content about organising this event, he said.
SOURCE: The Slovenia Times
