Slovenian minister delivers lone lecture at FEU

Far Eastern University (FEU) had the distinct honor of being the only educational institution visited by H.E. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia during her first official engagements in the Philippines.

H.E. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia delivers her special lecture on Slovenia’s foreign policy strategy and potential partnerships with the Philippines on climate change, human rights, and multilateralism. Media Center 

“In the last two days, we were discussing how to build trust, listen to each other, to understand each other better, and how to build this partnership,” said Fajon.

She also underscored Slovenia’s commitment to human rights, solidarity, and dignity.

“We [Slovenia], as a small country, are representing the voice of other small countries in the United Nations.” She emphasized Slovenia’s advocacy in addressing environmental challenges including water diplomacy and climate change.

The program began with the singing of the national anthems of the Philippines and Slovenia, performed by the FEU Chorale which was followed by a multifaith prayer.  

Juan Miguel Montinola, president of FEU, welcomed Fajon along with key diplomats in attendance including Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Smiljana Knez, Vietnamese Ambassador Dr. Lai Thai Binh, Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin, Non-resident Ambassador to Slovenia, Lourdes Arroyo Bernal, and former Philippine Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rosario Manalo.

In his address, Montinola emphasized FEU’s vision of contributing to an inclusive and sustainable society by ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. Discussing the broader economic and social landscape, he noted the importance of investing in education and workforce development to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the young Philippine population.

“The timing therefore of the enhanced [not new] relations with the Republic of Slovenia could not be better,” said Montinola, citing the establishment of Slovenia’s first embassy in Southeast Asia as a step toward better trade, investment, scientific, and cultural collaborations.

Following Montinola’s speech, Slovenian Ambassador Knez delivered a special message which was followed by Institute of Arts and Sciences Dean, Diego Jose Abad’s introduction of the keynote speaker.

Mark Salvador Ysla, faculty member from the Department of International Studies moderated the open forum where Fajon answered questions from Tamaraws and students from nearby universities about Slovenia’s potential partnerships with the Philippines on areas such as climate change, tourism, and even sports. She also reflected on her past career as a journalist and how it has influenced her role as a diplomat. 

Agnes Beatrice Silva, chair of the Department of International Studies delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the opportunity the audience had been given to have listened to Fajon.  

“For FEU, as a university that values the spirit of diplomacy and proactively looks for avenues for progressive development, it is an honor for Minister Fajon to be here. We hope our students understand that what they learn in the classroom is not just of theoretical value,” said Silva.  

The special lecture held at the FEU Auditorium last March 12 was organized in collaboration with the FEU International Relations Office, the newly instated Embassy of Slovenia in Manila, and the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of European Affairs.