Slovenian Embassy to tackle energy security with PHL in two-day forum

THE Embassy of Slovenia to the Philippines will hold a two-day symposium in Manila to discuss energy initiatives that the country may adopt to bolster national security.

In a press briefing on Monday, Republic of Slovenia Ambassador in Manila Smiljana Knez said the panel discussions, which will take place on April 21 to 22, will touch on topics such as business innovation, digitalization and artificial intelligence for crisis management and disaster resilience, and defense energy efficiency.

“We want to explore best ways of transfer of science, research, innovation to business,” Ms. Knez said.

She added that Slovenian delegations are already in talks with the Department of National Defense, Office of Civil Defense, and Department of Energy.

During the briefing, Colonel Robert Šipec, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition Division head for the Slovenian Ministry of Defense, underscored their zero-emission target for their security sector and sustainable public transportation initiatives.

Mr. Šipec said the Slovenian defense sector has been promoting austerity measures, such as cutting down on transportation and integration of renewable energies like photovoltaics, windmills, and geothermal energy.

“We need to know how much we spend. That’s very important and where we are mostly vulnerable, and then there are some changes of mindset,” Mr. Šipec said. “Every soldier, everybody should be aware that energy is very costly, not money-wise, but supply-wise.”

He also noted that there is no confidentiality in their military expenditures to foster awareness on their spending.

Rupert Paul C. Manhit, chief operating officer of the Stratbase Institute, also welcomed the discussions, noting the connectedness of energy and defense.

“We believe that the changes of times in national security are not only because of war. It’s not only because of [the] tensions in our islands. Energy is one part; cybersecurity is one part as well. Artificial intelligence is also a very important section that we would like to discuss in this forum tomorrow and other days,” Mr. Manhit said. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel