On 19 and 20 May, Slovenia hosted 26 experts from five Eastern Partnership countries — Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia — as part of a study visit dedicated to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and innovation. The visit aimed to facilitate the exchange of experiences and showcase Slovenian expertise, ideas, and technological solutions in the fields of AI and digitalisation.
The study visit was organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA), in its role as the national coordinator for cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. The initiative was organised at the request of the OECD, which, together with GIZ, provides technical assistance to Eastern Partnership countries in the area of digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises.
A key part of the programme was the visit of IRCAI, where participants attended the celebration marking it’s sixth anniversary of at Center Rog and engaged in discussions with representatives of the centre on international cooperation, AI governance, innovation ecosystems, and the role of artificial intelligence in supporting sustainable development.
During the visit, Mihajela Črnko presented IRCAI’s international engagement and policy work, highlighting activities within the Digital Alliance programme and broader international cooperation initiatives focused on responsible and ethical artificial intelligence. Davor Orlič presented IRCAI’s work in the field of AI entrepreneurship and impact, showcasing initiatives that support innovation, collaboration, and the development of AI-driven solutions with societal benefit.
The visit provided an important opportunity to present IRCAI’s activities and international initiatives related to ethical and human-centred artificial intelligence, AI governance, education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Discussions also explored opportunities for future collaboration between Slovenian institutions and representatives from the participating countries in areas such as AI capacity building, digital innovation, research cooperation, and knowledge exchange.
The delegation also learned more about Slovenia’s broader efforts in the field of responsible artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Ambassador Veronika Stabej highlighted the role of foreign policy and science diplomacy in supporting digital transformation and international cooperation. She particularly emphasised Slovenia’s commitment to ethical and human-centred AI, noting that artificial intelligence is not only about technological advancement, but also about connecting people and strengthening collaboration.
The visit to IRCAI further reinforced the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in shaping inclusive, ethical, and sustainable approaches to artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
