Slovenia is a country in Central Europe with a population of around 2.1 million people. Beneath its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage lies a nation with a strong commitment to global solidarity. Slovenia is an active donor of foreign aid, which is an important part of its foreign policy and reflects its values and interests. Slovenia’s foreign aid aims to support the development, peace, security and human rights of countries and people in need, especially in the Western Balkans, the European neighborhood and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Recent Trends in Slovenia’s Foreign Aid

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Slovenia increased its Official Development Assistance (ODA) by 48.7% in 2022 compared to the year before, from $98.25 million to $155.78 million. Slovenia’s exceptional contributions to Ukraine, the care of Ukrainian refugees in Slovenia, the cancellation of the clearing debt of the Republic of Angola, and the increased development aid from the European Union (EU) budget are the primary drivers behind this substantial increase. 

Slovenia also expresses its solidarity with countries and people in need of humanitarian assistance, especially in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters and armed conflicts. In October of 2023, Slovenia allocated €120,000 to Armenia through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Education Efforts

A well-educated workforce is vital for a thriving economy, and Slovenia recognizes this importance. Each year, hundreds of individuals from Western Balkans states benefit from scholarships provided by the Slovene Human Resources Development and Scholarship Fund. This initiative is a significant contribution to poverty eradication, empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development in the region. Slovenia’s investment in education directly addresses a root cause of poverty – the lack of access to opportunities. This commitment reflects a proactive approach to building a brighter future for the Western Balkans.

Support During Syria’s Conflict

A decade after the onset of the Syrian conflict, humanitarian needs across the country remain complex and are intensifying due to the deepening social crisis. Slovenia’s foreign aid focuses on enhancing stabilization in Northeast Syria. This involves improving overall security, livelihoods and food security in areas affected by explosive hazards and contamination. Working with relevant organizations, Slovenia plans to identify priority locations for conducting workshops that raise awareness about the dangers of explosive devices.

Specifically, the program will target the most affected communities in Al Hasakah province alongside overlooked areas, where the impact of the crisis is likely to be severe. The initiative aims to reach 6,000 children and adults from the most vulnerable or neglected communities through awareness-raising activities about the dangers of explosive devices.

Efforts in Somalia

The Horn of Africa is facing its worst drought in over four decades, with the March-May 2022 rainy season being the driest on record in the past 70 years. The ongoing drought in Somalia has surpassed both the 2010-2011 and 2016-2017 droughts in both duration and severity. In response, Slovenia has joined other donor countries through the World Food Programme (WFP) to allocate more than $100,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to support at least 15 million people who are currently in need of immediate food aid due to droughts in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. 

Poverty Reduction

Slovenia’s foreign aid initiatives place a strong emphasis on poverty reduction. Recognizing that poverty is a multifaceted issue, the country adopts a comprehensive approach that goes beyond mere financial assistance. Beekeeping or apiculture is the practice of managing honey bee colonies for the production of honey and other bee products, such as beeswax, propolis and royal jelly. In 2021 and 2022, Slovenia partnered with locals to implement beekeeping projects aimed at empowering mine victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from participants, the project will continue through 2023 and 2024. Slovenia aid has helped countless individuals escape the cycle of poverty, offering them hope and opportunities for a brighter future. 

Key Factors That Inspire Slovenia’s Foreign Aid 

• Support for the Sustainable Development Goals. Slovenia is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its foreign aid is aligned with this agenda.
• Promotion of peace and security. Slovenia believes that peace and security are essential for development and it uses its foreign aid to support conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts.
• Promotion of human rights and democracy. Slovenia is a strong advocate for human rights and democracy, and it uses its foreign aid to support these values.
• Support for economic development. Slovenia believes that economic development is essential for poverty reduction, and it uses its foreign aid to support economic growth and job creation.
• Support for environmental protection. Slovenia is committed to environmental protection, and it uses its foreign aid to support sustainable development practices.

Looking Ahead

In 2022, more than 51,100 physiotherapeutic, gynecological and dental services were delivered to the citizens of Kabul, with a focus on women and children lacking access to health care.

Looking ahead, Slovenia’s Republic supports plans to offer more than 74,000 medical services in gynecology, internal medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics and neurology. This initiative prioritizes vulnerable citizens in Kabul, especially women and children, laying the groundwork for a fairer and more prosperous future.

Slovenia acknowledges the vital role of sustainable development in long-term prosperity. Through sharing expertise in green technologies and sustainable practices, Slovenia empowers partner countries to build resilient and environmentally friendly economies. This proactive foreign aid approach addresses immediate community needs while preparing humanity to thrive amid future challenges, ultimately combating poverty and fostering a sustainable Earth.

Motivated by a strong sense of responsibility, Slovenia leads foreign aid initiatives, showcasing how even a smaller nation can make a profound global impact. Slovenia consistently demonstrates a commitment to a more just world by promoting sustainable development, empowering women and children and combating poverty.

The transformative impact of Slovenia’s foreign aid is evident in the lives of millions, lifting individuals and communities out of poverty, providing them with a voice and enabling them to shape their destinies.

– Abraham Ikongshul
Photo: Flickr