Minister Han: Slovenia House in Paris is to be the symbol of our unity and pride

Slovenia House in Paris has officially opened its doors today and will serve as the centre of fan gatherings and Slovenia's comprehensive presentation featuring numerous events in the coming Olympic days | Author Anže Furlan/OKS

Initially, the visitors were greeted by Matjaž Han, Minister for the Economy, Tourism and Sport; Franjo Bobinac, President of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia (OKS); and Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, who gave the keynote speech. The opening of Slovenian House was also attended by Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob.

Franjo Bobinac, President of the OKS, thanked the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for supporting the project of Slovenia House and wished the Slovenian athletes every success. Matjaž Han, Minister for the Economy, Tourism and Sport, expressed satisfaction in being able to gather in the heart of Paris upon the solemn opening of Slovenia House during the Olympic Games. "When we cheer together for our athletes and breathe together for the colours of our flag, we are always entranced by a unifying optimism, a sense of great affiliation and commitment to our homeland. This feeling is particularly strong today, as we are in Paris to support our athletes who will represent our country before the world with their bravery and dedication," emphasised Minister Han, adding that all our athletes are already winners in our eyes. Minister Han also added that he wanted Slovenia House in Paris to be the symbol of our unity and pride and that he was certain that the achievements of our athletes would inspire many and their energy and enthusiasm would spread a positive message about Slovenia around the world. "Thank you to all who participated in the preparation and realisation of Slovenia House, the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the set-up of Slovenia House and everyone who will be loudly cheering for our athletes."

In her keynote speech, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, expressed pride that she was able to address the guests of Slovenia House, which is more than a venue, being also a symbol of our sporting spirit, culture and unity. "For a number of years, our athletes have been proving that it is possible to achieve top results with steadfast will, commitment and hard work. The Olympic torch is not burning in Paris for the first time and I am certain that Leon Štukelj will not be the last Slovenian athlete to proudly wear the Olympic medal around their neck in Paris," said the Slovenian President, going on to mention that Slovenian sport has developed over the years into a globally recognised force. "Our athletes are ambassadors of courage, persistence and excellence who always strive for the best and never give up. This unwavering faith in oneself and one's abilities is crucial for the attainment of the greatest success," underlined President Pirc Musar.

She called for the unification of the colours of our sports jerseys which, in her opinion, are a symbol of connectedness, energy and sustainability that unite us as a nation. The President added that Slovenia House has a unifying role. "It is a place where sports, culture, politics, the business sector and tourism will meet in the coming days. This house is more than a venue. It is a symbol of our joint spirit and affiliation," concluded the President.

At the end of the short ceremony upon the opening of Slovenia House, Minister Han, President Bobinac and President Pirc Musar cut the ribbon.

During the Olympic Games between 27 July and 11 August, Slovenia House will be the information, presentation and events centre of Slovenia for the French and global public in the Parc de la Villette, in which certain houses of other national Olympic committees will also be located, including that of the host nation of France, a French television studio, and the largest official fan zone.

The Olympic Committee of Slovenia - Association of Sports Federations in cooperation with the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, public agencies SPIRIT Slovenia and the Slovenian Tourist Board, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Paris and the Government Communication Office (UKOM) manages the implementation of the Slovenia House Paris 2024 project, which was supported by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMING EVENTS - indoor events

28 July 2024 at 13.30

Round table: Gender Equality in Sport

Gender equality is fundamental for the development and success of the Olympic movement, ensuring that all athletes enjoy equal opportunities for success, contributing to broader representation, promoting fairness and equality in sports and society in general. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, the number of female athletes equals the number of male athletes. The Slovenian national team also has its largest proportion of women (49%) so far. The gender equality panel will feature the following distinguished guests:

• Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia,
• Annamarie Phelps, Chair of the EOC Commission for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion,
• Barbara Žibret Kralj, Country Managing Partner at Deloitte Slovenia and Deloitte Global Lead Audit and Assurance Partner - IOC,
• HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, President of the Olympic Committee of Jordan and member of the IOC and Vice-Chair of the IOC Commission for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and
• Gustavo Merino, Director of Social Policies at UNESCO.

The discussion will be hosted by Marta Kos, President of the Association for Networking of Women Professionals and Promotion of Knowledge ONA VE.

29 July 2024 between 9.00 and 20.00

Slovenian Tourism Workshop

This will be the main business event organised by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) in France this year. It will be aimed at French travel agencies and tour operators (TA/TO) interested in Slovenia. Together with Slovenian companies and destination representatives, the STO will present representatives of the French business community with key topical information and proposals for unique Slovenian experiences based on the sustainability and responsibility of Slovenian tourism.

30 July 2024 at 20.00

Meeting of Slovenians living in France

The Government Office for Slovenians Abroad is organising an event for Slovenians living in France. In the introduction section, State Secretary Vesna Humar will speak with Metka Ipavic, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the French Republic, about the situation and challenges of the Slovenian community living in France. The interview will be followed by a reception for the Slovenians living in France held by Matej Arčon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Slovenians Abroad, who will also address the guests.

The cultural programme will feature a performance by a group of musicians from the Emil Komel Slovenian Centre for Music Education in Gorizia.

It is estimated that some 20,000 people of Slovenian descent live in France. Many have found their second homes in eastern France (Merlebach and Aumetz), while large communities of Slovenians can also be found in Paris, Nice, Marseilles and elsewhere. Many known Slovenian artists, such as Evgen Bavčar, Brina Svit, Vinko Globokar and others, are working in Paris.

31 July 2024 at 10.00

New partnership trends for a more competitive European Union

At the event organised by SPIRIT Slovenia, business people from Slovenia and abroad will discuss how the EU can become more competitive and what regional and global partnerships are needed for successful management of the common European industrial policy. The panel, hosted by Tanja Mohorič, Director of the ACS Slovenian Automotive Cluster, will include:

• Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General at CLEPA - European Automotive Suppliers Association,
• Jean-Luc di Paola-Galloni, Valeo Group Vice President for Sustainability and External Affairs and Vice-Chairman of the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC), and
• Iztok Seljak, CEO of Hidria Holding and President of the Slovenian Managers' Association.

Every day, the fans of the Slovenian team will be able to watch performances of their favourite athletes on a large LED screen at the outdoor venue of Slovenia House, which will be open to all visitors. Other featured events will include Ljubljana Presents Itself, Fan Factory "I feel Slovenia", Let's Listen to Slovenian Music, Tastes of Slovenia and live concerts in the evenings.

To enter Slovenia House, obtain your accreditation at: https://live.meetpoint.si/slovenska-hisa-pariz-2024/media-si

Photos are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vladars/albums/72177720319143292/

and https://pariz2024.olympic.si/slovenska-hisa/mediji-in-novice

The full programme of the House is available at: https://pariz2024.olympic.si/slovenska-hisa/program-in-dogodki

Contact information for the media: [email protected] and [email protected]

Marta Kos (OKS); [email protected]; +386 51 313 454

Polona Prešeren (UKOM); [email protected]; +386 51 391 173

Špela Vovk (UKOM); [email protected]; +386 41 755 534 (between 26 July and 4 August 2024)