»You have a chance to define your generation and shape the future of the Alpine region for the better«

In her keynote address, the President of the Republic emphasized that the people living in the Alpine region are proud of the mountains and the mountaineering way of life, which resonates deeply with our traditions and cultures – including winter sports that are, alas, greatly affected by the ongoing climate change and are slowly disappearing from some parts of the Alps due to the lack of snow. On this occasion, she emphasized our strong commitment to the indispensable Alpine Convention. "We have entered into this complex system of international agreements and commitments precisely to cooperate in the protection and management of all relevant cross-boundary issues. The value of the Alpine Convention is that it treats the Alpine mountain range as a solid geographical entity, going beyond national borders," said President Pirc Musar.

The second part of the President’s keynote address was about the importance and role of democratic participation among the youth and the necessity of its promotion. The Youth Parliament of the Alpine Convention is a part of democratic participation – it has been bringing together students and teachers who really care about the prosperity and sustainable development of the region for almost two decades. The President of the Republic recognized the courage and vigour in the young delegates, who are ready to actively participate in shaping society and ensure that the region will become a better place to live and thrive in.

Secretary-general of the Alpine Convention Alenka Smerkolj, Chair of the Permanent Committee of the Alpine Conference Emil Ferjančič, Mayor of Kamnik Municipality Matej Slapar and the Headmaster of the host school Dr Branislav Rauter were also among the speakers of the ceremony. Students under the mentorship of the teachers performed cultural and artistic programme.

The Rudolf Maister Grammar and Secondary School Kamnik hosts this year’s session of the Youth Parliament and the theme is ‘Protected Areas’. The delegates have had several months of preparation and are now ready to present their research and find solutions, working in four committees, focused on biodiversity, quality of life in the Alps, climate change and cultural heritage.

Youth Parliament of the Alpine Convention 2024 takes place during the time when Slovenia presides over the Alpine Convention (2023–2024).

The focus of the Slovenian presidency (in close cooperation with other contracting parties, observers and the Permanent Secretariat) is promotion of the quality of life in the Alps. There are three priority areas of the presidency: quality of life, environmental education with an emphasis on climate change, and biodiversity.