The Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), Slovenia’s flagship foreign policy and diplomatic conference, is entering a new chapter with the appointment of diplomat Maša Šiftar as its secretary general and Marko Ham as programme director.
The forum paid tribute to Grk’s contribution, highlighting his dedication and role in expanding its international reach and programme. The BSF said his leadership had helped establish the event as an important venue for discussions on global challenges, supported by the commitment of its team and the trust of international partners and participants.
Šiftar has served as Slovenia’s Consul General in Munich since 2021 and previously held diplomatic postings in Washington, D.C., Tirana, Tokyo and Dublin. According to the Slovenian Foreign Ministry, her diplomatic career has focused on promoting Slovenia’s international profile, a strong and self-reliant Europe, and constructive international dialogue.
Ham, who served as Slovenia’s ambassador to Australia from 2022 to 2026, brings experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. His previous assignments include serving as special envoy for Slovenia’s campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council in the South Pacific, as well as diplomatic postings in Turkey and Geneva. The Foreign Ministry highlighted his expertise in human rights, humanitarian diplomacy, and international political and security cooperation.
Jointly organised by the Foreign Ministry and the Centre for European Perspective, the Bled Strategic Forum has been held annually since 2006, bringing together political leaders, policymakers, business representatives, experts and young participants to discuss regional and global issues. Slovenia views the forum as an important instrument of its soft power, with its activities increasingly extending beyond the annual conference into year-round international engagement.
