Interview with Slovenia’s Education Minister, Darjo Felda: Education 2030 Agenda and AI Ethics

On the margins of the 42^nd UNESCO General Conference in 2023, we had the privilege to sit down and interview Darjo Felda, Slovenia’s Minister of Education, an outgoing member of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC). During his mandate from 2022 to 2023, he served as one of the representatives of the Eastern European states. 

Throughout the conversation, Minister Darjo Felda highlights key topics crucial for advancing the Education 2030 agenda. From a Slovenian perspective, notable efforts include the establishment of a national consultative body for SDG4, which engages various stakeholders, including NGOs and youth representatives. Slovenia also actively advocates for the universality of SDG4 as a key enabler for the other SDGs at international conferences, such as education ministers' gatherings and others. 

Furthermore, Minister Felda emphasizes Slovenia's dedication to hosting the 2^nd Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in collaboration with UNESCO. Not only does the country strongly support the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, but it also prioritizes the relevance of these efforts. As the Minister says, 'Slovenia recognizes the potential of artificial intelligence in education and learning, particularly for marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, rural populations, and indigenous peoples.' Therefore, through this commitment, Slovenia aims to actively address these 21st-century challenges and ensure equitable access to AI technologies for all.