Spouse of the President of the Republic of Slovenia
Dr. Aleš Musar
Chairman of the Board of Trusties BWF
Co-organiser:
WATER AND BLUE ECONOMY- new water strategies
The programme at Vila Bled is reserved for accredited participants and is not open to the public, while the programme at Bled Castle is open to the public.
Wednesday, 3 June 2026: From the COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action to Action at the Bled Water Forum
| 9:00 - 10:00 | Opening session |
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Marko Gajić, BWF co-founder, Slovenia Dr. Aleš Musar, First Gentleman of the Republic of Slovenia Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of the Republic of Lithuania Dr. Simona Drenik Bavdek, Human Rights Ombudswoman of the Republic of Slovenia Matjaž Berčon, Director of Komunala Kranj, Slovenia Blaž Veber, director, Bled Tourist Board, Slovenia Asad Shirinov, Advisor to the Chairman, Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency Arif Ibrahimi Alkalali, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Minister for Water, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia Ara Mkrtchyan, Vice Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia Asta Speičytė Radzevičienė, Visionary, Social Entrepreneur & Founder of Neišnešiotukas | GROWING Lithuania | GROWING Europe, Lithuania 9:55 - 10:00 Memorandum of Cooperation between ITF and the BWF |
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| 10:00 - 11:30 | PANEL 1: From Source to Sea: Water–Climate Nexus and Cooperation for Water Resilience |
| Climate change is increasingly experienced through water. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, droughts, floods and ecosystem degradation are affecting water systems across the entire hydrological cycle – from mountain sources and rivers to coastal zones and seas. These challenges highlight the need for integrated approaches that connect climate action with water governance. The Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach provides such a framework by linking freshwater, coastal and marine systems and promoting coordinated action across sectors, institutions and geographical scales. The Source-to-Sea Declaration (2025) emphasises the importance of cooperation and integrated water management to enhance resilience and safeguard ecosystems that support communities, economies and biodiversity. In this context, strengthening the Water–Climate Nexus is essential. Water management must play a central role in climate adaptation strategies, while climate policies must recognise water systems as critical infrastructures for resilience. This panel aims to explore how cooperation across the water cycle – from source to sea – can support climate resilience, sustainable water governance and long-term environmental stability. | |
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Moderator: Dr. Aleš Musar, First Gentleman of the Republic of Slovenia Speakers: Mitja Bricelj, Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Slovenia, Coordinator, EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), Pillar Environment (TSG3), ICPDR Ambassador dr. Ana Polak Petrič, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Berlin, Germany Dr. Tuğba Evrim Maden, Policy Development Coordinator, Turkish Water Institute (SUEN), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey Muneerah Alhajji, Senior specialist Engineer at the Ministry of Electricity and Water and Renewable Energy, Kuwait Claudia Crosa, Director of the Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Public Works and Communications – Paraguay Veronika Matuszná, Representative of the Water Protection Department, Ministry of the Environment, Czech Republic Dr. Elnur Safarov, Caspian Sea Studies Expert IDEA Public Union, CASPISNET Coordinator, Head of International Cooperation Department, Institute of Geography, The Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan |
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| 11:25 - 11:30 | Memorandum of Cooperation between ICPE and the BWF |
| 11:30 - 12:00 | Coffee break |
| 12:00 – 13:30 | PANEL 2: Implementing the COP water declaration: knowledge, infrastructure and innovation |
| This panel explores how the commitments of the COP Water Declaration can be translated into concrete actions. The discussion will focus on practical approaches that connect new water knowledge, digital transparency, infrastructure development and innovation.The panel will also highlight how cooperation between governments, research institutions, industry and international networks can strengthen water resilience and support the implementation of global water and climate commitments. | |
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Moderator: Dr. Mitja Bricelj, Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Slovenia, Coordinator, EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), Pillar Environment (TSG3), ICPDR Ambassador Speakers: Zaur Gadimaliyev, Head of Section at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Azerbaijan Jhenelle Williams, Isotope Hydrologist and GloWAL Liaison Officer, Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, Vienna, Austria Huriye İNCECİK CEYLAN, Water Policy Section Manager/Senior Expert, General Directorate of Water Management, Miistry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye Satja Sajko, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana; Head of BWF Young, Bled Water Forum, Slovenia Michael Toh, Managing Director, Singapore Water Association, Singapore Paul Pring, Chief Technology Officer, GI Aqua Tech GMBH, Germany |
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| 13:30 – 15:00 | Lunch (food and water pairing) |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | PANEL 3: European Water Awards: Innovations shaping the future of water |
| This session presents the most innovative solutions in the water sector selected through the European Water Awards. The panel highlights technologies and approaches that are shaping the future of water management, drinking water systems and sustainable water use. | |
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Moderator: Milin Patel Speakers Toshiyasu Ichioka, Director, RIKEN Europe Office, RIKEN, Japan Cal Junior, Founder and President Ô Amazon Air Water, Brazil Ana Livi, Director of International Relations Ô Amazon Air Water, Brazil Abdullah Bogari, CEO, GI Aqua Tech, Saudi Arabia |
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| 16:00–16:15 | Award Ceremony for the Winning Group of the “Playful Water” Competition (Kindergarten Programme) |
| 16:00 - 17:30* |
Hiking Dialogue to Straža Hill with Azerbaijan Registration is possible on the day of the event at the information desk until 13:00. Note: Participants are advised to wear suitable hiking attire and bring water. In case of rain, the session will take place at Villa Bled. Description: Water systems worldwide are under increasing pressure due to climate change and growing demand. Building resilience requires stronger integration between water and climate policies, as highlighted by the COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action. In cooperation with the Embassy of Azerbaijan, this hiking dialogue offers an informal setting for exchange among government representatives, international organizations, and experts. During a guided walk to Straža Hill above Lake Bled, participants will discuss the water–climate nexus and opportunities for cooperation in a relaxed and inspiring environment. Note: In case of bad weather or rain, the programme will take place at Vila Bled from 16:15 to 18:00. |
| 16:00 - 17:40 | PANEL 4: Different methods for monitoring lakes in support of sustainable lake ecosystem management |
| Expert session focuses on the preservation and improvement of the ecological status of Lake Bled, presenting scientific insights and evidence-based approaches to sustainable lake management. | |
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Introduction / Moderator: Tina Eleršek, Group Leader Ecotoxicology, National Institute of Biology, Slovenia Speakers Nataša Dolinar, Division for Water Chemical Status, Slovenian Environmental Agency (ARSO) Tina Eleršek, Group Leader Ecotoxicology, National Institute of Biology, Slovenia Jiří Peterka, Director, Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre, Czech Republic Tomáš Jůza, Department of Fish and Zooplankton Ecology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre, Czech Republic Anca-Iulia Stoica, Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria |
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| 17:40 - 18:00 | Coffee break |
| 18:00 - 19:30 | PANEL 5: Nature-based solutions to improve the water quality of Lake Bled |
| The professional segment is intended for participants of the workshops held in February and March and presents a draft of the final document—an operational action plan for further management and improvement of the situation. | |
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Presentation: Alenka Mubi Zalaznik, Project Manager, Limnos d.o.o., Slovenia |
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| 20:30 - 21:30 | EUROPEAN WATER AWARDS 2026 |
| Bled castle |
Thursday, 4 June 2025: Vila Bled - Water Experience
| 8:30 - 8:40 | Presentation |
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A living laboratory of Water, Health and Sustainable Tourism A presentation of Slovenia and Bled as a living laboratory where water quality, natural environments and sustainable tourism come together to support health, well-being and long-term environmental stewardship. |
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Speaker: MSc Karmen Novarlič, Head of Department Business Communication, Slovenian Tourist Board, Slovenia |
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| 08:45 - 10:00 | PANEL 1: Blue Health and Longevity |
| A discussion on the role of water environments in supporting human health, well-being and longevity, with insights from tourism, wellness and spa sectors. | |
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Moderator: Milin Patel Speakers: Csilla Mezősi, Secretary General, European Spas Association, Belgium Reza Soltani, President Institute of Tourism, Belgium Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, Environmental Chemist, GLOBAL 2000 – Friends of the Earth Austria Aleksandra Bykowska-Derda, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland Ruriko Suzuki, Water Sommelier, Board Member of the Japan Aqua Sommelier Association (JASA), Japan |
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| 10:00 - 11:00 | PANEL 2: Aquinity8: When water sets the standards – a new paradigm for gastronomy and tourism |
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This session explores how water quality is becoming a defining standard in gastronomy and tourism. It highlights new trends in coffee, cocktails and food pairing, showing how water influences taste, sustainability and guest experience in the hospitality sector. |
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Moderator: Milin Patel Speakers: Boštjan Oblak, Co-founder, Aquinity8, Slovenia Silvia Stefanuca-Serban, Beverage Architect & Experience Curator, Romania Peter Ševič, Director of Ljubljana Coffee Festival, Slovenia Danijel Galjot, F&B manager, hotel Triglav Bled – food and water pairing, Slovenia, European Water Sommelier Association Haneul Kim, Vice President KISA and EWSA, South Korea John Zhu, Founder of Purelogica Academy, Master Water-Wine-Tea Sommelier, China |
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| 11:00 - 11:30 | Coffee break |
| 11:30 - 11:50 |
Presentation - The mysterious drinking water of the sea: deep-sea water Mr. Jaeyoun KO, President, Korean International Sommelier Association, South Korea |
| 11:50 - 12:35 | PANEL 3: Blue Futures: Youth Perspectives on New Water Strategies |
| A panel highlighting the perspectives of young professionals and students on future water strategies, innovation and sustainable water governance. | |
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BWF Young Global Academy: Satja Sajko, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana; Head of BWF Young, Bled Water Forum, Slovenia Guest Speaker: Magdalena Živanović – President of the European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW) and former President of the Sava Youth Parliament (SYP), Serbia Ezgi Melody Kolay, Project Officer at EuHHAC (European Healthy Hydration Awareness Campaign) and Joint President at ENDietS (European Network of Dietetic Students) Water Through the Senses: Sensory Approaches to Raising Awareness About Water Kim Kneisel, Student, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia Tevž Rus, Student, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia Sensory Harmony by Lake Velenje: Jasmina Smajlović, Student, School Center Velenje – Higher Professional School of Velenje, Slovenia Sumaja Burgić, Student, School Center Velenje – School for Service Industries, Slovenia |
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| During the morning session | Water evaluation, European Water Sommelier Association |
| 12:35 - 14:00 | break |
| 14:30 - 18:00 | Bled Castle: |
| - The event is open to the public | |
| - Water tasting and pairing with coffee, tea and coctails | |
| 8:00 - 12:00 | European Water Sommelier Assocation – international water tasting |
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Danijel Galjot, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier Association Satja Sajko, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier Association Tadeja Jakus, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier Association Samo Frantar, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier Association Jernej Por, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier Association Merita Kuka, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier Association Haneul Kim, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier AssociationAssociation Katja Jelovčan, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier Association Boštjan Jelovčan, Water Sommelier, Water Sommelier by European Water Sommelier Association |
BWF Call
We recognize and award the most innovative technological solutions each year at the Forum and actively assist them in their global breakthrough and successful implementation.
Report
See the reports of the international assessment of 32 waters,
which took place as part of the Bled Water Forum 2025 under the auspices of the European Water Sommeliers Association (EWSA).
CONTACT
Zavod BLEJSKI VODNI FESTIVAL