On October 6, 2024, a meeting took place in Bratislava between IPDG Katarína Čechová and Elizabeth Blumenthal, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Bratislava. The meeting was also attended by former RC Bratislava International President Greg Fabian. The discussion focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration on programs aimed at developing leadership skills, civic education, and social responsibility among young people in Slovakia.

Elizabeth provided an overview of the embassy’s past and current activities supporting youth aged 15 to 24. She noted that the embassy is currently reviewing its projects to better target the needs of Slovak youth. Elizabeth expressed interest in learning more about the activities of Rotary clubs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia that focus on young people.

Katarína described Rotary District 2240’s service to youth, particularly the long-running and successful student exchange programs. She also mentioned the positive past collaboration with the US Embassy on the Junior Ambassadors program. Elizabeth clarified that US embassies in Europe are no longer implementing this program, but emphasized that they are open to exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Possible areas include organizing joint interactive seminars, workshops, and conferences that promote youth education on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The US Embassy offered to provide specialists and diplomats to help plan and facilitate these seminars and workshops.

Elizabeth promised to provide additional information on potential topics and suitable candidates from the embassy’s side to participate. It will be up to us, as Rotarians, to prepare a suitable format and select young people with an interest in public affairs and leadership development.

If any clubs are interested in getting involved in these activities, please contact us.

Gregory Fabian
RC Bratislava International
gregory.fabian.jd@gmail.com