What is Gajst.?

The Gajst Institute for Diplomatic Education is a Slovenian non-governmental organization committed to bringing diplomacy, foreign policy, and international relations closer to young people and the wider public. Foreign policy is an integral part of everyday political discourse. Politicians talk about it, it fills the front pages of established media, Instagram and TikTok feeds show us scenes from war zones, and it is discussed in schools (as international history is, to a large extent, the history of foreign policy). A high level of foreign-policy literacy is therefore an essential component of overall political literacy and a key indicator of a resilient and developed democratic society. A society capable of peacefully coexisting with other communities, building an inclusive international community, and at the same time effectively pursuing its national interests. The promotion of diplomacy, as one of the fundamental social processes through which otherwise estranged communities communicate with one another, as well as a profession and activity upon which the survival, prosperity, and sovereignty of the Republic of Slovenia depend, is a deliberate byproduct of our efforts.

In addition to empowering citizens in the field of diplomacy and foreign policy, we also strive to raise the level of general political literacy, to strengthen knowledge in the social sciences, to underline the importance of the social sciences more broadly, and to improve the quality of public educational processes. Our key allies in this are teachers and educators, whose work contributes to raising respectful, critical, sharp-minded, and free-spirited individuals.

Within the ecosystem of Slovenian diplomatic education, which includes schools, gymnasiums, universities, the media, and other institutions, Gajst plays a crucial role in at least three areas. First, we act as a supportive element to the public school system, where, through workshops and direct cooperation with educators, we contribute to the plural, critical, and as objective as possible integration of foreign policy content into ongoing learning processes. Second, through various channels (social media, podcasts, installations, public events) we translate complex foreign-policy issues into language that is more accessible and understandable to young people and the wider public. In doing so, we do not hide our commitment to and advocacy for the values of liberal democracy, international law, human rights, and Slovenia’s foreign policy interests. Third, through cooperation with leading domestic and international institutions, we promote the importance of education in foreign policy, international relations, and diplomacy as a vital aspect of resolving international conflicts, ensuring peace in the international community, and fostering respectful intercultural dialogue. The establishment, existence, and continued work of our Institute are therefore based on a strong argument, if not a responsibility, as the only organization in this field in Slovenia that comprehensively and from multiple perspectives addresses this important societal need.

Do we have fun while doing it? Of course. Most of us are students of international relations, law, political science, sociology (and other disciplines), who enjoy being active in the Institute. Our work is voluntary. If we did not enjoy it, Gajst would not exist. And if Gajst did not exist, we would be left wondering which is actually the coolest, most recognized, and most influential NGO in the field of diplomacy and foreign policy in Slovenia. Luckily, we know the answer (alright, calm down, Kanye West).

Let’s get to know the team: