This year for the first time the Masters of the Digital Future project, run under the patronage of President Nataša Pirc Musar and Governor Primož Dolenc, also features an international debating tournament, with secondary school teams from seven European countries competing. The tournament concluded today with two teams going head-to-head in the grand final, and the greatest knowledge and best debating skills were shown by the team from Slovakia.
The Masters of the Digital Future project is now in its third school year, and aims to encourage young people to think about the importance of digitalisation to the banking system, and about advanced payment methods and current economic trends.
After being a huge hit with primary and secondary schools in Slovenia over the last two school years, this time the project was expanded into the international arena. Banka Slovenije invited other institutions to take part, and was joined by the central banks of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Montenegro and Slovakia. On this occasion the young debaters addressed the euro in the digital age, and the advantages and disadvantages of introducing a digital euro.
The year-long project reached its climax over the last few days. Yesterday Banka Slovenije hosted the best teams from the seven participating countries and their central banks, all chosen beforehand in national competitions. Banka Slovenije was represented by DGM Nejc from Maribor’s Second Gymnasium. After a day-long tournament, where the youngsters debated the motion This house supports the introduction of a digital euro, the two finalists were the teams from Slovakia and Slovenia.
Held before an audience of 300, today’s final tournament opened with speeches by President Nataša Pirc Musar and Primož Dolenc, Governor of Banka Slovenije.
In her speech the president told the participants: “From the very beginning of this project, I have emphasised how important it is to develop knowledge that goes beyond textbooks – an understanding of finance, technology and the responsible use of digital tools. Today, I would add something else: equally important is the ability to ask the right questions. And that is exactly what you are doing. By doing so, you are not only searching for answers but also creating space for reflection. You challenge established views and encourage progress. And in doing so, you are laying the foundations for more thoughtful decisions that will shape our shared future.”
Governor first highlighted the international role of the event: "The project is evolving into a cross-European initiative, which has demonstrated that the key questions related to the digital future can be addressed more effectively if shared across borders through cooperation and dialogue. He further addressed the participating pupils and students: “Taking part in a project of this kind is anything but ordinary, and I should therefore make it clear I admire your bravery, your desire for knowledge, and your commitment to personal development. The fact that even in your youth you’re willing to step up, to put yourself on the spot, and to say to yourself and anyone else watching “Don’t worry, I’ve got this!” is truly an exceptional achievement. This kind of attitude is never to be taken for granted, and deserves everybody’s admiration – most of all, your own.”
The president also debated with the tournament finalists.
The two teams acquitted themselves brilliantly in the final, but the honours when it comes to debate skills and argumentation went to the students from Slovakia.
Our sincere congratulations go to the winners!
