"The establishment of the University of Maribor in 1975 was important both for the whole of Slovenia within the framework of the country at that time and for the region itself. The first higher education institution in this part of Slovenia was an important focus of Slovenian, national, cultural, scientific and religious thought in Slovenian Styria. It also played a major role in the decentralisation of Slovenian higher education, as studies became more accessible to a greater number of students. With its establishment, Maribor got an institution that gave it a development boost and put it on the map of university towns," underlined Human Rights Ombudsman Petar Svetina on 12 September 2024 in the Kazinski dvorana Hall of the Slovene National Theatre in Maribor at the ceremony marking the 49th anniversary of the University's founding in Maribor.

He emphasised the responsibility of the university as a creator and guardian of critical thought to create a society in which human rights are respected, protected, and realised for all people. "Universities are spaces for free expression and research, they are places where values ​​and principles are formed that lead us to a more inclusive and just society," he added. He especially stressed that the current period is also very important for the formation of values ​​and principles based on the fundamental principles of critical thought, "since the lack of knowledge and humanistic breadth can uncritically contribute to slipping into undemocratic practices and demolish systems of respect for human rights established through long historical struggles.”

The Ombudsman is convinced that only properly equipped individuals can cope with the challenges in a fast and complex world, where it is necessary to adapt to constant and rapid changes, and the educational institutions united within the framework of the University of Maribor help them achieve these goals with their programmes, because they offer the possibility of quality education to everyone, regardless of personal circumstances.

He also pointed out that the responsibility for the sustainable development of society does not lie solely with universities, but the state must also be aware of its share of responsibility, which must take care of adequate financing of higher education and research and create conditions that will convince our educated and talented experts so that they do not look for opportunities abroad, but stay in Slovenia.

He also emphasised that an important element of progress is the strengthening of the connection between universities, the economy, and other key stakeholders, so that knowledge can be quickly and effectively put into practice and contribute to the competitiveness of our country on the world market. "In the global world, where we face various challenges, from climate change to social inequalities, cooperation between different fields of science and professions is even more necessary," he said, and congratulated everyone who contributed to the growth and development of the University of Maribor on the anniversary.