Recognition for Outstanding Contributions at Home and Abroad

In recent years, Dr. Toplak has received numerous prestigious honors. He was named Professor Emeritus of the University of Maribor and Honorary Doctor of the University of Mostar, upon the proposal of the Rectors' Conference of Croatia and the Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his efforts in reintegrating universities in the Western Balkans into the European academic space.
He received the Golden Order of Merit from the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, for his exceptional contribution to the democratization and independence of Slovenia, as well as to its international and academic recognition.

He has been awarded Honorary Citizenship of both the Municipality of Maribor and the Municipality of Juršinci. He is an Honorary Member of the Order of St. George for fostering cultural cooperation in Central Europe, and a recipient of the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award for his humanitarian efforts.

It’s About People: A Meeting Point of Excellence in Science and Humanitarian Values

Dr. Toplak was elected to WAAS in recognition of his outstanding achievements, particularly in the fields of health and humanitarian initiatives, and his leadership in organizing the international scientific conferences It’s About People, which bring together leading scientists and academics from Slovenia and around the world.

In March 2024, under his leadership, the It’s About People conference addressed urgent challenges posed by societal and technological development to ensure that progress serves human safety and dignity.

Maribor as a New Hub for Scientific Cooperation for Peace

The European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA) and the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS), at the initiative of Dr. Toplak, signed a historic declaration in October 2024 in Maribor: the Global Peace Offensive, which calls upon scientists, artists, policymakers, and religious leaders from around the globe to actively work towards the preservation and establishment of peace.

In March 2025, EASA, WAAS, and Alma Mater Europaea signed a follow-up declaration in Maribor entitled Call to Action, urging the global public to engage in strategic reconciliation, trust-building, and dialogue promotion, particularly through education, research, and various forms of cultural and scientific diplomacy.

Establishment of the Global Peace Offensive Center in Maribor

Following a proposal by WAAS, the World and European Academies, and Alma Mater have agreed to establish a joint Global Peace Offensive Center, headquartered in Maribor. The center will officially begin operations on September 1, 2025.

Dr. Ludvik Toplak has been appointed Director of the Center.

Establishing the Global Peace Offensive Center and Dr. Toplak’s election to WAAS represent a unique opportunity for the Republic of Slovenia, a new challenge for the global academic community, and a vital step toward the international advancement of cultural and scientific diplomacy for peace.