Slovenia assumed its first Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2024–2025 term on September 1. This marks a significant moment in the country’s diplomatic history. During its Presidency, Slovenia will present its monthly Programme of Work (PoW), priorities, and signature events to the Member States of the Security Council, the wider UN membership, NGOs, and the general public. The Security Council High-level Open Debate on Leadership for Peace will be held on September 25 and chaired by the Republic of Slovenia Prime Minister, Dr. Robert Golob. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, will chair a debate at the UN Palace on Afghanistan with a particular focus on education for women and girls on September 18 and a day later on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. On September 26, she will host the Security Council’s annual closed-door meeting.
“Slovenia takes the helm of the guardian of international peace and security at a challenging time, a time when it seems to be less and less effective in resolving conflicts and its role is limited, but still indispensable. This is one of the reasons why Slovenia decided to host a high-level debate on Leadership for Peace on September 25. I expect the States to hold a frank exchange of views and reflect on the current and future role of the Security Council, reaffirming their commitments to the principles of the Charter and respect for international law,” said Prime Minister Golob at the start of Slovenia’s Security Council Presidency.
The Slovenian PM said he discussed the matter with Secretary-General António Guterres at the Munich Security Conference and confirmed that the Secretary-General would attend the meeting.
“He encouraged me to think ambitiously and praised our efforts in the Security Council, where Slovenia is a respected member. Our country treats all crises with the same responsibility and without double standards. Slovenia is committed to respect for human rights and international law, human dignity, humanitarian aid and resolving disputes through diplomacy. All people have the right to peace, security and freedom,” added Prime Minister Golob.
Minister Fajon noted that Slovenia has been diligently preparing to preside over the UNSC for several months, demonstrating the country’s proactive approach and commitment to a successful Presidency.
“Today’s world is divided, with the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II and a record number of people in need of humanitarian aid. This makes it all the more important to raise and address the right issues on the margins of the leaders’ summit,” emphasised the Minister. “Expectations are running high, and we are starting the Presidency on a positive note. Slovenia’s principled positions have made it a visible, prominent and respected member of the Security Council. Our voice is not only heard, but often also echoed. Slovenia will continue to act in a cohesive and unifying manner to reinforce the timeless values of the UN and to strive for more consistent adherence to the Charter and the decisions of the Security Council, including by loudly calling for respect for international law and human rights. These are our priorities,” she added.
Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the UN and President of the UNSC for September, highlighted that this month is the most important and the busiest for the United Nations, as almost all world leaders gather in New York for the annual General Assembly.
“During the High-level Week, Slovenia will conduct an important international debate at the highest level. Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob will chair a special session of the Security Council to discuss the legitimacy, relevance and future of this body, which has clearly failed to find effective solutions to stop the fighting and suffering of the population, especially women and children, in several crises, such as Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. What leaders’ views are on the way forward and, how they see the Security Council in the future, and on multilateralism in general. This will be the main event of Slovenia’s Presidency,” said Ambassador Žbogar.
