In October, the United Nations celebrated its 80^th anniversary, with the Security Council marking the occasion by holding an open debate. The SC also travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a meeting with the African Union. Throughout the month, Council members addressed a wide range of international peace and security issues – from Europe, Africa, Latin America, to the Middle East and beyond.

On UN Day, 24 October – commemorating 80 years since the UN Charter entered into force – the Security Council debated the future of the United Nations through the lens of peace and security. Slovenia emphasized that the organization was founded on the belief that humanity was capable of more than merely pursuing unilateral interests. In order to confront mounting global challenges head-on, it is essential to safeguard and build upon the UN’s numerous past achievements. There is no alternative to the UN, and we must do everything possible to maintain and strengthen the international framework dedicated to lasting peace.

At the quarterly open debate on the Middle East, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar welcomed the implementation of the first phase of the plan to end the war in Gaza and called on all parties to fully respect the ceasefire.

Addressing the horrific situation in Sudan, Slovenia strongly condemned the atrocities committed by the RSF in El Fasher and Bara City. “What began as a siege over 500 days ago, has become a massacre. Once a fragile haven for hundreds of thousands, El Fasher is now the epicenter of Sudan’s agony – a city starved, silenced, and brutally assaulted, facing famine-like conditions, a collapsed health system, and no safe way out. This is outrageous,” stated Ambassador Žbogar. El Fasher is now facing the horrors that devastated Darfur twenty years ago. Therefore, Slovenia urged an immediate end to the massacres, the protection of civilians, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and full accountability for all those responsible.

During the regular briefing on UNMIK, Slovenia highlighted Kosovo’s progress and the need for a strategic review of UNMIK’s role and responsibilities. “For many years now, UNMIK has not been implementing its initial mandate of maintaining peace and security, so it may soon be the right moment to discuss the future of its engagement,” stressed the Ambassador. Given that conditions on the ground in Kosovo greatly differ from those in 1999 and the overall security situation remains stable, UNMIK must adapt and evolve.

Slovenia welcomed the unanimous adoption of EUFOR Althea’s mandate for an additional year. During the semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Žbogar recalled the successfully adopted UNSC press statement initiated by Slovenia in March. We continue to support BiH on its path towards EU membership. “Ahead of the thirtieth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, it is time for Bosnia and Herzegovina to take full ownership of its future,” concluded the Ambassador.

At the annual open debate on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, Slovenia underscored that “peace begins when women are at the table.” In light of the mounting pressure, weak implementation and insufficient funding that the Agenda faces, Slovenia proposed three key steps to advance peace: ensuring women’s full participation, strengthening support for women-led organisations and upholding women’s rights and accountability. It is crucial that women are treated as equal partners in all societies and that the Agenda delivers measurable impact.

Ahead of the open debate, Ambassador Žbogar delivered a joint statement on behalf of the signatories of the Shared Commitments on Women and Peace and Security, reaffirming their unwavering support on the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325.

Haiti continues to face worsening insecurity and the growing armed gang activity beyond the capital. Slovenia encouraged progress on the political track, as only a Haitian-led and Haitian-owned solution can lead to the full restoration of democratic institutions and economic recovery. Sustained support from the international community is essential to bringing peace, security and stability in the country. Slovenia also warned that women and children continue to bear the brunt of the crisis.

The strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) was discussed during the annual open briefing. With African countries now constituting more than a quarter of UN membership, the importance of strong cooperation between the two organizations is clear. In his remarks to the Council, Ambassador Žbogar stressed that Resolution 2719 remains a cornerstone of the UN–AU partnership and must be fully implemented. He reiterated Slovenia’s support for African-led solutions to regional conflicts and commended the AU’s efforts to address climate change as a driver of instability.

In mid-October, Council members visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for their Annual Joint Consultative Meeting with the African Union’s Peace and Security Council. During discussions on key security challenges in the region, they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their partnership to advance peace and stability across Africa. Many items on the Council’s agenda relate to Africa, therefore achieving sustainable peace requires collective action and coordinated efforts from both the AU and the UN.

At the emergency briefing requested by Venezuela, Slovenia voiced concerns about the situation off the country’s coast and urged respect for the UN Charter and international law.

The Council also met with Judge Yuji Iwasawa, President of the International Court of Justice.

In October, the Security Council adopted press statements on Sudan and in support of the Government of Lebanon and its commitment to exercising sovereignty over its territory. The Council also adopted a resolution renewing the sanctions regime on Haiti, extended the mandate of UNSMIL mission in Libya, and renewed the mandates of MINURSO in Western Sahara and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.

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