Today, Slovenia commenced its first working day as the Presidency of the UN Security Council. The day began with a breakfast meeting for Permanent Representatives, hosted by Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, Slovenia’s Representative to the Security Council. Following the formal adoption of the Programme of Work (PoW) for September, Ambassador Žbogar presented the programme at a press conference, where he outlined Slovenia’s plans and signature events.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Žbogar emphasized that this was Slovenia’s second time serving as an elected member of the Council. He noted that much has changed since Slovenia’s last tenure 26 years ago, both for the country and the international community. “However, one thing remains constant – the Security Council’s responsibility for maintaining international peace and security in accordance with the UN Charter,” he underlined. This responsibility is a central tenet of Slovenia’s Presidency, reflected in its slogan Building Trust. Securing Future. The global order that has been constructed over decades must now be reinforced through renewed trust and political will.

In September, Slovenia will organise two open debates: the first on 9 September, focusing on UN peacekeeping operations, with an emphasis on the importance of the Security Council’s unified political support as key to deliver on their mandates. The second open debate, titled Leadership for Peace, will be chaired by Slovenian Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob during the General Assembly High-level Week on 25 September and represents Slovenia’s main signature event.

This event is based on Slovenia’s observation that we live in a world full of challenges and threats, with the highest number of ongoing armed conflicts, record-high casualties among civilians, including children, humanitarian and medical workers, and journalists. The debate also responds to the growing calls from UN members to strengthen the legitimacy and relevance of the Security Council. “The world is becoming both less stable and less peaceful. With the erosion of respect for the rules, the world is sliding into a state of disorder,” underscored Ambassador Žbogar, adding that full respect and compliance with the UN Charter is a prerequisite for rebuilding trust in the international community. This guiding concept underpins the signature event, where we expect heads of delegations to reflect on how the Council can improve its effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security.

Following the two open debates, Slovenia will organise the annual meeting between the Security Council, the Arab Summit Troika and the Secretary-General of the Arab League. This informal interactive dialogue, scheduled for 26 September, will be chaired by Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon. They will discuss cooperation between the Security Council and the League, in particular in the search for a solution for peace in the Middle East.

In line with the Programme of Work, the Council will discuss several pressing issues in the Middle East, including the situations in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan, as well as in Africa (DRC, Sudan) and other regions. Slovenia also anticipates additional meetings in response to Member States’ requests. Throughout the Council’s discussions in September, Slovenia’s thematic priorities – conflict prevention, the protection of civilians, full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in peace and security, and the interplay between climate and environmental challenges and peace and security – will be prominently featured. This includes a continuous call for all states and parties in conflicts to respect international law, particularly international humanitarian law, at all times and under all circumstances.

During its Security Council Presidency, Slovenia aims to foster forward-looking discussions and to promote a results-driven, action-oriented Council. We will advocate for the equal participation of women in the debates and pay special attention to gender balance among those briefing the Council. Finally yet importantly, Slovenia’s work on conflict prevention will amplify the Joint Action for the New Agenda for Peace, issued by the Trio Presidency of Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Switzerland on 21 August.

Although Slovenia has assumed the Presidency at a time of high volatility and increasingly fragile global security, it remains confident that the UN Security Council can make a change. Unity is urgently needed, and Slovenia will strive to initiate a much-needed reset. 

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