To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Slovenia has joined and supported the global project Shared Lives, Shared Future. The exhibition, launched at UN Headquarters in New York by the UN Department of Global Communications in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland, celebrates the enduring impact of the UN around the world.

Featuring more than 200 stories from 193 Member States and three territorial entities, the exhibition highlights how the UN has transformed lives globally. Behind each portrait lies a story—of individuals, communities, neighbors, and ourselves. Displayed in the UN General Assembly lobby, the faces and testimonies of real people reflect what the UN stands for. 

“At its core, it’s about humanity—and respect for human dignity,” stressed Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the reception.

The event, also attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, served as a vivid reminder that the UN continues to matter. As the Secretary-General noted: “As you view these images, I urge you to reflect on three truths they reveal. The first is that the United Nations is deeply committed to supporting the most vulnerable. The second is that international norms and standards touch people’s lives all across the world, every single day. And the third truth evident in these portraits is that multilateralism makes our world a better place.”

Over the past 80 years, the UN has saved and improved millions of lives. “Yet with more people in need, progress remains insufficient. We must do more,” emphasized Ambassador Žbogar.

At a time when trust in multilateralism is eroding, and when human rights and international law face unprecedented challenges, the Ambassador underscored the importance of choosing dialogue over division, and principles over power. Pursuing diplomacy with determination and working together is the right path for the future of multilateralism, firmly anchored in the UN Charter and international law.

Despite its imperfections, the UN can look back with pride—and forward with perseverance. “Together, we’ve created 80 years of stories. And for eight decades, world leaders have come to the UN to seek collective solutions,” concluded the Ambassador, underscoring that in serving this purpose, the UN has no alternative.

The global exhibition Shared Lives, Shared Future will be displayed in multiple locations worldwide. Slovenia’s contribution features Blaž Ambrožič, a beekeeper passing on his knowledge to younger generations. His story is captured on the exhibition panel: “Beekeeping is more than honey. What truly matters is teaching future generations to protect the silent workers. By saving the bees, we safeguard our future, our food, and life itself.”

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