Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC open debate on “Poverty, Underdevelopment, and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security”

Thank you President and thank you to Guyana’s Presidency for organizing this open debate.

I also wish to join others in thanking Secretary-General Guterres, UNDP Assistant Secretary-General Wignaraja and the AU Commission Chairperson Youssouf for their valuable briefings.

Mr. President,

The UN Charter entrusts Security Council with a broad mandate to maintain international peace and security. This responsibility extends beyond conflict resolution; it also places upon this body a crucial role in early warning and conflict prevention.

While other UN bodies – such as ECOSOC or the Peacebuilding Commission – might be better positioned to develop concrete solutions for complex and mutually reinforcing relationship between poverty, underdevelopment and conflict, debates such as today’s can enhance the Security Council’s ability to better fulfil its primary responsibility.

As we walk to this chamber, the UNDP’s Headquarters across the street reminds us daily, quote: “There is no peace without development. And there is no development without peace,” unquote.

Although conflict is by no means exclusive to developing countries, numerous studies confirm that the risk for conflict is significantly higher in contexts marked by poverty, inequalities, weak governance, the erosion of trust in public institutions, deep economic challenges, and climate stress, among other contributing factors. Road to violence often begins long before the first bullets are fired.

Mr. President,

Today, I would like to offer three considerations for the Council:

First, investments in development and resilience are investments in peace and security – and evidence proves they are cost-effective.

Achieving the 2030 Agenda remains the main instrument to address root causes of poverty, conflict and instability.

Sustainable development, strong institutions, good governance based on the rule of law, respect and protection of human rights, as well as access to basic services such as water and sanitation, education and healthcare not only save lives – they also reduce the immense financial costs associated with post-conflict reconstruction.

Prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective tool to guide fragile countries from conflict towards peace and resilience, enabling them to absorb, mitigate and withstand shocks. This is a trade-off that decision-makers cannot afford to ignore.

Second, we believe in human centred approach to security.

Our responses must include climate adaptation, food security, sustainable development and inclusive access to essential services, education, jobs, and economic opportunities. Investing in children’s well-being and empowering women and youth are necessary and effective peacebuilding strategies.

Education remains one of the most powerful tools to counter radicalization and prevent recruitment into armed groups. Ensuring access to education – especially for girls – is one of Slovenia’s key priorities during our term on the Executive Board of UNICEF.

In 2024, Slovenia joined the School Meals Coalition, which aims to ensure that every child worldwide has a school meal by 2030.

Also important is the aspect of human dignity. The full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of all women – including those facing social and economic exclusion – has been shown to improve the effectiveness of conflict prevention, mediation efforts and humanitarian response. Slovenia has placed the empowerment of women in the center of its development aid policies, as the critical element to strengthen societal resilience and advancing sustainable development.

Finally, without sustained efforts to build resilience, today’s challenges will re-emerge tomorrow. Advancing the coherent implementation of the triple nexus remains critical to the effectiveness and sustainability of our collective response.

The triple nexus approach must be operationalized in practice through integrated investments in basic social services, local governance, and social cohesion – alongside peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

As a member of the Security Council, ECOSOC and the Peacebuilding Commission; Slovenia remains committed to building bridges between these three bodies, so that they could better address complex and multifaceted challenges that we are facing today.

I thank you.

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