Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the high-level debate titled “Addressing the historical injustice and enhancing Africa’s effective representation on the UN Security Council” under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

I want to welcome you to the Chamber and I want to thank you for your leadership during this month.

I wish to begin by thanking President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Ms. Sithembile Mbete for their insights and for their briefings today.

Mr. President,

The UN and its Security Council were founded in a time of vastly different political and security realities. Since then, decolonization and dissolution of states led to a significant increase in membership. However, the Security Council has not changed in the last fifty-nine years.

A changing world demands a Council that reflects these changes; it cannot remain frozen in time. Given the multitude of conflicts worldwide, and their increasing complexity, the international community needs the Council that responds swiftly, decisively and effectively, with decisions that are complied with. We need fully legitimate, efficient and relevant Council.

Every organization must evolve; it cannot remain static in a dynamic world. It must reflect the present, not the past. The demands for the Security Council reform are longstanding. Leaders of states and governments recognized this urgent need and this imperative is more pressing than ever.

We have a clear mandate for the reform, reinforced by the UN75 Declaration calling for a revitalization of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process. IGN provides the appropriate framework for these discussions. Its establishment was an important step forward the reform, as it offered a platform for every UN member or group to address all reform-related issues. At this point, we wish to acknowledge the progress made in the last two sessions, for which the co-chairs deserve our commendation.

Mr. President,

Slovenia agrees that Africa is underrepresented in the Security Council and we hold a positive view of the Common African Position.

We should work towards a Council where Africa’s voice is not only heard, but is integral in shaping policies for tackling challenges to peace and security both globally and regionally. Securing a stronger and more permanent voice of the region is not only a question of correcting historical injustice, but also a necessity to maintain the legitimacy, credibility and relevance of the Council itself. We need to move beyond theoretical discussions and deliver tangible progress and concrete results.

The interconnectedness of today’s security environment calls for united response, mobilizing diverse perspectives and expertise. Unique insights and experience of African countries are indispensable in this regard. The African Union and other regionally led efforts and initiatives for conflict prevention, management, and resolution demonstrate Africa’s commitment to regional and global security.

To enhance Africa’s voice in global peace and security deliberations, we must also continue strengthening cooperation between the Security Council and regional organizations, particularly the African Union. Consensual adoptions of the resolution 2719 on the financing for AU-led peace support operations, resolution 2746 authorizing MONUSCO support to SAMIDRC and the joint UN-AU efforts to preserve the security gains in Somalia serve as good examples of enhancing African regional leadership. We look forward to the Annual Joint Consultative Meeting between the AU PSC and the members of the Security Council in October.

Mr. President,

In conclusion – Africa’s underrepresentation in the UN Security Council not only denies the continent’s pivotal role in shaping global peace and security, but also hinders the UN’s ability to address effectively the complex challenges faced by the African countries.

Slovenia looks forward to continuing the reform discussions and will remain constructively engaged.

Thank you.

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