Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC meeting on the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security

Thank you Madam President,

I welcome High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Ms. Kaja Kallas to the Council and express our appreciations for her valuable briefing.

Madam President,

The current geopolitical landscape depends very much on the institutions that we have built on the ashes of the Second World War. May it be this very organization that is about to mark its 80^th anniversary, or the European Union. Both were founded on the same aspiration: to ensure that the horrors of war never again define our shared future.

Both institutions have proven their resilience and their relevance. They have been instrumental in the pursuit of the same goals: peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.

With this in mind, I would like to highlight three key considerations for both organizations that relay to their work, as well as to their cooperation:

First, maintaining the spirit of multilateralism: we must uphold our core values – our commitment to peace and security, development and human rights. Today, these principles not only provide moral guidance but also serve as the foundation of international order. They enable states to build trust and to cooperate.

The world is not standing still. To the contrary, it is constantly moving and evolving. With the rise of nationalisms, populism, or voices doubting international institutions, it is important to sometimes revisit the reasons why the UN and EU were created, and remind ourselves that the same reasons still remain relevant today.

Second, responsibility to each and every citizen of the world. All human lives matter equally. From the armed conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan and the DRC to Myanmar, Haiti and Afghanistan – all humans deserve to live in peace.

And not just that. The interconnectedness of the world with rapid technological advancement makes conflicts closer, no matter where they occur, unfortunately also due to the fact the civilians suffer the most.

Due to the same interconnectedness, the war in Ukraine is felt through the availability of its grain around the globe or the war in Gaza, through its impact on the availability of goods traveling through the Red Sea.

Third, there is a need to listen to voices from regions where conflicts are taking place and in particular from the affected communities and states.

In that sense, we are grateful to the High Representative for addressing the aggression against Ukraine. There will be no just and lasting peace in Ukraine, unless it is seated at the negotiation table. The outcome of the peace talks will also determine the future of the European security, and this cannot be decided without Europeans.

Slovenia is supporting Ukraine on its path to the European Union. Just as we continue to support any other European country that pursues its future in the European Union and is prepared to take the necessary steps.

The journey is just as important as the destination. The path that is bringing these countries into the European Union is just as important as their accession. It requires considerable efforts to implement reforms and strengthen their institutions to achieve development, economic growth and peaceful coexistence with their neighbours. And, above all, it takes commitment to common values of peace, freedom and democracy.

Madam President,

In conclusion, let me once again reiterate that both, the UN and the EU were born out of ideals of peace, unity, and collaboration. We urge all member states to reinforce their commitment to our shared values. We need to work together to ensure that future generations will continue to value dialogue and mutual understanding and to pursue a common good over division and conflict.

I thank you.

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