Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ondina Blokar Drobič, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations, at the General Assembly debate under the agenda item “Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council”

Mme. President,

Let me begin by thanking you for convening this debate, which we hope will help accelerate the process of reforming the Security Council.

I would also like to thank Ambassador Albanai of Kuwait for his dedicated efforts in steering the work of the IGN during last GA session. Likewise, we extend our congratulations to him and Ambassador Gregoire-van Haarn of the Netherlands on their appointment as Co-chairs of the IGN process for the current session. They have our full support and cooperation.

For well over a decade, we have had a clear mandate to reform the Security Council. We live in a dynamic and rapidly changing world, and the UN, including the Security Council, cannot remain static if it is to stay relevant. We have the highest political mandate; reinforced in the Pact for the Future; it is now time to translate that commitment into implementation.

As we near the conclusion of our term on the Council, we look back with a critical yet balanced perspective. It is evident that the reform of the Council is needed.

The reform must make the Security Council more democratic, accountable, and transparent, while effective. The Council is entrusted by the members of United Nations with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and the authority to adopt binding measures in that regard. However, no decision can be truly effective unless it is respected and implemented.

It is therefore imperative to foster a culture of accountability among all Member States — to uphold and implement Security Council resolutions. Only then can the Council’s decisions have a meaningful impact on the ground.

Mme. President,

On substantive issues of the reform, let me touch upon the following:

First – on representation, categories of membership and working methods of the Council. The significant increase in the UN membership since the last enlargement of the Security Council provides a compelling argument for the need for reform.

When examining the Council’s current composition, the under-representation of certain regions is clear. Slovenia has consistently advocated for a more equitable geographical representation within the Council. We hold a positive view of the African position, as ensuring a stronger and more permanent voice from the region is both a matter of correcting historical injustices and a prerequisite for maintaining the Council’s legitimacy, credibility, and relevance.

Slovenia also strongly supports the allocation of an additional non-permanent seat for the Eastern European Group, whose membership has more than doubled since 1964. Furthermore, we should strive to make the election process more inclusive and conducive to the participation of all Member States.

Slovenia supports an enlargement of the Council in both categories, with the aim of achieving better representation and ensuring that the Council reflects historic changes and today’s geopolitical realities.

Striking the right balance between the size and efficiency of the Council is essential. The ability of the Security Council to take timely and effective decisions must remain the central consideration. Accordingly, its working methods will need to be adapted to accommodate an expanded membership.

Second – on veto. The issue of the veto lies at the heart of the reform efforts. Slovenia advocates that the veto be exercised with caution, responsibility, and restraint. As a member of the ACT Group, Slovenia supports the ACT Code of Conduct and we encourage all Member States that have not yet done so to consider endorsing it. Slovenia also supports the French-Mexican initiative on veto restraint in cases of mass atrocities. In her address to the General Assembly last September, the President of Slovenia proposed an initiative to seek an advisory opinion of the ICJ on the limitations of the veto power in cases involving genocide and crimes against humanity.

The veto carries a particular responsibility, one that the country casting it must be prepared to assume. This is why Slovenia has supported, among other measures, the so-called veto initiative and regularly participates in the GA debates thereon.

Third — on procedure. We are well aware that divergent views exist within the IGN on the scope and direction of reform across the five clusters. Such differences are a natural part of any negotiation process. However, the purpose of any process is, ultimately, to move forward. We therefore believe that actual negotiations should commence based on a text.

Mme. President,

In 2008, the General Assembly adopted a decision to commence intergovernmental negotiations. Sixteen years later, through The Pact for the Future, we have once again renewed our expectations for Security Council reform — a Council that is adapted to the realities of today and tomorrow.

Slovenia will continue to engage constructively in the IGN process in pursuit of a comprehensive and genuine reform. We call on all Member States to work together to bridge our divides and to fulfill the long-standing promise of reform.

Thank you.

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