Statement by Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, chargé d’affaires, at the UN General Assembly under the agenda item 122 on the “Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council”

Mr. President,

Thank you for convening this debate. Let me begin by congratulating the Permanent Representatives of Austria and Kuwait for their re-appointment as the chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations during the 79^th session of the General Assembly and thank them sincerely for their excellent work and contribution, including for their efforts in negotiating the substantial IGN contribution to the Pact for the Future, during our last session. They have our full support and cooperation. Let me also thank all those who have submitted concrete proposals for reform. We highly appreciate them.

Mr. President,

At the risk of being repetitious, the fact is that a changing world demands the UN and the Security Council that will adapt and reflect the changes. Given the multitude of conflicts worldwide and their increasing complexity, exacerbated by a multitude of peace and security challenges, the international community needs a Council that will respond swiftly, decisively and effectively and its decisions will be respected and implemented. We need a fully legitimate, efficient, responsive and relevant Security Council.  

Every organization must evolve; it cannot remain static in a dynamic world. It must reflect the present, with a view towards the future; it cannot remain stuck in the past. The demands for the reform of the Security Council are longstanding. And they come from the highest political levels. Our leaders have demanded it. We have a clear mandate for the reform, reinforced by the Pact for the Future.

Mr. President,

Let me touch upon some substantive issues and the process.

First – on categories of membership, representation and working methods of the Council. Slovenia supports the enlargement of the Council in both categories with the aim of reaching better representation and ensuring that the Council reflects historic changes and today’s realities. The fact that the UN membership has increased significantly since the last enlargement is a strong enough argument. Likewise is the fact that some groups are clearly underrepresented, most notably Africa, and Slovenia holds a positive view of the African common position. Securing stronger and more permanent voice from the region is both a question of correcting historical injustices, as well as necessity to maintain legitimacy, credibility and relevance of the Council.

Slovenia also strongly advocates for an additional non-permanent seat for the Eastern European Group. Since 1964, the membership in the group has more than doubled. One of the reform’s aims must be to provide for equal opportunities for members of the regional groups to be elected.

Furthermore, we should strive to make the candidature and election process more inclusive and conducive for participation of all the Member States, including Small Island Developing states. We are of the view that each member of the Council represents itself and acts in the interest of the whole UN membership.

As to new categories of elected members. We are open to discuss any proposal, however a cautious approach is needed. We would not want to fragment further the categories of membership and produce an additional layer of inequality in the Council.

At the same time, the Council should strive for effectiveness, meaning the right balance must be stricken between representation, effectiveness and responsiveness. The pivot point must be the ability of the Security Council to maintain the international peace and security. Therefore, its working methods will without doubt, need to be adapted for increased membership.

Second – on veto. Slovenia advocates that the right to veto should be exercised responsibly and restrictively and we call on permanent members to refrain from misusing it for narrow, national interests. Slovenia supports the French-Mexican initiative on veto restrains in cases of mass atrocities, and as its member, the ACT “Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.” We are encouraging all the states that have not yet done so, to consider endorsing it.

In our view, the right to veto incorporates a particular responsibility that the country casting it must be ready to assume. This is why Slovenia supported, among others, the so-called veto initiative and regularly participates in the debates in the General Assembly after a veto is cast in the Security Council. 

Third – on procedure. IGN provides the appropriate framework for discussions and represents a platform for every UN member or group to address all reform-related issues. Let me acknowledge the progress made in the last two sessions. We do believe, however, that the process needs to move forward at a faster pace.

After almost 20 years and clear call from our leaders, we expect the process to be effective and goal-oriented and produce concrete results. Proposals by several member states as well as the groups are a step in the right direction. However, it also means that members actually negotiate genuinely and that negotiations are, as is a long-established practice, based on proposed text with attribution. Through these negotiations, members have a chance to support concrete proposals and make space to build compromise. Political reality and expectations toward the Security Council are changing; we cannot constantly fall behind, as it is not possible to be efficient and responsible that way.

Mr. President,

The Pact for the Future that world leaders have adopted this September is clear in its wish and expectations of a reform of the Security Council, which will be fit for today and tomorrow that will be swift, responsible and transparent in its decision-making.

Slovenia will continue to engage constructively and is ready to consider any viable option for a comprehensive and genuine reform. In line with this approach, we are reviewing all the proposals on the table. Our discussions with the proponents of some of the major proposals for reform in the last session of the IGN have been a valuable contribution in this regard. We call on other Member states to consider how we could bridge our divides and fulfill the promise of reform.

Thank you.

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