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

Thank you Mr. President.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC Al-Dobeay and the UN Assistant-Secretary Khiari for their valuable briefings.

Mr. President,

One of the greatest strengths of this organization is its diversity of views, races, languages, faiths and histories. Time and time again we have seen that when we manage to find common ground despite our differences, we lay a strong foundation for a better future for all. Multilateralism itself is premised on the proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. And if you want to go far, go together!”

The effectiveness of our multilateral system relies significantly on the work of regional and sub-regional organizations and their cooperation – both among themselves and with the UN.

In different parts of the world, such cooperation fosters mutual understandings and enables more effective action. Along our shared path, they hold a great potential for helping us to navigate complex challenges in maintaining international peace and security. Slovenia therefore welcomes today’s briefing on cooperation between the UN and the OIC.

Let me make three points in this regard.

Firstly, we underscore the vital role of regional and sub-regional organizations in fostering mutual understanding. First and foremost, they have a role to play in deepening our understanding of root causes of conflicts – as essential foundation for effective conflict prevention and resolution. With their unique understanding of circumstances, these organizations, including the OIC, can play an important role in preventive diplomacy.

They are instrumental in addressing interconnected crises that span political instability, armed conflict, violent extremism and terrorism, human rights violations, climate stress, economic hardship and humanitarian emergencies.

Secondly, we welcome and further encourage the contribution of the OIC and its Member States to international peace and security. We highly value the indispensable efforts of individual OIC Members in peacekeeping, as well as humanitarian and mediation diplomacy.

As our attention remains focused on the war in Gaza, we recognize the important role of the joint Arab-Islamic ministerial committee in building pathway for diplomatic solution. We also underscore the cooperation of the EU and the OIC in addressing the situation of the Rohingya.

Thirdly, we support the continuation of ongoing cooperation, including collaboration between the Secretariats and the use of formal avenues, such as briefings, to address issues of mutual interest. This cooperation extends across multiple aspects of our multilateral architecture, including conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping and other related areas.

Mr. President,

While levels of cooperation, the sophistication of relationship and the contribution of regional and sub-regional organizations may vary, Slovenia believes that open and meaningful dialogue between the UN and this organization can strengthen collective security.

Such dialogue must be grounded – both in words and deeds – in respect of international law and the UN Charter. When collective interests in peace and security, along with respect for international law, are placed above the interests of individual States the hope for peaceful future for all can become a reality.

I thank you.

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