Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC meeting on the maintenance of international peace and security, UN Peace Operations

Thank you President.

Slovenia thanks the Presidency for convening this timely meeting and to USG Lacroix, ASG Pobee and Mr. Hussein for their valuable briefings and in particular their recommendations.

The topic before us goes to the core of what UN peace operations are meant to achieve. In an era of increasingly fragmented, regionalized, and protracted armed conflicts, peace operations must go beyond maintaining a presence. They must be adequately equipped to support lasting political solutions, firmly backed by this Council, and not merely manage crises.

With this in mind, allow me to highlight three areas Slovenia considers essential for making peace operations more effective and impactful.

First, peace operations should serve as effective instruments of political engagement – not its substitute. Their relevance depends on how well they support national and regional efforts to forge path toward lasting peace. Without a credible political process, their impact is inevitably limited.  

Mandates should therefore be flexible, allowing operations to adapt to the realities on the ground. Transitions and exit strategies should be planned from the outset and in close cooperation with host governments, regional actors and UN country teams. The goal is not indefinite deployment, but rather to foster the conditions for sustainable peace.

Second, sustained political backing is essential. This Council’s unity impacts credibility and effectiveness of peace operations. When divided, it is the missions and the people they serve who bear the consequences. The Council must remain engaged and coherent, and work in close partnership with other key actors, including troop and police contributing countries, regional and subregional organizations such as the African Union, and the Peacebuilding Commission.

The host governments also share responsibility for successful peace operations, which can operate safely and effectively only with the full cooperation of the host authorities and when the Status of Forces Agreements are fully respected. Obstructions and undue restrictions, which undermine mandate implementation, erode local trust and compromise the safety of the missions’ personnel.

The third essential pillar is capacity. Peace operations must be equipped with the tools necessary to fulfil their mandates, although often missions are expected to do more with less. Slovenia supports the development of flexible and scalable operational models, tailored to specific contexts. We also emphasize the importance of innovation, training and the responsible use of existing and emerging technologies, to strengthen early warning, situational awareness and the protection of civilians.

However, no amount of tools can replace a people-centred approach. Building lasting peace requires inclusive peace processes, with full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women, as well as the active participation of youth and civil society.

Mr. President,

The ongoing review of UN peace operations is a key opportunity to rethink how we engage and adapt. It should reflect the voices of those on the ground and design approaches that are both rooted in principles and operationally effective.

In closing, Slovenia expresses deep appreciation to all peacekeepers serving in challenging and often dangerous environments. Their dedication embodies the spirit of the United Nations. It is our collective duty to ensure they are equipped with clear mandates, political backing and the resources needed to carry out the tasks entrusted to them, safely and effectively.

Thank you.

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