Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security, titled Advancing adaptability in UN Peace Operations – responding to new realities

Thank you Mr. President,

I thank Denmark for organizing this meeting and I thank the UN Secretary-General for his insightful briefing as well as Ms. Russo for her contribution.

Mr. President,

Allow me to begin by emphasizing that meaningful progress in the UN peacekeeping requires a shared vision and strong political will and support.

We welcome the fact that debates on peacekeeping have become regular features in the Security Council. We trust that this conversation will pave the way for meaningful progress in Berlin. Without finding a common understanding, it will be challenging to adapt key concepts, provide the necessary capabilities and financial resources, or address pressing operational challenges effectively.

We must ensure that peacekeeping is adapted to respond effectively to both immediate needs and unforeseen challenges.

Peacekeeping must be comfortable with constantly evolving challenges and demands, including through integrating technology-driven solutions that will enable faster decision-making and more effective conflict resolution.

Let me therefore highlight key areas we identify as important in our decisive action:

First, by better integrating peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

To achieve long-term stability, it is vital to address the root causes of instability and conflicts. This must be coupled with strengthening of democratic institutions, the rule of law and good governance, including effective and accountable security sector. Simultaneously, promoting inclusive socio-economic development and enhancing societal resilience are key. These interconnected elements form the foundation for stability, sustainable development and lasting peace.

As we discuss the Future of the UN Peacekeeping and simultaneously undertake a Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture, we must seize the opportunity to increase synergies between prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

We welcome the Peacebuilding Commission’s written advice to the Council on the topic of today’s discussions and the important role it has played in the transition contexts.

Second, by strengthening political solutions in peacekeeping.

Missions must be proactive, not just reactive. This requires enhancing early warning and rapid response capabilities to address conflicts before they escalate. Furthermore, it requires the development of flexible, regionally tailored mechanisms to ensure smooth transitions between diplomatic engagements, peacekeeping, post-conflict stabilization and sustaining peace.

Third, by enhancing coordination within and beyond the UN.

The Security Council must strengthen its collaboration within the UN system, particularly by better utilizing the Military Staff Committee. Improved coordination with the UN development agencies will support smooth transitions from conflict stabilization and post-conflict rehabilitation to a long-term resilience building.

In addition, the Security Council should foster greater collaboration with regional and global partners, such as for example the African Union and the European Union, international financial institutions, and civil society. These will ensure a truly comprehensive, global approach.

Mr. President,

Commitment to protecting civilians is a must – especially women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and marginalized communities – by integrating human security perspectives into mission planning. Inclusive societies are resilient societies.

We also stress that child protection capacities must be adequately highlighted during the UN Mission Transitions, in line with Security Council Resolution 2764.

The Security Council must elevate inclusive dialogue and mediation as central pillars of peacekeeping. Ensuring the broad-based meaningful participation of women, youth, and local actors is essential, in line with the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda. Multi-tiered diplomatic engagements should address both state and non-state actors in conflict resolution.

Mr. President,

Peacekeeping needs to adopt a more flexible and adaptable modus operandi. Slovenia believes that proposed modular approach for scalable models adaptable to changing realities represent the right step forward, however much more needs to be done.

In conclusion, let me stress that the future of the UN peace operations hinges on our collective ability to adapt, innovate, and integrate responses across the entire peace continuum.

Advancing adaptability is not only real-time crisis response, but also about anticipating future challenges to ensure that the UN peace efforts remain proactive, inclusive and results-driven.

Through these efforts, we can help create a more peaceful, stable, and secure world where peace is not only maintained, but truly sustained.

I thank you.

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