Minister Fajon in New York: On the Security Council, Slovenia acts without double standards, and the world appreciates it

Minister Tanja Fajon chairing Security Council debate | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

"For decades, the OSCE has embodied a comprehensive approach to security. An approach, which acknowledges that peace is more than the absence of war. An approach, which recognises that true peace requires respect for human rights, democratic governance, media freedom, economic cooperation and environmental responsibility," emphasised Minister Fajon.

She added that violations of these principles are unfortunately becoming increasingly common today. "Every day, we witness Russia's attacks on Ukraine, which violate the fundamental principles that we committed to respecting half a century ago. This threatens the very foundation of the European security architecture."

In her address, Minister Fajon warned that those responsible for war crimes must be punished, and stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue, even in the most difficult geopolitical circumstances: "Sometimes, maintaining dialogue is extremely difficult, but that is precisely why it is all the more important, as it prevents further escalation of tensions."

She also thanked Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen for her successful role as Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE in the year that marked the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. After the meeting, the two ministers held bilateral talks to exchange views on key security challenges.

Slovenia can be proud of its work on the Security Council: Exceptional recognition from the UN Secretary-General

During her visit to New York, Minister Fajon met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who commended Slovenia for its consistent, principled and balanced work on the Security Council. He emphasised that Slovenia had acted respectfully yet decisively in all debates, defending fundamental values. "Slovenia has been a constructive member, using common sense and demonstrating the importance of avoiding double standards, while trying to bridge differences between members."

He added that Slovenia made a remarkable impact - it acted responsibly, built trust and advocated for an equal approach to all conflicts - and that it could be extremely proud of this.

They also discussed the UN 80 initiative, the organisation's current financial challenges and its future. To this end, Slovenia has organised a debate entitled 'Leadership for Peace' as the flagship event of its presidency, which will take place next week. The debate will focus on the qualities required of the future UN Secretary-General, among other things.

Minister Tanja Fajon with UN Secretary-General António Guterres | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Slovenia remains committed to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

At the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the UN, Minister Fajon took part in the annual meeting of the Joint Commitment on Women, Peace and Security, an initiative supported by 23 countries. Women, peace and security was one of Slovenia's four main priorities in its work on the Security Council. "Although references to gender equality and the importance of including women in peace processes are increasingly disappearing from the vocabulary, we must insist on joint commitments and the consistent inclusion of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in all Security Council discussions, decisions and responses," underlined Minister Fajon.

"I believe that lasting and just peace cannot be achieved if half of the world's population is excluded from decision-making. This conviction has guided us throughout our time on the Security Council," she emphasised, adding that during its membership, Slovenia had made concrete efforts to improve the situation of women and girls in crisis areas. "Joint commitments will remain a fundamental tool of Slovenia's work in this area."

Minister Tanja Fajon at the annual meeting of the Joint Commitment on Women, Peace and Security | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve