YouSaid · the spoken record

Borut Pahor

lines on the record: 73
first: 2010-09-24
most recent: 2022-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We are part of peacemaking and stabilization efforts that include humanitarian demining, rehabilitation and saving the lives of civilians all around the globe. We actively participate in efforts to strengthen the legal framework and respect for international law, including efforts to end impunity. We are building trust to secure a better future. Slovenia has no enemies, but only friends all around the globe. My country is well placed to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the term 2024 to 2025. We will strive unwaveringly for peace, justice, mutual understanding and reconciliation, both within and among societies, as well as for respect for ethnic, national and religious diversity and the promotion of sustainable development and solidarity. That is Slovenia’s task, and it is our common task.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“There is no security and development without respect for human dignity. In all our efforts, we should lead with a rights-based approach. We should be attentive to all signs of human rights regression and should act accordingly. Thirdly and finally, with regard to strengthening multilateralism and candidatures for the Security Council, the Charter of the United Nations is fundamental to our international system. A rules-based order is a sine qua non for maintaining peace and security, a just and balanced international system. Slovenia has proved itself a reliable and trustworthy member of the United Nations family and an honest broker. We are engaged in a genuine dialogue and a constant search for creative and good solutions to our common challenges.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Having initiated the Green Group, Slovenia is working with like-minded countries on the promotion of green policies. We are deeply grateful to the General Assembly for the historic universal recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Slovenia was one of its original proponents, along with Costa Rica, Maldives, Morocco and Switzerland. That was a much-needed boost for multilateralism, but we can and should do more. The upcoming United Nations conferences on climate change, biodiversity and water are an excellent opportunity to commit ourselves to do more and do better. I wish to thank the Secretary-General for issuing his report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). We support the proposed holding of a second world social summit in 2025 and expect it to address the challenges of structural inequalities.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Fostering good relations and building trust within and among societies is the most effective means of preventing armed conflicts. Secondly, we need more cooperation for a better future. Nurturing and strengthening good relations among countries is also necessary to more efficiently address the challenges of our times, of which climate change is one of the most pressing. Our common task is to preserve the planet for future generations. What we need is more efficient measures and more solidarity. Slovenia pledges special support to Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific to assist them in their efforts against biodiversity loss, water stress and climate damage. We are contributing to the Least Developed Countries Fund of the Global Environment Facility.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The war is threatening the already fragile stability of the Western Balkans. It has also threatened international food and energy security. I commend the Secretary-General for his engagement, and Tiirkiye for its support in reaching the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Peace, as I just said, is not just the absence of war. In peace, leaders should strengthen and nurture good relations with other countries. It is our obligation to resolve outstanding issues in a spirit of compromise and mutual understanding. Only in that way will we reduce the chances that old grievances and historical traumas will re-emerge. I am grateful to many here for the opportunity to build good relations together for the benefit and wellbeing of our countries and the wider international community.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The United Nations has set very clear rules of engagement to which all Members have committed themselves, including a commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, cooperation and respect for fundamental human dignity. I wish to speak about peace, climate change and multilateralism today. First, with regard to peace and security, the Russian Federation’s decision to conduct a military attack on Ukraine has shaken those rules, as have many other armed conflicts in different parts of the world. The Russian aggression has put international security at risk. Yesterday’s announcement by President Putin that a referendum will be held in parts of Ukraine is a continuation of aggression and is in breach of international law. I especially condemn his words about the possible use of nuclear weapons.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I was born after the Second World War. All my life the cry “Never again!” has echoed around the world, especially in Europe. With the exception of the war in the Balkans, even the major geopolitical changes in Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall have been peaceful. That has made an important contribution to building hope for lasting peace. That hope has been thoroughly shaken by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Will that make us stop believing in the possibility of lasting peace? I think it will not. We must not leave our children in fear of war. For the sake of their secure future, we have a duty to do whatever we can to ensure that the precious hope for a lasting peace returns to our hearts. After all, it was with that hope and our shared responsibility that the United Nations was founded.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It is the finest achievement of the United Nations. Once again, let us work together.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The situation in Afghanistan has exposed the fragility of our human rights system. Let us never forget that women’s and children’s rights, as well as the rights of minorities, are universal human rights. Slovenia therefore welcomed the Secretary-General’s call for action on human rights and supports a higher regular- budget allocation for the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Finally, following the atrocities of the Second World War, we have built an international system for the promotion of dialogue and the peaceful settlement of all disputes. The system is codified in international law, for whose principles we must actively ensure respect, with a view to strengthening international justice. It is a question of effective multilateralism, which Slovenia passionately advocates.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The nature of conflicts has expanded. To enable peace and security in all domains, we should collectively and more efficiently respond to different crises that exceed the capacities of individual States to react alone. We should also promote reconciliation processes more energetically once peace and security are established. The interconnected and interdependent nature of peace and security, sustainable development and human rights is more evident than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation of the most vulnerable members of our societies — children, the elderly and human rights defenders. In many societies, we face shrinking spaces for freedom of expression. The full realization of human rights for all has proven to be key to our resilience and must be an integral part of our recovery.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“That is why I was delighted to officially launch, together with the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence, in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, in March 2021. The pandemic has only increased our dependence on the digital space, while at the same time revealing its vulnerability to the spread of the hate speech I mentioned earlier. It is important to keep in mind that fundamental freedoms apply both online and offline. Thirdly, with regard to peace and security, the dependence on the digital space has also revealed our vulnerability to security threats and cyberattacks. It has highlighted the extent of the damage caused by such attacks with respect to critical infrastructure, the economy and society; these attacks have even caused loss of life.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“However, our efforts to fight famine need to go beyond humanitarian aid. We have to accelerate the transition to sustainable and resilient food systems. That is why Slovenia welcomes the holding of the very first United Nations summit on food systems, which I see as an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of responsible investment in environmentally friendly agriculture and the prevention of food loss and waste. I believe the responsible use of new and emerging technologies can help us deal with modern challenges. New technologies offer numerous opportunities to mitigate climate change, support sustainable agriculture, introduce smarter mobility, offer better education and improve the effective use of resources, to name just a few activities.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Climate change profoundly affects food security. For the very first time in modern history, a famine in one country — Madagascar — is attributed solely to global warming. Since 2014, Slovenia has doubled its contribution for food security, in particular through World Food Programme initiations for South Sudan and Yemen, but also through bilateral projects. Slovenia has recently been helping to ensure food and water security for children and other vulnerable groups in Madagascar through the humanitarian association Akamasoa founded by Father Pedro Opeka, which is an outstanding example of fighting poverty. Through these efforts, over the last 30 years, the lives of thousands of poor people who once lived off of garbage dumps have changed. The Akamasoa community in Madagascar gives humankind high hopes that poverty can be eradicated.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We must commit to achieving climate neutrality through reform and investments in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable mobility and circular business models. Climate change greatly affects water — through both the droughts and floods that we witnessed this summer — and has an impact on the quality of water. Competition for scarce water resources will intensify. The imminent water crisis is a threat, but it also presents an opportunity to rethink water innovation, governance and collaboration on all levels. Slovenia is a country with a long tradition of integrated water-resource management and cross-border cooperation on water. We will continue to raise awareness and understanding of the interlinkages between water and climate change and the importance of water for international peace and security.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“It is imperative that we move on climate-change mitigation, adaptation and financing in order to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The IPCC report is in fact a final, urgent call for immediate climate action from us. More than ever, we need to listen to scientists and experts. We can learn from them, and if we do, our decisions will be better. My permanent advisory committee on climate change, established two years ago, is an example of good practices. We regularly discuss a variety of aspects of climate change and recommend the Government or legislative measures to be adopted. The much-needed green transition should go hand in hand with digital transformation.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I am proud to say that my country, Slovenia, pledged half a million euros to the COVAX facility, and our share of donated vaccines, measured per capita, is among the world’s highest. Secondly, with regard to climate change, the recent report of International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is alarming. It has become clear that the environment is in worse condition than expected. Let me assure the Assembly that, in its capacity as President of the European Union Council in the run up to and during the twenty-sixth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 26), Slovenia is committed to the objective of a climate-neutral European Union by 2050. We will do our utmost to contribute to the success of the COP 26 conference in Glasgow.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Constructive cooperation is possible only through dialogue, and cooperation is the only way of reaching peaceful solutions to all disputes. Having said that, I would like in my statement to address three main topics: the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, climate change, and peace and security. First, with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, this pandemic is proving to be a demanding and, also, unfortunately, divisive challenge for our societies. I express my deepest sympathies to all those who have suffered, and I pay respect to new heroes, among them medical and health-care workers, scientists, teachers and the young generation that has struggled with limited access to education. Science has once again proved its decisive role. The pandemic has set us before the greatest test in global solidarity in generations.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Almost all the challenges we face are global. The solutions for them can be found only by working together. We have a historic opportunity to steer change in a direction beneficial for all humankind. I welcome the Secretary-General’s intention to hold a broad debate about our common future. We have to engage in meaningful discussion and dialogue, even with those — or specifically with those — with whom we do not agree. The culture of dialogue has dangerously deteriorated owing to widespread intolerant or offensive speech, even hate speech. We must do everything within our power to emphasize respect for and consideration of different opinions and their reconciliation. It is about the art of listening and speaking to others.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I would like to give the final word to the eminent Slovenian novelist Boris Pahor, also known as the oldest known survivor of the Nazi concentration camps, and who is at its 107 years of age still outspoken fighter against all totalitarianisms. He says: “Humanity has enough wisdom and power to find a path to lead us out of the crises, towards becoming a more ethical human being.” I believe him. HVALA! Thank you!“”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The world is increasingly connected and interdependent. The COVID-19 crisis has undoubtedly shown that. We, and the UN as an institution, have to change and grow with it. I am convinced we can best address global challenges through our joint action. 75 years ago, our predecessors have built the first bridge. Today our world is a tight network of bridges, and I ask you, for the sake of the present and future generations, for the sake of your loved ones and yourself, do not tear them down. I wish to congratulate all of us. I wish to congratulate and thank our predecessors, who were brave and visionary enough to start it all. I wish to congratulate generation of our parents and our own generation to keep it going despite all the obstacles. And I wish our youth, who is slowly taking over, the courage and wisdom to do better than us.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Today’s world is less predictable and less secure than it was yesterday. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the very fact that we are celebrating this important anniversary in this unprecedented way — each of us from her/his different part of the world, clearly indicates that we are capable to adapt. Adapt to do our joint work for the one humanity and the one planet that we all share. Let me therefore take this opportunity to reaffirm Slovenia’s commitment to the multilateral cooperation in the framework of the UN and other international and regional organizations, including within the scope of its EU membership and presidency in 2021. With this in mind, it is vital that progress is made on respect for human rights, international law and the rule of law and on a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable development of our societies.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As we mark 25 years of adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action we celebrate gains in gender equality and women empowerment. Dear Friends, 75 years ago our mothers and fathers said “never again”. They said “NO” to another total war, pointless deaths and suffering, no to nationalistic and extremist tendencies, no to a life in uncertainty and fear. I — as well as many of you, grew up in peace and prosperity, in a world, built on the values and ideas of the UN founders. Yes, the UN has failed to prevent all the conflicts, could and should oftentimes react quicker, better, more determined. Nevertheless, we have to agree that the world has been a better place since 24 October 1945 because of the United Nations. However, Ladies and Gentlemen, The world today is a very different place than 75 years ago.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“COVID-19 pandemic has left devastating social and economic consequences. Lives depend on accurate and timely information. A full exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, access to public information and the protection of journalists are key to wellbeing of our societies. My country, Slovenia, came into being, inspired by the quest for democracy and fundamental rights. We know — and the current COVID-19 crisis has confirmed — that human rights can never been taken for granted. The situation of the most vulnerable groups — those without sufficient health care and those that are prosecuted and historically marginalized, has further worsened. We need to stress once again that there is no place for discrimination based on any personal status in modern societies. Nobody should be left behind.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“On Slovenia’s initiative, the UN proclaimed a World Bee Day, celebrated on 20th of May, recognizing the importance of bees and other pollinators for food security, biodiversity and sustainable development. My personal advocacy to environmental protection is both global and local, based on introducing public debates on climate change, establishing committee for climate policy and supporting youth movements. I would like to reaffirm Slovenia’s and my personal commitment to stop an unprecedented rate of biodiversity loss and halt climate change effects. This is why I join the “Leaders Pledge for nature”. Ladies and Gentlemen, The COVID-19 crisis brought about a stark realization of the importance of solidarity and cooperation — among ourselves and within multilateral organizations, such as the World Health Organization.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I am glad to report that ITF Enhancing Human Security, a Slovenian non-profit organization, managed to maintain its operational capacity and presence in the field in the midst of the pandemic. Mr President, Sustainable Development Goals are a clear roadmap for green and healthy planet. Slovenia as the EU Presidency in second half of 2021 will put environmental protection very high on the agenda. The COP26 next year should be a real game-changer. Recently and for the first time, Slovenia contributed one million Euros to the UN Green Climate Fund. Excellences, Slovenia shares the awareness of biodiversity loss as an urgent global challenge. We put the right to clean drinking water in our constitution. We recognize preservation of water resources as a key element to protect biodiversity.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“According to our view, cyberspace should be secure, global, open, free and inclusive. The fragmentation and weakening of international security regimes is worrying. This should only strengthen our commitment for effective, treaty-based international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. All pressing proliferation issues should be solved by diplomatic and peaceful means. Precondition for achieving sustainable peace and reconciliation, is to deal with grave violations of Human rights. We therefore support International Criminal Court as a central institution to fight impunity. We will continue to engage in partnership and cooperation in the UN and other fora. Slovenia is especially active in landmines clearance efforts, affecting the lives of civilians, in particular children.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Less multilateral cooperation would only magnify problems and challenges we are facing in all our societies. To face the threats to Humanity nowadays, to build our common resilience, Ladies and Gentlemen, no one can be strong enough alone; we need to be vigilant, active, responsible, brave and wise — TOGETHER. Ladies and Gentlemen, In a rapidly changing global environment, we increasingly depend on new technologies and digital infrastructure. New technologies and artificial intelligence have already become the backbone of our daily lives that keep businesses and essential public services running. We need to frame them in service of humankind. Slovenia makes an effort in this direction with the very first UNESCO global center for artificial intelligence established in Ljubljana last November. One of the main challenges is cybersecurity.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear Friends, Mr. President We are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. 75 years ago, our predecessors were able to utilize their experience of a devastating world war and took the lead to building a vision of a better world. A world of prosperity and peace. A world of global wellbeing. A world of global cooperation serving future generations. They established the United Nations. And here we are today, Dear Friends, a family of nations facing no less devastating threats: a global health and economic crisis, degradation of environment — all that threaten the wellbeing of our kind and our home — our Planet. The best means of addressing the current global threats is effective multilateralism.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Today more than ever before, we need a strong multilateral system in which the emphasis must be on acting more collectively, rapidly and effectively. I would like to conclude by assuring the Assembly that Slovenia is committed to supporting the United Nations and determined to work with all partners to deliver tangible and meaningful results that will advance peace, security, development and human rights for all.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Through its efforts in the Western Balkans, the European neighbourhood and sub-Saharan Africa, Slovenia is directly contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Slovenia has also taken up the task of implementing the 2030 Agenda at the national level and is trying to contribute to its implementation at the global level with a sense of urgency. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change are, in our view, two documents that together provide a clear path and vision for a more sustainable future for our planet and prosperity for its people. By the way, Slovenia ranks eighth out of at least 150 countries in realizing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, something I am very proud of.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Slovenia continues to support humanitarian demining, mine-victim assistance and the elimination of unexploded ordnance and remnants of war. The International Trust Fund Enhancing Human Security (ITF), a humanitarian and non-profit organization, was established two decades ago by the Slovenian Government, and its many activities around the globe — from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Afghanistan and Colombia — are concrete reflections of that support. We are grateful to the many States that cooperate and support the demining work of the ITF. Slovenia considers international development cooperation an important element of our overall international endeavours. Through it we support efforts in partner countries to eradicate hunger, protect the environment and contribute to overall sustainable development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We must preserve and protect the non-proliferation architecture, basedonthe Treatyonthe Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), in order to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. We must implement all binding international treaties concerning weapons of mass destruction, particularly the NPT, whose fiftieth anniversary we are celebrating this year. Slovenia supports resolving our pressing proliferation issues by diplomatic and peaceful means. To that end, we reiterate our support for the Iran nuclear deal, as long as Iran honours its obligations. We welcome the recent developments relating to the Korean peninsula and hope to see its complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Impunity represents one of the major obstacles to the prevention of the grave and systematic violations of human rights committed against civilians in armed conflicts. All parties to a conflict, including non-State actors, must comply with international humanitarian law. Ending impunity is essential to enabling a war- torn society to recover from conflict as well as to preventing future human rights abuses. Slovenia is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court. We stress the importance of effective cooperation with the International Criminal Court, including by the Security Council, and we invite States that have not yet done so to ratify the Rome Statute.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We sincerely hope and expect that the United States of America, a traditional promoter and supporter of respect for human rights around the world, will remain committed to the promotion and protection of human rights. Through dialogue, Slovenia will continue to seek results in the process of strengthening the legitimacy, credibility and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council. War, violent extremism and terrorism always represent an assault on human rights. Those atrocities shock us to the core of our human conscience. Effective law-enforcement measures are indispensable in the fight against terrorism, but terrorism will never be defeated by security measures alone. Our endeavours to counter and prevent terrorism have to be comprehensive, while also targeting the root causes of radicalization.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The United Nations has been instrumental in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide, but we must not forget that the primary responsibility for their fulfilment lies, once again, with the State. No State rights, emergencies or political reasons can ever excuse the violations of human rights. As the current Chair of the Human Rights Council, Slovenia remains a strong supporter of human rights for all. My country considers it important to ensure that the Council contributes to the strengthening of human rights in the world, perhaps now more than ever before. We must all endeavour to ensure the Council’s credibility and better effectiveness.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Respect for international law and the rule of law is a precondition to living in peace and security for all States — the entire international community. Given that I come from a country adjacent to the Western Balkans region, I would like to stress the importance of international law and the judgments of international courts in relation to the reconciliation process in that region. Recognizing and accepting historical facts, no matter how painful they are, is the basis for stability and progress, both of which are needed in the Western Balkans region. I also wish to emphasize the necessity of full respect for human rights, which is always pertinent, particularly in today’s world. Without that, there can be no peace, security or development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Slovenia strongly supports the reform efforts by Secretary-General António Guterres. A lot has been achieved during the past year, but progress needs to continue. At the end of the day, the success of the United Nations reform largely depends on us, the Member States. It depends on our political will and ability to translate words into action for the benefit of all of us. We hope that will also give fresh impetus to the reform of the Security Council in order to secure a fairer representation of today’s world. Only a rules-based international order can guarantee the equality of peoples and nations. If we want to create a more stable, peaceful and just future, Member States must adhere to international law.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“That spirit of cooperation and common responsibility must guide our work in the years to come. No nation or State will make gains if it strives only to assert its own interests. In today’s unpredictable world, I urge us all to unite our efforts to strengthen multilateralism as the only viable way to secure peace and security for future generations. My country, Slovenia, stands firm in defence of that multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core. The Republic of Slovenia’s commitment to the multilateral system remains as strong as ever, based on shared values, the rule of law and human rights. We should all strive to make the United Nations a stronger and more efficient Organization, reformed in a way that means it can respond and assist in solving the most pressing concerns of our time.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is always an honour to take part in this great General Assembly. Today we live in a world where new challenges are multiplying and old ones never seem to go away. The multilateral system is being challenged. It is a system that we have spent more than 70 years building and that should prevent humankind from ever again experiencing the horrors of war. It is a system that ensures respect for human rights and international law and that promotes social progress, development and better standards of living for everybody. The case for multilateralism is clear. As Member States, we all have the responsibility to find common solutions to the common threats and challenges we face, while protecting the principles and values of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Let us fervently hope that the next Secretary-General will do the same, and even better, for the sake of humanity and of our children and grandchildren.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Our activities during this session of the General Assembly will take place mainly within the context of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and we expect to present a resolution in New York during the Assembly’s seventy-second session. We believe that strengthening our common care for bees and other pollinators is needed to ensure food security, biodiversity and sustainable development. Let me conclude by saying that it was a tremendous privilege to work with the outgoing Secretary-General. I would like to pay tribute to him and to thank him for his determined efforts to promote the United Nations, its values and its goals. We will remember him for his tireless endeavours to make the world a better place.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Slovenia will promote these principles within the United Nations, including as a member of the Human Rights Council and a candidate for its presidency in 2018, as a current Chair of the Human Security Network and as a member of various informal groupings within the United Nations, as well as within other regional organizations and groupings of which we are members. After the truly landmark previous session of the General Assembly, it is now time to start implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which, together with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, provides a signpost for and a vision of a more sustainable future for our planet and prosperity for its people. We will also continue our efforts to have May 20 proclaimed World Bee Day.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We have built our community of nations on respect for international law and on the protection of individuals and their human rights. If we wish our societies to flourish, such duties must never be far from our minds. My country is also a strong supporter of effective multilateralism and is among those countries that strive to bring the global community closer to universal respect for human rights, promote respect for international law, strengthen the rule of law, foster preventive diplomacy, particularly in the field of mediation, protect peace and security, promote gender equality, protect the elderly, preserve natural resources, implement sustainable development goals and ensure a decent life for all.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The next leader of the United Nations is therefore of crucial importance. My country, Slovenia, is proud to have presented Mr. Danilo Türk, our former Head of State and former Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs with a decades-long commitment to the United Nations, as a candidate for that eminent post. I am firmly convinced that he is a strong and credible candidate and that it is time that a Secretary- General came from among the Group of Eastern European States. I like to present my country as smart, green and of just the right size to be a reference country in many different aspects, but Slovenia also stands for democracy, equality and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and it respects international law and principles.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In that sense, migration is yet another catalyst for the international community to find appropriate common solutions. In any and all contexts, the peaceful resolution of conflicts is absolutely essential. With regard to its fundamental reason for existence, it seems that the United Nations is not effective enough. That should be a further reminder that the Organization ought to adapt to the new circumstances and balance of powers. If the United Nations system is not successful in coping with international conflicts, it risks being sidelined. The use of force as an extreme means of dispute resolution without the necessary endorsement by the United Nations — for example, in the fight against terrorism — risks bringing about the decline of the political and security architecture established after the Second World War.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The question of legal and any other regulation of the digital transformation is certainly a new issue on the agenda. That also holds true for the most developed countries in the international community. However, the globalization of the digital transformation is occurring so swiftly that it will have to be actively addressed by the United Nations. We will encounter difficulties and obstacles at the beginning, but eventually historic necessity will force us to pool our efforts. Pooling our efforts in creating effective regulation on climate change proves that we can be successful in our endeavours. It is quite possible that one of the elements of success was the fact that climate change is a major factor of global migration. And as long as migration is not regulated, it will continue to cause the world’s paramount security problem.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“However, like similar changes in the past, today’s fourth industrial revolution will bring about new problems and deepen some of the old challenges that humankind is facing. I will speak first about inequality. Yet the issue of inequality relates not only to the sense of social justice or injustice but increasingly to world peace. Today’s world has not yet come to understand, let alone rid itself of, the traditional reasons for the use of force within and between countries. And there is already a new challenge ahead of us, namely, how we should regulate technological progress so that it benefits everyone, and not just a privileged minority. The information revolution has paved the way to a global awareness of social inequalities. I believe that that is one of the main triggers of social conflicts, including in the international community.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Today, we bear witness to a digital transformation all over the globe. So far, it has been reflected above all in the global economy. However, there is no doubt that, very soon, that transformation will substantially affect every aspect of social life — at the local, regional, and international levels. I was fascinated by the announcement of the United States Department of Labor that 65 per cent of today’s students will be employed in jobs that do not exist at present. It is true that such forecasts are more valid for the most developed countries, but the very essence of the digital transformation is rapidly spreading across the globe. Be that as it may, such remarkable technological progress should be welcomed. We are filled with hope that, in this way, we can find solutions to unsolved problems.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Let us pool our resources and ideas. Let us exert leadership, make the necessary reforms and recommit to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Let us re-establish dialogue and rebuild the trust we need so much. That is the only way forward to maintain global order on the basis of international law and leave a lasting legacy to the people and nations of this world.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We all have to condemn that threat in the strongest terms and fight against it in a concerted manner, bearing in mind the framework of the mandate given by the Security Council. Because of the importance I accord to the Security Council, I would like to reiterate my support for Security Council resolution 2174 (2014) adopted two days ago, which was endorsed by more than 100 States. Although the debate on the reform of the Security Council has been going on for decades now, it has recently become especially relevant. My country, Slovenia, is committed to contributing to that debate to the greatest extent possible. Let me finish by saying that, while the vision of a world of peace may remain unfulfilled, the ideals that led to the establishment of the United Nations almost 70 years ago and the need to preserve our humanity remain.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)