The panellists, each of whom drew on their involvement in the work of the United Nations, talked about the United Nations (UN) and Slovenia’s role in it.  The event was moderated by Dr Andraž Zidar.

Ambassador Igor Jukič, Director-General for Multilateral Affairs and Development Cooperation, underlined Slovenia’s active role in the UN, placing effective multilateralism as a fundamental principle and key response to the challenges of the modern world in the perspective of the current global situation and relations.

Ambassador Andrej Benedejčič, who has served at numerous Slovenian embassies and missions abroad, including the UN in New York and the OSCE and other international organisations in Vienna, outlined the milestones over the past 30 years of UN membership that are important for Slovenia. Professor Bojko Bučar, the long-time president of the Slovenian UN Association, presented the role of the Association, particularly in informing the Slovenian public about UN activities. As an observer of Slovenian diplomacy, Associate Professor Dr Boštjan Udovič provided an assessment of Slovenia’s performance within the UN so far and alluded to the challenges ahead. Attaché Sabina Carli, also a former UN youth delegate of Slovenia, presented the importance of young people for the UN.

On the occasion of this year’s 30th anniversary of Slovenia’s UN membership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Slovenian UN Association organised a campaign titled 30 Years of Slovenia’s UN Membership, aimed at bringing Slovenia’s achievements and activities within the Organization closer to the general Slovenian public, especially young people.

Every day between 1 and 31 May, a specific aspect of Slovenia’s activities within the United Nations or one of its specialised agencies was presented on Facebook — from Slovenia’s membership of the executive boards of UN bodies and specialised agencies all the way to solving global challenges.