Slovenia on UNICEF Executive Board for the third time: Protecting children affected by conflict remains our commitment
Ambassador Samuel Žbogar | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve
“Slovenia is fully committed to protecting and upholding the rights of all children. Our membership of the UNICEF Executive Board is an extension of our mission within the UN Security Council, where we work tirelessly to protect children in conflicts and crises. Global respect for all provisions of international law remains a priority, aimed to prevent any further violations of children’s rights to a safe environment, health care, education, family and freedom,” said Ambassador Samuel Žbogar in his statement.
During this term on the UNICEF Executive Board, Slovenia will prioritise the protection of children, especially from violence and armed conflict. Protection includes rehabilitation and psychosocial support, education on children’s rights, ensuring education for girls and promoting gender transformative approaches. It also aims to achieve sustainable development goals, with a focus on access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, and the prevention of child hunger.
UNICEF is governed by the Executive Board, providing intergovernmental support and oversight to the Organisation’s activities. The Executive Board reports to ECOSOC. It comprises 36 members – 8 from African States, 7 from Asian States, 4 from Eastern European States, 5 from Latin American and Caribbean states and 12 from Western European and Other States. Members are elected for a three-year period.
Slovenia was a member of the Executive Board from 2002 to 2004 and from 2009 to 2011. On 9 April 2024, Slovenia was elected to the Executive Board for the third time and will serve from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.
In 2024, Slovenia’s regular annual contribution to UNICEF’s operations and activities amounted to USD 30,400. In addition, Slovenia makes contributions to UNICEF in response to humanitarian crises. In the last ten years, it has provided UNICEF with EUR 1,570,000 in contributions.
In 2022, Slovenia contributed EUR 1,000,000 through UNICEF for humanitarian aid for the affected population in Ukraine. In 2023, following the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye, Slovenia channelled EUR 200,000 to UNICEF. In the same year, Slovenia also earmarked EUR 50,000 for the WASH programme in Ethiopia.