Slovenian president at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN

Slovenian president at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN

The President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor participated at the high-level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN today. The high-level meeting was held virtually.

The president of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Volkan Bozkir opened the virtual meeting of world leaders, followed by an address by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the current President of the UN main bodies.

The United Nations Organization was founded on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries and the international global intergovernmental organisation has 193 member countries. Through multilateral and bilateral diplomacy it ensures peace and security, friendly relations between nations and the improvement of living conditions around the world.

We here publish the speech delivered by Borut Pahor, President of the Republic of Slovenia. Check against delivery!

"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. 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.

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."