Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob addressed the UN Summit of the Future in New York as the two-day event kicked off on 22 September. Discussing water diplomacy, he proposed a global partnership for water.

The concept of water diplomacy brings together different technologies, spanning AI, as well as advanced satellite and digital technologies. These technologies are not just tools but catalysts for a new age, capable of following and modulating water and ecosystems with precision and effectiveness. They analyse weather patterns and allow sustainable management of natural resources and protect infrastructure, Golob said as he set out the concept to world leaders.

After devastating floods hit parts of Slovenia last year, "we are building a super advanced digital ecosystem, which will link the satellite observation data with supercomputing power and artificial intelligence in order to predict how and where the water is going to show up."

He proposed a global partnership to "utilize this advanced technology in order for our citizens to get access to clean and sustainable, but also safe water. I believe that is the only way forward if we want to really tackle climate crisis and the changes it brings."

The prime minister underlined water as the most precious natural resource for a shared future, peace and stability of all countries: those who face water shortages and those with enough water alike. "Water is the most precious natural resource, and practically all of the social and economic well-being is based on that."

He also emphasized the need to face the climate crisis, and called for end of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. "I call and urge again, stop the aggression on Ukraine, stop the aggression on Gaza and Palestine. And that goes for all armed conflicts where innocent civilians are involved and where kids are suffering for the things they should never see or experience."

Talking to the press before his address to the Summit for the Future, Golob welcomed the Pact for the Future adopted by world leaders. He described it as an action-oriented document that focuses on sustainable development, international peace and security, youth, science and technology.

Meanwhile, analysts and international diplomats at the UN have expressed the view that the document was just a list of wishes and proposals cut down to the lowest possible denominator. During negotiations, a call to move away from fossil fuels were removed from the text. It also lacks concrete commitments to reform international financial institutions demanded by developing countries.

The Summit for the Future will conclude on 23 September, with the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly starting the next day. Golob is scheduled to address world leaders on 27 September.

Having arrived in New York, Golob met with the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric Egger and the president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach.

Spoljaric Egger presented to Golob the issues the Red Cross faces in hot spots around the globe, above all Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar and Sudan, with Golob reiterating Slovenia's dedication to support the Red Cross.

In a separate meeting, Bach thanked Golob for Slovenia's contribution in the Security Council. The pair also talked about the Pact for the Future, which stresses the importance of sports. Moreover, they share the view that the refugee Olympics team could serve as best practice for other fields not just sports.