Slovenia being elected to the UN Security Council in 2024-2025 is proof that the country is a constructive and responsible player in the global arena, senior Slovenian officials said on 12 June as they laid out the priorities the country will pursue.

Slovenia's top priorities will include human rights, humanitarian and development aid, water diplomacy, climate change and trust building. Slovenia will also be the first connection to address the situation in the Western Balkans, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said.

Slovenia will lend a voice to small countries which have been pushed to the sidelines; and even though there are more than 100 small countries in the UN, they often do not take part in decisions concerning global challenges, according to her.

She underlined that the UN Security Council must undergo a reform and that a way must be found to talk and cooperate with Russia since global challenges cannot be resolved without dialogue.

The foreign minister added that Slovenia was not weighed down by burdens from the past and was seen as a strong facilitator in the international arena, capable of connecting a variety of interests.

Global support for Slovenia's peaceful stance, solidarity and constructive foreign policy is an affirmation that a small member with no hidden agenda can contribute to making the world a better place, Prime Minister Robert Golob said, adding that Slovenia was recognised as a problem solver and not a problem maker.

Becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council is a great responsibility, Golob underlined. He believes Slovenia should continue its good initiatives, including in environmental policies and efforts for peace in Ukraine and post-war renewal.

"Last year we had our voice heard in Brussels and next year we will be heard in New York and all across the world."

According to President Nataša Pirc Musar, the project has proved that "it can be done and that this is the right way," adding she was willing to help Slovenian diplomats with all her knowledge and energy in fulfilling Slovenia's mandate on the Security Council.

Fajon described the outcome as "an extraordinary recognition, extraordinary trust we've won". She said nobody had imagined the country could receive so many votes, which indicates that Slovenia enjoys the trust of countries with which it has not had close ties.

Being elected a non-permanent member is an extraordinary opportunity for Slovenia's economic, cultural and science diplomacy, the foreign minister added.

The Foreign Ministry plans to set up a special task force during the summer and draft an action plan for the non-permanent membership. Slovenia will be striving for peace and stability in Europe, and ensure security and dignity, according to Fajon.

All three officials thanked all those involved in the project, including diplomats, honorary consuls and the National Assembly, and underlined the importance of unity in politics.

Prime Minister Robert Golob said the vote, with Slovenia winning 153 votes against Belarus's 38, was a success of the entire country.

Pirc Musar also mentioned the previous government as she thanked Anže Logar, foreign minister at the time, for backing the bid.

"It is very important that strategic projects continue from one government to the next. I'd like to thank Robert Golob for supporting the project and not throwing it out the window," she added.