President Nataša Pirc Musar and Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted the New Year's reception for foreign diplomats at Brdo estate on 22 January, thanking their countries for showing solidarity with Slovenia in the face of last year's floods, and for their support of its successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Pirc Musar said the past year had not been encouraging, mentioning wars and conflicts around the world, the consequences of climate change, and challenges such as establishing global rules regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence, fight against disinformation, and migration.

Talking of the need for effective United Nations to respond more quickly to the complex and intertwined crises and challenges, she thanked for the support Slovenia received to serve on the Security Council in 2024-25.

"You gave us as many as 153 votes and we accepted your support with great responsibility. We want to cooperate constructively with you," Pirc Musar told the foreign diplomats.

The president expressed gratitude for the support in the election of Slovenian judge Beti Hohler to the International Criminal Court last year, and for the help Slovenia received in the wake the devastating August 2023 floods.

"The friendships that were forged during the re-construction of the collapsed bridges strengthen the bridges between our countries," she said.

She wished for 2024 to be a year of diplomacy, mediation and peaceful resolutions of wars and conflicts. "Let 2024 be the year of activism: for more humanity, for more cooperation and, above all, for more justice."

President Nataša Pirc Musar shakes hands with Apostolic Nuncio Jean-Marie Speich at the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps. Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

Golob also underscored solidarity in the face of the catastrophic floods. "The neighbours responded, the EU and even Ukraine, which is at war, responded," he said, thanking Ukraine in particular.

Talking of Slovenia's election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, he said he was "convinced that Slovenia will be able to justify the trust".

He announced that Slovenia will focus on climate policies, and that finding solutions for peace in Ukraine, Africa and the Middle East will be the central topic.

"Finding a formula for lasting peace in the Middle East is precisely what I believe Slovenian diplomacy will be striving for the most in the UN Security Council this year. And I believe that your countries will help us," Golob said.

Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Apostolic Nuncio Jean-Marie Speich said the August 2023 floods "triggered unimaginable solidarity and unity". The diplomatic corps realised "that goodness is in your country's DNA," he added.

He congratulated Slovenia on the 153 votes for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, which he believes shows the country enjoys a good reputation and a high level of trust in the world.

Speich also mentioned the adoption of the Ljubljana-Hague Convention or the Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and Other International Crimes.

The convention will enable countries to cooperate internationally in investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes, he said, noting that Slovenia contributed significantly to its adoption.