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Minister Fajon at the Raisina Dialogue conference on the future role of the UN and women's empowerment

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in panels on solutions for an increasingly divided world and the future role of the United Nations (UN) at the Raisina Dialogue international conference in New Delhi. On the sidelines of the event, she met the Foreign Ministers of India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the panel on the future and new paths for an effective UN, Minister Fajon stressed that the prerequisite for an effective multilateral system is the power of rules, not the rule of power. "In the multilateral system and the UN, Slovenia has found its milieu. We support the overall reform of the UN, including the reform of the Security Council. Only by respecting international law will we avoid a 'peace in pieces'," the Minister stressed in her speech. The panel discussion was co-organised by the Bled Strategic Forum and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India, the organiser of the Raisina Dialogue conference.

On the panel entitled 'Healing the Divided World', where Minister Fajon participated alongside the Foreign Minister of South Africa, Naledi Pandor, and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry, she said that we must work together to find a consensus for our future. "In a deeply divided world, we need leaders who understand the world and their own partners, who are humble and can stand in solidarity, who are open to dialogue, who respect the agreed world order, who are committed to women's and girls' empowerment, to gender equality, and to innovation, science, progress and youth," the Minister stressed. She devoted special attention to young people, especially women and girls: "Do not be afraid to take responsibility. According to some estimates, it will take us about 130 years to truly empower half of the world's population. The gender gap is still extremely wide. It is now up to us to empower them and provide them with equal opportunities."

On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Fajon met with the Foreign Minister of India, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries. "India is an important bilateral partner of Slovenia and a leading global strategic player, currently holding the G20 Presidency. I see many opportunities to strengthen cooperation, especially in the economic and niche high-tech sectors," the Minister said.

The conference was also an opportunity for Minister Fajon to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, South Africa and Sri Lanka. The focus of the talks was on strengthening dialogue, both bilaterally and within international organisations, and seeking alliances, which is crucial in the current geopolitically complex times. The Minister also presented Slovenia's candidacy for the UN Security Council for the 2024–2025 term.

During her visit to New Delhi, Fajon visited a centre for the education and empowerment of women and girls operating in the framework of the Plan India non-governmental organisation. She learned about the activities available to girls and women from deprived backgrounds: education and employment for young women, learning about sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, raising awareness of violence against women and promoting women's rights. "A remarkable story about young women, about solidarity between women and the importance of empowering girls through education and learning," the Minister summed up her impressions after a visit to the centre lasting a few hours. The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in India cooperates with Plan India every year on the International Day of the Girl Child, when a young girl visits the Embassy and takes on the role of ambassador for a day.