WEBVTT 00:00:22.970 --> 00:00:26.076 We now invite the President of Slovenia, 00:00:26.223 --> 00:00:30.456 Her Excellency Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, to take the floor, 00:00:30.583 --> 00:00:33.803 to be followed by the Prime Minister of Slovenia, 00:00:33.956 --> 00:00:36.203 His Excellency Dr. Robert Golob, 00:00:36.330 --> 00:00:39.403 and finally the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, 00:00:39.543 --> 00:00:44.743 His Excellency the Archbishop, Msgr. Jean-Marie Speich. 00:00:52.290 --> 00:00:55.223 Hello to everyone. 00:00:55.310 --> 00:00:57.509 Mr. Prime Minister. 00:00:57.630 --> 00:01:00.276 Mr. President of the National Assembly. 00:01:00.436 --> 00:01:03.236 The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. 00:01:03.363 --> 00:01:06.109 Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, 00:01:06.250 --> 00:01:08.703 and other honorable guests. 00:01:09.263 --> 00:01:11.389 At the close of 2023, 00:01:11.543 --> 00:01:14.743 we lost a great European, Jacques Delors, 00:01:14.883 --> 00:01:16.723 who said the following: 00:01:16.850 --> 00:01:20.303 "Don't be a pessimist or an optimist. 00:01:20.410 --> 00:01:22.956 Be an activist." 00:01:23.077 --> 00:01:28.630 And 2023 truly wasn't an encouraging year. 00:01:29.317 --> 00:01:34.489 The year did not bring an end to the war in Ukraine. 00:01:34.617 --> 00:01:37.516 Instead, we got a new bloody conflict. 00:01:38.010 --> 00:01:41.689 In the second half of the year, Hamas brutally attacked 00:01:41.823 --> 00:01:43.996 innocent civilians in Israel. 00:01:44.116 --> 00:01:48.563 Israel then forcefully attacked Gaza. 00:01:49.217 --> 00:01:52.996 In Gaza, there are increasing casualties among civilians, 00:01:53.117 --> 00:01:56.929 who have become collateral damage. 25,000 have been killed 00:01:57.070 --> 00:02:00.069 and 57,000 wounded, 00:02:00.210 --> 00:02:04.003 most of them women and children. 00:02:04.917 --> 00:02:07.856 We're witnessing the trampling of humanity, 00:02:08.003 --> 00:02:13.150 as well as gross violations of humanitarian and human rights law. 00:02:13.277 --> 00:02:16.936 This is happening as we're marking the 75th anniversary 00:02:17.057 --> 00:02:21.356 of one of the most noble documents in history, 00:02:21.490 --> 00:02:25.930 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 00:02:26.403 --> 00:02:31.089 Last year, I shook hands with many statesmen. 00:02:31.363 --> 00:02:35.426 Among the first I met was Pope Francis I, 00:02:35.547 --> 00:02:38.909 who has long cautioned us about all-too-common wars 00:02:39.030 --> 00:02:41.616 and called for a path to peace. 00:02:42.843 --> 00:02:46.163 Meanwhile, the war in Sudan continues to rage 00:02:46.263 --> 00:02:49.343 and Darfur is considered a country of widows. 00:02:49.457 --> 00:02:53.176 We also have conflicts in Yemen, Haiti, and Myanmar, 00:02:53.297 --> 00:02:55.803 as well as coups in the Sahel. 00:02:55.930 --> 00:02:59.889 More than 55 armed conflicts are raging around the world, 00:03:00.037 --> 00:03:03.296 the most in the past 100 years. 00:03:04.030 --> 00:03:08.676 And how many peace processes are there to stop them? 00:03:10.337 --> 00:03:13.856 In 2013, we lost Ben Ferencz, 00:03:14.003 --> 00:03:17.203 the youngest prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. 00:03:17.376 --> 00:03:20.763 Ferencz sought peace through reconciliation. 00:03:20.903 --> 00:03:24.923 His motto was: "Law, not war." 00:03:25.650 --> 00:03:29.203 He spoke of three steps to peace: 00:03:29.576 --> 00:03:31.929 "First, never give up." 00:03:32.056 --> 00:03:34.743 "Second, never give up." 00:03:34.903 --> 00:03:38.690 "And third, never give up." 00:03:39.303 --> 00:03:42.063 There can be no peace without justice, 00:03:42.190 --> 00:03:46.036 which Ben Ferencz knew well, so he worked for decades 00:03:46.157 --> 00:03:49.389 to establish the International Criminal Court. 00:03:49.510 --> 00:03:53.756 Without punishing those responsible for crimes, we'll not see 00:03:53.896 --> 00:03:56.743 a just peace; not in Ukraine, not in Gaza, 00:03:56.897 --> 00:04:00.363 not in Israel, not in Sudan, and not in Myanmar. 00:04:01.322 --> 00:04:05.322 We were glad to see the excellent Slovenian judge Beti Hohler 00:04:05.443 --> 00:04:09.729 get named as a new member of the International Criminal Court. 00:04:09.850 --> 00:04:13.763 A sincere thanks to everyone for your support. 00:04:14.810 --> 00:04:18.036 Given the bloody conflicts, we mustn't overlook 00:04:18.157 --> 00:04:22.750 other difficult stories often ignored by the media: 00:04:23.430 --> 00:04:28.263 the fate of Afghan girls, who are prohibited from attending school 00:04:28.417 --> 00:04:34.009 and have no future, refugee children with no education opportunities, 00:04:34.163 --> 00:04:37.683 Iranian girls who are fighting for their rights, 00:04:37.837 --> 00:04:43.016 and 250 million boys who are not attending school. 00:04:44.650 --> 00:04:48.062 Then we have children who'll have permanent physical 00:04:48.183 --> 00:04:51.483 and psychological disabilities due to the violence 00:04:51.604 --> 00:04:54.689 they're experiencing in their early childhoods. 00:04:54.810 --> 00:04:59.098 They'll continue to need our help even when the arms fall silent. 00:04:59.223 --> 00:05:02.249 According to some studies, war trauma 00:05:02.383 --> 00:05:06.256 will affect 11% of Ukrainians. 00:05:06.410 --> 00:05:09.109 The situation is similar in Gaza. 00:05:09.317 --> 00:05:12.949 Slovenia, its NGOs, and international organizations 00:05:13.103 --> 00:05:18.496 such as ITF, are already active in both Ukraine and Ramallah. 00:05:19.376 --> 00:05:23.616 With the help of your countries, ITF has been providing support 00:05:23.797 --> 00:05:27.423 for 25 years with demining, rehabilitation, 00:05:27.550 --> 00:05:31.363 and psychosocial help for women and children. 00:05:32.593 --> 00:05:34.559 Honorable guests. 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:41.383 Sadly, 2023 was also a year of climate records. 00:05:41.543 --> 00:05:47.623 According to some estimates, last year was the warmest on record. 00:05:48.323 --> 00:05:51.343 Cacti even wilted in Arizona. 00:05:52.657 --> 00:05:56.843 During the Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Doha, 00:05:57.010 --> 00:06:00.956 I met the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation, 00:06:01.077 --> 00:06:03.848 who is encouraging landless sovereignty 00:06:03.969 --> 00:06:08.062 because he expects his country to vanish within decades 00:06:08.183 --> 00:06:11.129 due to rising sea levels. 00:06:12.350 --> 00:06:16.483 The planet has been afflicted by severe weather all year long. 00:06:16.604 --> 00:06:19.223 This time, they also impacted Slovenia. 00:06:19.363 --> 00:06:23.503 We experienced the worst flooding since independence. 00:06:23.637 --> 00:06:26.709 It affected two thirds of our territory 00:06:26.837 --> 00:06:32.669 and led to Slovenia's first internally displaced population. 00:06:33.363 --> 00:06:36.996 However, we also experienced a great deal of solidarity 00:06:37.117 --> 00:06:41.136 from our neighbors, as well as from strangers. We experienced 00:06:41.250 --> 00:06:44.589 the revival of community and solidarity from you 00:06:44.730 --> 00:06:46.996 and your countries. 00:06:47.277 --> 00:06:51.223 I'd therefore like to express my gratitude to all of you 00:06:51.344 --> 00:06:55.110 and your countries for your exceptional response and aid. 00:06:55.283 --> 00:06:59.329 The friendships forged during the reconstruction of bridges 00:06:59.483 --> 00:07:03.936 are undoubtedly strengthening the bridges between our countries. 00:07:04.303 --> 00:07:08.143 We also worked together at the COP28 Conference in Dubai. 00:07:08.269 --> 00:07:12.429 Slovenia announced a contribution in the amount of €1.5 million 00:07:12.550 --> 00:07:14.656 to a new Loss and Damage Fund, 00:07:14.850 --> 00:07:18.409 intended for the most vulnerable an poorest countries 00:07:18.550 --> 00:07:21.796 to help mitigate the effects of climate change. 00:07:21.937 --> 00:07:26.436 In Dubai, I also spoke about the importance of climate justice. 00:07:26.557 --> 00:07:30.290 The wealthiest 10% of the world's population 00:07:30.397 --> 00:07:34.476 generates more than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions, 00:07:34.577 --> 00:07:40.530 whereas the poorest 50% generates just around 7%. 00:07:41.517 --> 00:07:45.063 The agreement we reached at COP28 was the first one 00:07:45.217 --> 00:07:49.375 in 30 years that included a fossil fuel transition and the use 00:07:49.496 --> 00:07:51.609 of renewables. 00:07:52.277 --> 00:07:56.250 However, we need a more ambitious agreement. 00:07:56.390 --> 00:08:00.029 We need a clear agreement to end the use and emissions 00:08:00.217 --> 00:08:04.189 of greenhouse gases, and to cease fossil fuel subsidies. 00:08:04.883 --> 00:08:08.763 According to experts, we'd need to shut down approximately 00:08:08.877 --> 00:08:15.003 240 average-sized coal power plants by 2030. 00:08:15.110 --> 00:08:17.616 We'd need to end deforestation, 00:08:17.750 --> 00:08:23.029 increase the share of wind and solar power to 24% per year, 00:08:23.170 --> 00:08:26.376 reduce the consumption of meat, and so on. 00:08:26.463 --> 00:08:28.296 Can this be done? 00:08:28.417 --> 00:08:30.296 It should be done. 00:08:30.430 --> 00:08:34.089 We're already experiencing the no-action alternative, 00:08:34.257 --> 00:08:37.329 more intensely every year. 00:08:38.197 --> 00:08:41.283 In 2023, we all got to know ChatGPT 00:08:41.404 --> 00:08:44.976 and the increasing power of artificial intelligence. 00:08:45.403 --> 00:08:49.356 Setting up global rules about the ethical use of AI 00:08:49.510 --> 00:08:52.589 will be one of our biggest challenges. 00:08:52.977 --> 00:08:56.309 With its AI Act, the EU is once again determining 00:08:56.490 --> 00:09:00.896 the development of international standards. 00:09:01.563 --> 00:09:06.403 Some warn that AI has already hijacked language, 00:09:06.550 --> 00:09:10.376 that it is learning spontaneously and fabricating stories 00:09:10.497 --> 00:09:13.349 that are not based on personal experience. 00:09:13.536 --> 00:09:16.983 How will we experience such stories in the future, 00:09:17.130 --> 00:09:20.703 especially if they're described to us as real, 00:09:20.863 --> 00:09:23.496 but based on untruths? 00:09:24.723 --> 00:09:27.996 The fear of disinformation is even greater because 00:09:28.117 --> 00:09:30.710 an important election year is underway. 00:09:30.857 --> 00:09:34.860 Almost four billion people will head to the polls this year, 00:09:35.010 --> 00:09:39.349 from the U.S., India, Indonesia, 00:09:39.503 --> 00:09:43.436 and numerous African countries to two of our neighbors, 00:09:43.557 --> 00:09:45.630 Austria and Croatia. 00:09:45.816 --> 00:09:49.709 And then there are elections to the European Parliament. 00:09:51.490 --> 00:09:54.897 This year's election cycle will be even more crucial 00:09:55.037 --> 00:09:58.377 for the preservation of effective multilateralism, 00:09:58.498 --> 00:10:00.868 international climate commitments, 00:10:00.989 --> 00:10:04.935 the respect of human rights, and efforts for a more tolerant 00:10:05.056 --> 00:10:07.096 and inclusive society. 00:10:07.874 --> 00:10:09.474 A tolerant public discourse 00:10:09.595 --> 00:10:14.821 is primarily the responsibility of politicians and public figures. 00:10:14.942 --> 00:10:18.901 I am concerned because some people misuse the migrant topic 00:10:19.022 --> 00:10:21.150 to carry out demagoguery. 00:10:21.910 --> 00:10:25.788 Migration cannot be solved by erecting fences on borders 00:10:25.909 --> 00:10:28.169 and in the minds of people. 00:10:28.989 --> 00:10:31.400 We must solve the challenge of migration together 00:10:31.521 --> 00:10:34.686 at the European and global level, 00:10:34.807 --> 00:10:39.778 with cooperation and taking into account all causes and consequences. 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:43.840 The adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum represents an important step 00:10:43.961 --> 00:10:48.827 in the formation of migration and asylum policy in the EU. 00:10:50.645 --> 00:10:56.245 In 2023, Slovenia, which swears by international law, human rights 00:10:56.366 --> 00:10:58.655 and international cooperation, 00:10:58.776 --> 00:11:02.136 was chosen as a new member 00:11:02.257 --> 00:11:05.427 of the United Nations Security Council. 00:11:06.434 --> 00:11:08.400 During the campaign, 00:11:08.521 --> 00:11:11.440 we heard that membership in the Security Council 00:11:11.561 --> 00:11:13.852 will be a period of action. 00:11:14.096 --> 00:11:17.223 We got as many as 153 votes, 00:11:17.762 --> 00:11:21.163 and we accepted your support with great responsibility. 00:11:21.284 --> 00:11:25.006 We want to cooperate with you constructively. 00:11:25.464 --> 00:11:28.486 We entered the Security Council at a time 00:11:28.607 --> 00:11:30.809 when its permanent member 00:11:30.930 --> 00:11:35.197 is grossly violating the founding charter of the United Nations, 00:11:35.318 --> 00:11:39.272 when one permanent member is vetoing the resolution on Ukraine, 00:11:39.393 --> 00:11:43.856 and the other the resolution on the cease-fire in Gaza. 00:11:43.977 --> 00:11:46.683 We are witnessing an unacceptable verbal attack 00:11:46.804 --> 00:11:50.671 on the Secretary-General of the United Nations. 00:11:51.476 --> 00:11:54.204 Due to the intertwining and complexity of crises, 00:11:54.325 --> 00:11:57.040 the world needs more cooperation of countries 00:11:57.161 --> 00:12:01.099 and consistent observance of international law. 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:04.402 It needs an effective United Nations 00:12:04.523 --> 00:12:09.259 to be able to respond more quickly to global challenges. 00:12:10.061 --> 00:12:12.896 Next year, the United Nations will mark 80 years, 00:12:13.017 --> 00:12:17.840 and during this time, it has not yet had a female secretary-general. 00:12:17.961 --> 00:12:23.619 In the 78 years, only four women presided over the General Assembly, 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:27.160 which is also why I proposed to the General Assembly in September 00:12:27.281 --> 00:12:32.804 the so-called gender rotation of the General Assembly President. 00:12:32.925 --> 00:12:36.906 Of course, we will be grateful for your support. 00:12:37.930 --> 00:12:42.091 Let the year 2024 be a year of activism 00:12:42.436 --> 00:12:45.691 for more humanity, for more cooperation, 00:12:45.812 --> 00:12:48.414 and above all for more justice. 00:12:48.888 --> 00:12:51.973 For more Europe, for a greater Europe. 00:12:52.954 --> 00:12:55.927 This year, the European Parliament will have a different composition, 00:12:56.048 --> 00:12:57.887 there will be a new European Commission, 00:12:58.008 --> 00:13:00.960 and a new President of the European Council. 00:13:01.081 --> 00:13:05.920 The next decade will be crucial for the green transition. 00:13:06.713 --> 00:13:09.438 The European Parliament elections 00:13:09.559 --> 00:13:14.192 are an opportunity to show young people born in the European Union 00:13:14.313 --> 00:13:16.864 the advantages of living in the EU, 00:13:16.985 --> 00:13:21.970 convince them that active citizenship is not only for older people, 00:13:22.091 --> 00:13:25.727 that only active citizenship will be able to maintain 00:13:25.848 --> 00:13:30.721 democracy and freedoms in the EU countries at a high level. 00:13:31.503 --> 00:13:34.504 According to an international survey, we're seeing 00:13:34.625 --> 00:13:38.408 a great decline in civic awareness among young people in Europe, 00:13:38.529 --> 00:13:41.387 as only 30% of young people are showing interest 00:13:41.508 --> 00:13:44.248 in social and political affairs. 00:13:46.355 --> 00:13:50.420 This year, among other things, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary 00:13:50.541 --> 00:13:54.036 of Slovenia's entry into the EU and NATO. 00:13:54.535 --> 00:13:58.329 The membership in both defines and directs us. 00:13:59.148 --> 00:14:01.907 Slovenia will strive for an even more connected, 00:14:02.028 --> 00:14:05.080 stronger and larger European Union. 00:14:06.374 --> 00:14:11.767 Slovenia is now surrounded only by the EU member countries, 00:14:11.888 --> 00:14:15.722 cooperation with neighbouring countries is key for us. 00:14:15.843 --> 00:14:18.845 We are intertwined with our neighbours in many areas 00:14:18.966 --> 00:14:20.638 and through minorities. 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:26.544 We must consistently respect their rights and nurture their identity. 00:14:27.594 --> 00:14:32.192 We also share concerns about the Western Balkan region. 00:14:33.145 --> 00:14:35.233 In the year 2023, 00:14:35.592 --> 00:14:39.101 there was a positive shift regarding the expansion of the EU 00:14:39.222 --> 00:14:41.602 with both Ukraine and Moldova, 00:14:41.723 --> 00:14:46.877 and we expect the same for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia. 00:14:46.998 --> 00:14:52.100 This region needs Europe and Europe needs this region. 00:14:53.033 --> 00:14:57.789 As the President of the European Council Charles Michel said in Bled, 00:14:57.910 --> 00:15:03.695 this region must be ready to join the EU by 2030. 00:15:05.365 --> 00:15:07.490 In the context of regional integration, 00:15:07.611 --> 00:15:10.445 I am particularly pleased the Brdo-Brioni Process 00:15:10.566 --> 00:15:14.375 continues to be so well received among leaders in the region. 00:15:14.496 --> 00:15:17.373 The September Brdo-Brioni Summit last year 00:15:17.494 --> 00:15:20.238 took place in a constructive atmosphere. 00:15:20.359 --> 00:15:23.920 The leaders agreed to invest even more energy 00:15:24.041 --> 00:15:26.149 in solving common problems. 00:15:26.270 --> 00:15:29.895 In addition to the EU rapprochement, these are climate change 00:15:30.016 --> 00:15:33.393 and undoubtedly the future of young people. 00:15:33.516 --> 00:15:36.506 I believe that this is also why, after two dry years, 00:15:36.627 --> 00:15:39.809 a joint declaration was adopted again. 00:15:39.933 --> 00:15:42.600 I hope that despite many challenges in the region, 00:15:42.721 --> 00:15:47.140 this will be a milestone for an even closer integration. 00:15:47.261 --> 00:15:53.715 The year 2024 should therefore be the year of diplomacy, 00:15:54.503 --> 00:15:57.099 the year of mediation, the year of finding ways 00:15:57.220 --> 00:16:00.634 to resolve wars and conflicts peacefully. 00:16:01.338 --> 00:16:05.548 The year when countries should only fight on sports fields, 00:16:05.669 --> 00:16:08.228 at the Olympic Games in Paris. 00:16:09.367 --> 00:16:11.822 Paris is also the headquarters of the UNESCO, 00:16:11.943 --> 00:16:14.907 which was founded almost 80 years ago 00:16:15.028 --> 00:16:20.785 to promote cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture. 00:16:20.906 --> 00:16:24.213 In the preamble of the UNESCO charter in 1945, 00:16:24.334 --> 00:16:26.420 it was written, among other things, 00:16:26.541 --> 00:16:29.661 that since wars begin in the minds of men, 00:16:29.782 --> 00:16:31.822 it is in the minds of men 00:16:31.943 --> 00:16:35.791 that the defences of peace must be constructed. 00:16:36.502 --> 00:16:38.230 Almost 80 years later, 00:16:38.351 --> 00:16:42.609 after too many casualties of wars and the year 2023, 00:16:42.730 --> 00:16:46.798 it is time for this quote to become a reality. 00:16:49.526 --> 00:16:52.685 Thank you very much for responding 00:16:52.806 --> 00:16:55.582 to the invitation of the Republic of Slovenia. 00:16:55.703 --> 00:16:59.926 I wish you and your families all the best this year 00:17:00.047 --> 00:17:03.657 and, above all, a peaceful and healthy year. 00:17:03.778 --> 00:17:07.484 Thank you for everything you have done for Slovenia, 00:17:07.605 --> 00:17:11.119 thank you for coming. I wish you all the best in the new year. 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:16.303 Let's continue to work together for a simply better world. 00:17:16.424 --> 00:17:18.424 Thank you very much. 00:17:38.332 --> 00:17:44.206 Dear President, dear President of the National Council, dear Doyen, 00:17:44.942 --> 00:17:48.194 your excellencies, distinguished guests. 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:54.403 The year that is behind us was a busy year, 00:17:55.233 --> 00:18:00.260 it was a demanding year and unfortunately, also a bloody year. 00:18:00.515 --> 00:18:03.799 But it is precisely in such busy and demanding years 00:18:03.920 --> 00:18:09.715 that the true value of those who believe in the right values is shown. 00:18:11.132 --> 00:18:12.732 That is also why 00:18:13.419 --> 00:18:18.742 Slovenia can boast many achievements in the past year. 00:18:19.889 --> 00:18:24.181 International achievements and achievements at home. 00:18:26.560 --> 00:18:31.905 It started with incredible pressure on prices. 00:18:32.411 --> 00:18:36.747 Costliness was the theme that echoed in all our ears, 00:18:37.699 --> 00:18:40.128 the whole of Europe felt the consequences 00:18:40.249 --> 00:18:43.216 of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. 00:18:43.337 --> 00:18:47.004 The inhabitants felt it, the economy felt it. 00:18:47.683 --> 00:18:51.823 Slovenia coped with it extremely successfully. 00:18:53.061 --> 00:18:58.870 Not only did our economy maintain its vigour and also economic growth, 00:18:59.482 --> 00:19:03.603 by increasing the benefits of the most vulnerable groups, 00:19:03.724 --> 00:19:08.715 we ensured that social cohesion was maintained in Slovenia. 00:19:08.924 --> 00:19:11.681 We're particularly proud of that. 00:19:12.697 --> 00:19:16.748 Last year, we announced a whole series of reforms 00:19:16.912 --> 00:19:19.118 at the beginning of the year. 00:19:19.239 --> 00:19:23.608 Of course, we predicted that we would need more than a single year, 00:19:23.729 --> 00:19:27.217 two mandates. But the first results are already here, 00:19:27.338 --> 00:19:30.553 perhaps less visible, but nevertheless. 00:19:31.798 --> 00:19:35.525 The Long-Term Care Act is starting to be implemented, 00:19:35.646 --> 00:19:39.523 the abolition of supplementary insurance is a fact, 00:19:39.644 --> 00:19:43.601 and the school reform is already under way. 00:19:45.202 --> 00:19:50.500 The reform efforts will continue in this and future years as well. 00:19:50.621 --> 00:19:52.928 Nothing will deter us from this, 00:19:53.049 --> 00:19:56.173 just as we were not deterred by the catastrophic floods 00:19:56.294 --> 00:19:58.685 that we witnessed in August. 00:20:00.253 --> 00:20:02.933 Despite the catastrophic floods, 00:20:03.647 --> 00:20:06.408 last year and this year 00:20:06.843 --> 00:20:10.483 Slovenia doubled its funds to attract investments, 00:20:10.604 --> 00:20:12.792 both domestic and foreign. 00:20:12.913 --> 00:20:17.551 The first major foreign investments are already taking place. 00:20:17.672 --> 00:20:21.593 In three years, we have literally doubled our investments 00:20:21.714 --> 00:20:25.995 in knowledge, research, development and innovation. 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:28.659 And we will continue to do so, 00:20:28.780 --> 00:20:33.098 regardless of the fact that we're aware climate policies 00:20:33.219 --> 00:20:35.916 are one of the key policies, and, unfortunately, 00:20:36.037 --> 00:20:41.099 the weather conditions in the future will not be favourable. 00:20:42.290 --> 00:20:44.897 Despite this, we're aware that only the economy 00:20:45.020 --> 00:20:48.837 can be the engine that pulls a small country like Slovenia 00:20:48.958 --> 00:20:53.716 forward towards prosperity, so we will continue with this. 00:20:55.600 --> 00:20:58.361 However, the response to the floods showed 00:20:58.482 --> 00:21:01.587 yet another extremely important value, 00:21:02.304 --> 00:21:04.342 the value of solidarity. 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:08.314 I'm not only talking about solidarity between Slovenians, 00:21:08.435 --> 00:21:13.083 but also the solidarity we were shown on the international scene. 00:21:13.204 --> 00:21:16.698 Our neighbours responded, the European Union responded, 00:21:17.462 --> 00:21:20.877 even Ukraine, which is at war, responded. 00:21:21.113 --> 00:21:24.104 I would especially like to highlight Ukraine 00:21:24.225 --> 00:21:28.460 which sent its best unit to Slovenia despite the war. 00:21:28.581 --> 00:21:31.277 We're really grateful to the Ukrainian nation 00:21:31.398 --> 00:21:36.783 which so selflessly came to help Slovenians when we needed help. 00:21:37.245 --> 00:21:40.899 Solidarity is the foundation 00:21:41.020 --> 00:21:44.154 on which we build all our international policies, 00:21:44.275 --> 00:21:49.062 international policies within the EU as well as beyond. 00:21:50.037 --> 00:21:54.348 Last year, we saw another very important value, 00:21:54.469 --> 00:21:58.836 the second foundation of the EU, and that is unity. 00:21:58.957 --> 00:22:04.114 We saw that the EU is only as strong as it is united. 00:22:05.396 --> 00:22:10.110 That's why Slovenia will insist on finding all solutions 00:22:10.231 --> 00:22:15.132 at the level of the European Council with consensus, united, 00:22:15.253 --> 00:22:19.313 because only united can we change the world for the better. 00:22:19.434 --> 00:22:24.457 I am very happy and proud to have contributed my vote, 00:22:24.906 --> 00:22:30.072 the united European vote for the expansion of the EU 00:22:30.193 --> 00:22:33.229 both to the east and southeast, 00:22:33.350 --> 00:22:35.799 expansion to Ukraine and Moldova, 00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:39.516 and expansion to the Western Balkan area. 00:22:39.703 --> 00:22:44.387 Slovenia has been particularly active precisely in this area. 00:22:44.508 --> 00:22:47.830 I believe that we who live in the neighbourhood 00:22:47.951 --> 00:22:50.668 are most aware of the injustices 00:22:50.835 --> 00:22:54.777 committed against these countries in the past two decades 00:22:54.898 --> 00:22:59.881 when the entire process of EU enlargement was in fact stopped. 00:23:00.002 --> 00:23:02.843 Even if this wasn't said out loud. 00:23:03.003 --> 00:23:06.126 It was precisely the Russian aggression against Ukraine 00:23:06.247 --> 00:23:09.309 that triggered an important geostrategic consideration 00:23:09.430 --> 00:23:12.584 at the level of the European Commission and Union 00:23:12.705 --> 00:23:18.088 that the Western Balkans are actually part of our European family. 00:23:18.209 --> 00:23:24.021 If anyone, Slovenia is well aware of the advantages of EU membership. 00:23:24.646 --> 00:23:27.079 We're celebrating our 20th anniversary this year 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:30.570 and the results are exclusively positive. 00:23:30.698 --> 00:23:34.913 We certainly want the entire Western Balkan region 00:23:35.034 --> 00:23:37.414 to benefit from these same results. 00:23:37.535 --> 00:23:39.135 Because it deserves it 00:23:39.256 --> 00:23:45.140 and because this is the only way to pull this region out of instability, 00:23:45.261 --> 00:23:48.282 including the threats to peace repeated from time to time. 00:23:48.403 --> 00:23:50.403 I believe they will be easier to overcome 00:23:50.524 --> 00:23:56.013 when this region is better integrated into the European Union. 00:23:57.244 --> 00:23:58.844 So we strive not only 00:23:58.965 --> 00:24:01.896 for the rapprochement of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 00:24:02.017 --> 00:24:03.901 where we've seen big steps forward, 00:24:04.022 --> 00:24:06.986 but also for the rapprochement of all the other countries. 00:24:07.107 --> 00:24:11.451 Maybe some smaller country from the region will surprise us 00:24:11.572 --> 00:24:13.793 and overtake its neighbours. 00:24:13.914 --> 00:24:16.899 We want the countries of the Western Balkans 00:24:17.020 --> 00:24:21.074 to literally compete with each other to meet the criteria 00:24:21.195 --> 00:24:24.171 and approach the EU as fast as possible. 00:24:24.744 --> 00:24:31.029 But it is true that the EU will also have to make changes. 00:24:31.640 --> 00:24:37.247 The current process simply doesn't allow for effective rapprochement. 00:24:37.368 --> 00:24:40.275 I believe that a two-track or a two-phase approach, 00:24:40.396 --> 00:24:43.502 which is being prepared by the Commission, 00:24:43.623 --> 00:24:46.477 can allow the gradual integration of all these countries, 00:24:46.598 --> 00:24:48.598 including Ukraine and Moldova, 00:24:48.719 --> 00:24:52.649 to start integrating more quickly into the EU's internal market, 00:24:52.770 --> 00:24:56.403 while at the same time changing their legislation 00:24:56.524 --> 00:25:01.904 to focus more on human rights and especially on the rule of law. 00:25:03.716 --> 00:25:07.043 Last year Slovenia has experienced 00:25:07.443 --> 00:25:11.650 one of its biggest successes in the international area. 00:25:11.936 --> 00:25:15.156 Culmination of this is being elected 00:25:15.670 --> 00:25:19.196 as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. 00:25:19.450 --> 00:25:22.363 We started to execute this function on January 1st 00:25:22.477 --> 00:25:28.270 and tomorrow our Foreign Minister will appear there for the first time. 00:25:28.550 --> 00:25:36.470 I am sure that Slovenia will justify this trust and this function. 00:25:36.803 --> 00:25:43.783 It will responsibly defend the topics closer to small countries. 00:25:43.937 --> 00:25:45.717 Maybe they are overlooked, 00:25:45.910 --> 00:25:49.730 but everybody can relate to these topics. 00:25:50.530 --> 00:25:54.657 We shall definitely devote a lot of attention to climate policies. 00:25:54.843 --> 00:26:00.237 After all, we were victims of meteorological disasters ourselves 00:26:00.363 --> 00:26:01.963 in the last year. 00:26:02.457 --> 00:26:08.803 Tha main topic of this year and our work will be finding peace. 00:26:09.137 --> 00:26:13.250 We will try to find peace there, where we can contribute to this. 00:26:13.583 --> 00:26:18.756 We'll try to find peace in Ukraine, in restless Africa 00:26:19.043 --> 00:26:22.723 and mainly in the Middle East. 00:26:23.610 --> 00:26:27.123 Sadly, we have to be very clear about it. 00:26:27.963 --> 00:26:31.417 We are condemning what Hamas did. 00:26:31.783 --> 00:26:37.977 But Israel has exceeded its right to self-defence a long time ago. 00:26:38.437 --> 00:26:42.910 The events in Gaza these days are by no means a self-defense. 00:26:43.243 --> 00:26:47.890 Israel is breaking a whole array of international laws 00:26:48.010 --> 00:26:49.890 and humanitarian law. 00:26:50.257 --> 00:26:55.690 We shall maintain to achieve permanent ceasefire 00:26:55.963 --> 00:27:01.537 and that we immediately have to ensure the citizens of Gaza, 00:27:02.430 --> 00:27:08.390 besides the ceasefire, also water supply, medical supplies, 00:27:08.637 --> 00:27:10.930 food and electricity. 00:27:11.797 --> 00:27:17.243 The citizens of Gaza deserve to live 00:27:17.683 --> 00:27:19.963 as everybody else present here. 00:27:20.617 --> 00:27:22.470 We often forget that. 00:27:22.817 --> 00:27:25.990 It's time to stop this. 00:27:27.310 --> 00:27:33.410 Finding the formula for permanent peace in the Middle East 00:27:33.797 --> 00:27:37.663 is a point, which Slovenian diplomacy 00:27:37.897 --> 00:27:43.157 inside the Security Council, will aim for this year. 00:27:44.170 --> 00:27:49.077 I believe that all of you and your countries 00:27:49.437 --> 00:27:55.883 will help us find a solution that will stand a test of time. 00:27:56.330 --> 00:27:58.123 Thank you very much. 00:28:20.283 --> 00:28:24.963 Your Excellency Madam President of the Republic of Slovenia, 00:28:25.290 --> 00:28:28.830 your Excellency Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, 00:28:29.097 --> 00:28:34.057 dear colleagues from the diplomatic corps, ladies and gentlemen. 00:28:34.910 --> 00:28:37.630 At the beginning of the year 2024 00:28:37.990 --> 00:28:43.157 As the Dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Slovenia, 00:28:43.463 --> 00:28:47.796 on behalf of all my colleagues, who are present 00:28:48.016 --> 00:28:50.443 or unable to be here today, 00:28:50.803 --> 00:28:55.043 I am deeply honoured to present my best wishes to you, 00:28:55.250 --> 00:28:57.290 Madame President, 00:28:57.623 --> 00:29:04.043 to the government of this country and to all Slovenian citizens. 00:29:05.110 --> 00:29:08.590 This is my first New Year's Eve address 00:29:08.943 --> 00:29:11.563 on behalf of the diplomatic corps. 00:29:11.823 --> 00:29:14.677 However, this is not a routine event, 00:29:14.817 --> 00:29:18.970 but a privilege and positive moment 00:29:19.183 --> 00:29:23.497 that allows us, not only to come together 00:29:23.810 --> 00:29:26.023 and receive the good wishes 00:29:26.263 --> 00:29:29.870 of the highest representatives of this country, 00:29:30.143 --> 00:29:33.743 the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, 00:29:34.023 --> 00:29:36.023 and to hear their views 00:29:36.263 --> 00:29:40.650 on what remains to be done 00:29:41.017 --> 00:29:43.877 in your diplomatic field 00:29:44.170 --> 00:29:47.610 and of course in other areas as well. 00:29:49.230 --> 00:29:54.737 Human years full of one another and then not to be the same. 00:29:55.290 --> 00:30:01.210 Sorting out what we have experienced and what the world is experiencing 00:30:01.523 --> 00:30:05.836 seems tenacious and difficult to me. 00:30:06.870 --> 00:30:11.963 I will therefore limit myself to mentioning among other things 00:30:12.223 --> 00:30:15.137 three important facts for Slovenia. 00:30:15.423 --> 00:30:21.090 Bearing in mind that it is only an incomplete selection. 00:30:22.177 --> 00:30:24.310 Let's start with nature. 00:30:24.917 --> 00:30:29.436 The place, where we live and in which is so rich in Slovenia. 00:30:29.910 --> 00:30:33.296 It is difficult not to mention the tragedy 00:30:33.423 --> 00:30:36.310 of the morning of 4th August. 00:30:36.657 --> 00:30:40.130 The unimaginable scale of the vast floods 00:30:40.310 --> 00:30:42.743 that swept through Slovenia. 00:30:43.137 --> 00:30:46.590 Leaving behind not only material, 00:30:46.850 --> 00:30:51.517 but also psychological and spiritual damage 00:30:51.923 --> 00:30:54.763 that might last for year to come. 00:30:55.297 --> 00:30:58.617 This tragedy has provoked 00:30:58.883 --> 00:31:03.863 unimaginable outpouring of solidarity and unity. 00:31:04.543 --> 00:31:08.097 Slovenia felt as one. 00:31:08.877 --> 00:31:12.583 The diplomatic corps noted that goodness 00:31:12.957 --> 00:31:16.823 is ingrained in the DNA of your country, 00:31:17.443 --> 00:31:20.576 in your social conscience. 00:31:20.983 --> 00:31:24.670 The wishes and sympathy of the diplomatic corps 00:31:24.970 --> 00:31:27.396 naturally go to the victims 00:31:27.750 --> 00:31:34.157 and certainties as rapid responses to the values need to continue, 00:31:34.463 --> 00:31:39.503 because there is never enough solidarity. 00:31:40.530 --> 00:31:44.243 The tragedy we have witnessed 00:31:44.510 --> 00:31:50.183 prompt us to make a fair assessment of a global challenge. 00:31:50.376 --> 00:31:52.210 The climate crisis. 00:31:52.803 --> 00:31:56.276 The recent UN climate change conference 00:31:56.536 --> 00:31:59.350 tried to come up with proposals. 00:31:59.850 --> 00:32:05.043 Let us hope that there will be effective progress. 00:32:05.710 --> 00:32:08.163 Here I would like to mention 00:32:08.337 --> 00:32:12.263 a local achievement that I find very interesting 00:32:12.457 --> 00:32:14.370 and inspiring. 00:32:14.990 --> 00:32:18.610 The Slovenian pearl of the Alps Bled, 00:32:19.003 --> 00:32:23.443 the country's second largest tourist destination after Ljubljana, 00:32:23.910 --> 00:32:26.750 has become the first European town 00:32:27.010 --> 00:32:32.277 to be awarded as zero waste city certification 00:32:32.590 --> 00:32:34.863 for its proactive policy 00:32:35.217 --> 00:32:40.456 to combat waste and pollution. Congratulations. 00:32:41.823 --> 00:32:44.690 This brings me to my second point. 00:32:45.336 --> 00:32:49.017 The diplomatic corps congratulates Slovenia 00:32:49.217 --> 00:32:52.163 on a major achievement. 00:32:52.557 --> 00:32:58.703 153 votes in favour of your country's non-permanent membership 00:32:59.223 --> 00:33:02.443 of the UN Security Council. 00:33:02.803 --> 00:33:05.650 Demonstrating very clearly 00:33:06.123 --> 00:33:08.410 the excellent reputation 00:33:08.870 --> 00:33:13.277 and a high level of trust that Slovenia enjoys 00:33:13.463 --> 00:33:15.843 in the global community. 00:33:16.790 --> 00:33:21.277 This presence cannot remain passive. 00:33:22.057 --> 00:33:26.177 The ongoing crisis on the European Eastern border 00:33:26.503 --> 00:33:31.217 and in the Middle East require more decisive action 00:33:31.390 --> 00:33:33.750 by global institutions 00:33:33.910 --> 00:33:37.877 in particular the United Nations. 00:33:38.217 --> 00:33:42.216 For this reason the diplomatic corps believes 00:33:42.456 --> 00:33:48.763 that Slovenia's non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council 00:33:49.110 --> 00:33:53.770 will provide an extremely important opportunity 00:33:54.003 --> 00:33:58.463 for active work in this regard. 00:33:59.283 --> 00:34:03.143 Diplomacy, as said before, by you 00:34:03.970 --> 00:34:06.617 is of great importance today. 00:34:07.117 --> 00:34:11.030 Perhaps even more so than in the past. 00:34:11.603 --> 00:34:17.577 A diplomat must have a good analytical and synthesising mind 00:34:17.830 --> 00:34:20.883 and excellent communication skills. 00:34:21.343 --> 00:34:26.617 He or she is an eminently realistic person, 00:34:27.137 --> 00:34:32.217 able to take responsibility and to work in a team. 00:34:32.737 --> 00:34:37.183 We are all aware of the capabilities 00:34:37.390 --> 00:34:39.670 of Slovenian diplomacy, 00:34:39.923 --> 00:34:44.496 which will be able to present balanced positions 00:34:44.730 --> 00:34:48.203 in the search for reliable proposals, 00:34:48.583 --> 00:34:52.163 acceptable to the various parties. 00:34:52.390 --> 00:34:58.443 For this reason Slovenia's presence in the UN Security Council 00:34:58.837 --> 00:35:03.730 can be of great benefit for too many. 00:35:05.003 --> 00:35:08.336 I would like to make one final point, 00:35:08.676 --> 00:35:12.283 which will be of interest to many of my colleagues 00:35:12.583 --> 00:35:15.243 who have contributed to it. 00:35:15.777 --> 00:35:19.963 The final text of the Ljubljana -The Hague convention 00:35:20.263 --> 00:35:22.970 on international cooperation 00:35:23.510 --> 00:35:27.770 in the investigation and prosecution of genocide, 00:35:28.003 --> 00:35:30.170 crimes against humanity, 00:35:30.517 --> 00:35:33.903 of war crimes and other international crimes, 00:35:34.317 --> 00:35:37.583 adopted by the diplomatic conference, 00:35:37.757 --> 00:35:41.530 held in Ljubljana in May 2023 00:35:41.930 --> 00:35:46.836 has been published and the convention is now open 00:35:47.083 --> 00:35:49.863 for signature by all states 00:35:50.230 --> 00:35:52.537 in The Hague and Brussels 00:35:52.810 --> 00:35:55.903 as of the middle of the next month. 00:35:56.843 --> 00:36:01.830 In such speeches there is a kind of determinism 00:36:02.077 --> 00:36:07.156 that urged us to consider only the bilateral. 00:36:07.476 --> 00:36:10.190 I would like to take this opportunity 00:36:10.376 --> 00:36:15.263 to emphasize the essence of a role and unite function 00:36:15.593 --> 00:36:18.266 of the multilateral arena, 00:36:18.580 --> 00:36:22.697 which ultimately addresses global challenges. 00:36:23.510 --> 00:36:26.923 In addition to my fellow ambasadors 00:36:27.270 --> 00:36:30.857 I would also like to greet my colleagues 00:36:31.110 --> 00:36:35.050 representing international organizations. 00:36:35.716 --> 00:36:40.436 It seems to me that the convention I have just mentioned 00:36:40.663 --> 00:36:44.450 is essential, not only because of its content, 00:36:44.657 --> 00:36:48.083 which may remain theoretical at times, 00:36:48.377 --> 00:36:53.090 but even more so, because of possibility it offers 00:36:53.317 --> 00:36:58.470 for the effective protection of vulnerable people. 00:36:59.390 --> 00:37:02.603 The search for causes, actors 00:37:02.983 --> 00:37:05.830 and the truth itself is crucial, 00:37:06.063 --> 00:37:11.317 if we want to avoid misfortunes and promote justice, 00:37:11.590 --> 00:37:17.290 regardless of the possible shifts in geopolitics. 00:37:17.763 --> 00:37:23.930 The convention is a major step forward in this regard. 00:37:24.243 --> 00:37:29.270 And your country Slovenia has played a major role 00:37:29.517 --> 00:37:32.910 in its adoption. Congratulations. 00:37:33.723 --> 00:37:40.023 I think we are gradually moving towards more positivity. 00:37:41.217 --> 00:37:43.603 To conclude, Madam President, 00:37:43.890 --> 00:37:49.223 I would like to once again wish you, your country 00:37:49.683 --> 00:37:53.583 and all of us all the best 00:37:54.076 --> 00:37:59.830 on behalf of the diplomatic corps, accredited to Slovenia, 00:38:00.050 --> 00:38:04.483 and representatives of international organizations. 00:38:04.963 --> 00:38:08.037 May the year 2024 00:38:08.470 --> 00:38:11.397 bring to the citizens of Slovenia 00:38:12.010 --> 00:38:14.483 harmony and peace. 00:38:15.243 --> 00:38:17.337 Prosperity and happiness 00:38:17.730 --> 00:38:20.463 and strengthens the ties of friendship 00:38:20.663 --> 00:38:23.643 that united our different countries. 00:38:23.957 --> 00:38:25.590 Thank you.