State Secretary Žbogar outlined the priorities of the Republic of Slovenia for the 77th session of the UN General Assembly to the ambassadors and other representatives of embassies based in Ljubljana. These priorities include effective multilateral cooperation and the efficiency of the UN in the changed global environment, international peace and security, observance and progressive development of international law, development of new technologies, respect for human rights, green recovery and sustainable development.

During the 77th UNGA, Slovenia will devote special attention to its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2024–2025 term, as the elections will take place during the session in June 2023.

State Secretary Žbogar explained that the Slovenian delegation to the General Debate in New York will be led for the last time by the President of the Republic, Borut Pahor, who will give his address on Wednesday, 21 September. President Pahor will attend high-level events and meetings, among others with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the 77th UNGA Csabo Kőrösi and a number of heads of delegations from different regions.

The delegation will include Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon, who will host a Green Group meeting on the sidelines of the General Debate and participate in ministerial events and receptions, and hold talks with foreign ministers and other high officials from various regions. Other members of the delegation, including State Secretary Samuel Žbogar, will also attend side events and bilateral meetings.

On 17 September, on the margins of the General Debate, a side event co-organised by Slovenia, the International Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) and the Council of Europe will take place entitled “Digital transformation and education from the perspective of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.” 

On Monday, 26 September, Minister Fajon will host an official reception in New York for the diplomatic corps with President Pahor in attendance, where she will present Slovenia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2024–2025.