First panel of the 3rd Slovenian Humanitarian Forum on multilateral action in crises

2. 9. 2025

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

The first panel of the 3rd Slovenian Humanitarian Forum, which was held as part of the Bled Strategic Forum and focused on multilateral action in times of crisis, conveyed a clear message: The withdrawal of countries from international organisations, coupled with reduced funding in the face of mounting crises, poses a serious threat to multilateralism and the effectiveness of humanitarian response.

Ženska govori — European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

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The Forum was held under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar. In her opening address, she emphasised that protracted conflicts, climate disasters, forced displacement, pandemics and economic instability are creating a quasi-permanent state of crisis. At the same time, political willpower is weakening, funding is decreasing and respect for international law – the fundamental basis of humanitarian action – is being eroded. She warned that providing humanitarian aid is an obligation that is all too often hindered by obstacles and politicisation.

The event was attended by Mirjana Spoljarić Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Martin Frick, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Global Office Berlin, Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Edvin Skrt, Director-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and ICRC President Mirjana Spoljarić Egger cautioned that humanitarian workers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to attack, with violations going unpunished. New crises are emerging that require the international community to be prepared, but there is also a dangerous erosion of humanitarian norms.

Martin Frick, Director of the WFP Global Office in Berlin, and Edvin Skrt, Director-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, emphasised that an effective response to humanitarian challenges cannot be ensured without stable funding and stronger involvement of local communities. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, drew particular attention to the unsustainable situation in Gaza, where there is widespread hunger but aid does not reach those in need. This undermines trust in humanitarian organisations, as they are failing to meet the expectations of people who are in desperate need of their help.

The second part of the 3rd Slovenian Humanitarian Forum will take place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia on 14 October 2025, as part of the 13th Slovenian Development Days.