On International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: Cooperation is a necessity, not an option

24. 4. 2026

Today, we mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. On this occasion/day, we emphasise that a world without the multilateral system as we know it today would be a world without engagement with diversity and devoid of dialogue. However, a world without dialogue and the search for compromise can only be a world of power politics.

The most credible way to jointly address global challenges is through multilateral cooperation with the UN at the core, based on rules, international law and respect for human rights.

The challenges we face today are vast: numerous military conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate change, natural disasters, mass migration, global economic instability, cyber threats and disinformation. In seeking solutions to these challenges, cooperation between states is vital. The existing multilateral system provides the framework for cooperation and remains irreplaceable in this regard. An effective response can only be collective. This is why Slovenian diplomacy is founded on a commitment to multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, based on dialogue, cooperation and solidarity.

Since joining the UN, Slovenia has played an active role within the organisation and its bodies. Slovenia has just completed its term on the Security Council, during which it established its reputation as an active and unifying partner by taking clear positions, demonstrating expertise and credibility, and acting consistently.

Therefore, in addition to supporting multilateralism through dialogue with global partners, Slovenia actively promotes the need for comprehensive UN reform. This reform would not weaken the UN’s normative functions, but rather create an effective, agile and financially sustainable multilateral system. This is also the objective of the UN80 reform initiative, presented by UN Secretary-General António Guterres last year to mark the UN’s 80th anniversary. If the UN succeeds in turning these impulses for reform into concrete institutional changes, it can emerge from this period of the erosion of multilateralism as its driving force once again.