Blanar: Slovakia's UN Membership Has Never Been Mere Confirmation of Statehood

Bratislava, 19 January (TASR) – Slovakia's UN membership has never been merely a formal confirmation of statehood, but from the outset has represented a commitment to actively contribute to addressing global challenges, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) said on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Slovakia's UN membership. According to Blanar, thanks to its engagement Slovakia has established itself within the UN as a responsible and respected partner. The ministry recalled that since joining the UN, Slovakia has been actively involved in maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights and supporting economic and social development. It stressed that multilateralism remains a crucial foundation of Slovakia's foreign policy. The ministry explained that Slovakia has so far served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, a member of the Economic and Social Council, and also served on the UN Human Rights Council. "The experience gained and Slovakia's activities in the UN to date motivate us to continue playing an active role in the future," Blanar added, noting that Slovakia is running for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028–2029. According to the minister, successful recognition of Slovakia's active and respected role in the UN was the adoption of the Bratislava Declaration during a meeting of the Council of Presidents of the UN General Assembly in April 2025 in Bratislava. In the context of ongoing conflicts, he warned that despite worrying developments on the global stage, multilateralism as a fundamental principle of the international order must not be abandoned. He also pointed out that within global affairs we are witnessing an "erosion of the international order, which opens the way to chaos, conflict and the suffering of civilian populations". "That is precisely why it is essential to strictly uphold international law, strengthen its institutions and defend its authority. The UN, with its unique global peace mission, has never been more necessary than it is today," he emphasised. mf