Pellegrini: Smaller States Should Also Have Their Say in UN Reform

New York, 21 September (TASR-correspondent) - The reform of the United Nations (UN) should lead to more efficient functioning of the organisation while delivering concrete results, with Slovakia considering it important that the reform process be transparent and that small and medium-sized countries have a real say in it, President Peter Pellegrini said during his talks with UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman in New York, TASR has learnt from its special correspondent. Pellegrini praised Rahman's intention to focus his work on restoring trust in the UN and managing the changes the organisation is going through. He said it was crucial for member states to see tangible results in the UN's functioning. In a situation where the UN Security Council is divided on several issues, the importance of the General Assembly as a forum in which all member states are represented is growing, stated Pellegrini. The talks also revolved around challenges associated with the development of artificial intelligence. Slovakia views new technologies as an opportunity, but their use must go hand in hand with responsibility. The UN has a special position in this area, as it provides a platform for all countries to participate in the discussion. On Monday, Pellegrini's programme in New York also included a meeting with representatives of the Slovak community in Chicago, while he also spoke with teachers from the Slovak Academy of Chicago, representatives of the Veselica folk ensemble, school graduates and other members of the community. He praised their efforts to preserve the Slovak language, traditions and cultural heritage and pass them on to future generations of Slovaks living in the United States. jrg