Recalling that his country was among the 51 founding States that signed the UN Charter 80 years ago, he asked:  “How many would have the courage to sign the same Charter today?”  As a small country, Slovakia believes that small countries must be smart, and not only in times of confrontation.  Both in the Global North and the South, it is in the majority’s interest to uphold the sovereign equality of nations.  The world is becoming a more dangerous place, and the Council “to which we have entrusted the greatest power and special responsibility for maintaining peace, cannot pretend that it is succeeding. It is failing,” he underscored.

As Ukraine’s neighbour, Slovakia witnesses the immense cost of the war in that country, he said.  Despite the groundwork for diplomatic talks and the clear agreement that negotiations would soon continue, Ukraine must defend itself against the Russian Federation.  “The door open to negotiations should never be mistaken for weakness or an invitation to further violence,” he said.  Reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself, he said it is crucial not to blur the thin line between legitimate defense and unacceptable human suffering.  “In Bratislava, we already have the Embassy of Palestine,” he said, reaffirming the importance of a two-State solution achieved through diplomatic means.

The triple planetary crisis and artificial intelligence are moving far faster than the international community is able to react.  “I don't want to sound doom and gloom.  In fact, we must get ready for the new era,” he said.  Highlighting the importance of a responsible approach that involves international institutions, the private sector and Governments, he expressed his country's commitment to finding solutions and steering the debate collaboratively.  Slovakia is organizing a summit on education and artificial intelligence in Bratislava next month.

While the UN's credibility has been eroding, over the past eight decades it has provided a space for countries to speak on an equal footing.  “Enemies can meet here eye to eye,” he pointed out.  “The G7, G20, BRICS [Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China] and regional organizations with their own goals will never be able to fully substitute” for the United Nations.  Stressing that the reform of the UN, especially the Council, is overdue, he said: “We can no longer sweep issues under the rug or pass the buck.”  Noting that his country is a candidate for a non-permanent seat in the Council, he said Slovakia, “a peaceful nation in central Europe with multilateralism deeply in its DNA” will always support a world based on rules.