As part of the partnership between the Bled Strategic Forum and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, I was selected to attend the Young Bled Strategic Forum (YBSF) as one of 42 participants. This three-day conference took place in early September in the picturesque town of Bled in Slovenia. The convening brought together individuals from a wide range of countries including Guatemala, Montenegro, Zimbabwe, Russia and Brazil. YBSF is a unique gathering for young leaders and change-makers from across the globe to exchange ideas and network. It aims to build bridges across geographic, socio-economic and political divides. The forum’s theme, Restoring Common Ground, bears a notable resemblance to the theme of the 22nd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture – Realising Our Shared Humanity.
Following the Young Bled Strategic Forum, the Bled Strategic Forum took place, a global platform aimed at facilitating the exchange of strategic ideas and solutions for contemporary global challenges. Both forums are initiatives of the Republic of Slovenia, organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Centre for European Perspective.
The forums unfolded against the backdrop of a world in turmoil, where the injustices in one region have tangible and often devastating consequences on the peace and freedoms of others. For example, the violence and deaths in Palestine have spilled into Lebanon and Iran, highlighting how regional conflicts threaten global stability. When superpowers and their allies act with impunity, the world risks descending into an age of destruction and immorality. The socio-economic and political advances made after the World Wars now appear to be unravelling. With 55 active armed conflicts worldwide, including Israel’s genocide in Palestine and humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the world is experiencing more wars simultaneously than at any point since World War II. This alarming trend necessitates us to critically reflect on the failures of the international community and its structures.
While states call for ceasefires in the face of Israel’s genocidal actions, the same states — like the USA, UK, Germany, Denmark and France — continue to fund Israel’s military, supply arms, and protect its colonial project. The same actors, particularly in the Security Council, have wielded veto power to perpetuate Israel’s impunity, implicating them in the ongoing violence. What was once intended to be a collective of world leaders prioritising humanity above their self-interest has now become compromised.
Visiting Slovenia at this particular moment was meaningful as it reminded me of the possibilities that exist when small states do not rely on the actions of richer and more powerful countries to determine the path toward liberation and prosperity. Despite its small size, Slovenia has emerged as a moral leader, much like Barbados has in the fight for climate justice. Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley has consistently called on wealthier nations to provide financial assistance to help small and developing countries address the impacts of climate change, especially insofar as climate change has been driven by European industrialisation.
On May 30th, the Slovenian government recognised Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, citing a moral duty to do so. Around the same time, the Palestinian flag was raised alongside the flags of Slovenia and the European Union in front of a government building. While this action is not solely about pro-Palestinian advocacy, it reflects Slovenia’s broader commitment to peace and justice, extending to other global conflicts, including those in Ukraine and Sudan. Slovenia’s leadership should inspire us to not be silent in the face of unfolding atrocities as this threatens the very fabric of global justice - not just for one region, but for all humanity, now and in the future.
On September 1st, Slovenia assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 term. Slovenian President, Nataša Pirc Musar, has stated that the UN was created to maintain global peace but, with so many conflicts and enduring wars, it has become clear that the UN is ‘no longer operative’.
In an interview with Al Jazeera on August 15th, President Musar expressed concern over the misuse of veto power by certain states, which has failed to contribute to a peaceful and secure world for all. In her opening address at the Bled Strategic Forum, she spoke of the moral responsibility to act against what she described as a time when "humanity is dying right before our eyes." Slovenia aims to advocate for reform during its presidency, particularly by including African states and revisiting the use of veto power.
Slovenia may be small geographically and economically, but it has taken up the mantle to push for reform and justice in a world where many larger states prioritise self-interest. The recognition of our differences should not cause us to swerve from pursuing justice. While global superpowers still wield significant power and influence, the efforts of smaller nations like Slovenia, alongside actions such as South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ, signal the potential for change. These actions show that power exists outside of the traditional hegemonies and can be harnessed to alter the dangerous trajectory the world is currently on.