Slovakia will serve as a member of the Executive Board of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) for the next four years and will also be represented on the bureau of the board until 2026. This was announced by the Communication Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA) of the Slovak Republic.
According to Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD), this membership strengthens Slovakia's position within the UN. “The UN-Habitat Executive Board, in which Slovakia will be represented for the next four years, is the highest decision-making body of the program. Election to this prestigious position confirms that Slovakia is a respected partner in the field of sustainable urban development and housing,” Blanár stated, adding that Slovak diplomacy will now have a stronger voice in global discussions.
The MFEA emphasized that active participation in the program supports Slovakia’s ambition to be a visible and trustworthy partner. “At a time when dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect among countries are absolutely crucial for addressing global challenges, we are consistently reaffirming our long-standing commitment to multilateralism and active participation in the UN system,” Blanár added. He also highlighted the role of Slovak diplomat Michal Mlynár, who serves as UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat.
The UN-Habitat program was established in 1978 and focuses on sustainable urban development, housing, infrastructure, and the environment. Slovakia has previously played an active role in the program, including chairing the Governing Council (2015–2017), serving on the bureau of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (2022–2023), and initiating the Group of Friends for Sustainable Urbanization in New York. Slovakia was elected to the Executive Board and its bureau at a session held in Nairobi at the end of May this year.
Source: TASR
