On April 15, 2024, Keio Center for Strategy(KCS) held the third Keio Open Forum titled “Women, Peace, and Security Agenda: Contribution to International Peace, Security and Stability – View from a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council”.

KCS had the honor of welcoming H.E.Ms. Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, delivered the keynote speech. 

In her speech, Ms. Fajon emphasized the need to expand women’s participation in promoting the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda from her position as a female foreign minister. Drawing from Slovenia’s experience, which transitioned from a devastating war during independence to its current role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, she discussed the importance of the rule of law and solidarity among nations for the stability and peace of small countries, with the EU integration in mind. 

The potential for cooperation between Japan and Slovenia, both non-permanent members of the Security Council with female foreign ministers, was also discussed.

During the subsequent Q&A session, discussions were lively, touching upon topics such as the responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by the EU and NATO, as well as the involvement of women in various fields beyond politics related to WPS. Ms. Fajon’s own experiences also enriched the exchange of opinions.

（Photos provided by Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Japan）