Human security

Human security – ensuring comprehensive security

Security challenges present a broad concept that encompasses many fields. Including those which, until recently, we had not even thought of. Collective and defence security are only two of them. Slovenia, as a member of the international community, is actively involved in the collective security system of the United Nations (UN). Our country is also a member of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO). Our inclusion in the NATO collective defence system is currently a reflection of the time in which we live, the kind of era which we thought had ended with the cessation of the Cold War, but it had not. We must also consider other aspects of security which, in addition to military and political ones, also include economic, humanitarian, environmental, health, social and technological dimensions.

Attention must be paid to cyber security, as digital advancement also brings numerous threats. The ageing population presents a risk as well, since we must be aware that we are a community and not a conglomeration of individuals. As a community, we must never forget about the culture of dialogue, the essential part of which is to draw attention to hate speech. The latter is not only problematic internationally, but in the local environment as well. Respectful discourse must again find its place in the public space and in politics. Respectful dialogue on the Internet must be a constant and a norm, whether between citizens, or between the public and those in power. My central guideline is thus the promotion of respectful dialogue in public discourse.

When striving for a safe society, we have discussion partners abroad as well. Dependence on other countries is not merely a vulnerability, it is also an opportunity. Many a problem cannot be resolved on our own. Not even poverty, as our prosperity depends on a dynamic economy. The fact is that we have to start with ourselves. We must be well aware of all the aspects of security that impact our lives. A person without dignity is a person in distress. A person in distress can be a danger to themselves and their surroundings. Not only all the subsystems, but the whole of society must strive for everyone to live in freedom and dignity, to freely enjoy our rights and develop our human potentials and, in doing so, we must also foster solidarity. Less solidarity means more threats.

More solidarity is a prerequisite for shared commitment to peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development directed towards the growth of people while coexisting with nature.