Reykjavík 40 years on: Dialogue and courageous leadership are essential for peace and security
At the invitation of the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, attended the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Reykjavík Summit. The events highlighted the importance of dialogue in resolving international disputes, efforts towards nuclear disarmament, and the responsibility of political leaders to shape a safer and more just future. Participants also exchanged views on current security challenges, the protection of human rights, and the impact of technological development on society and future generations.
Publish date Reykjavík,
The Reykjavík Summit, held on 11 and 12 October 1986, brought together United States President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and marked a significant milestone in relations between the two superpowers and efforts to reduce nuclear arsenals. Although the two leaders did not reach a final agreement, their negotiations laid the foundations for further progress. In 1987, the two countries signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, under which thousands of missiles that had posed a direct threat to Europe were destroyed.
Forty years later, the summit remains an important reminder that dialogue and a willingness to seek common solutions can lead to progress even in times of profound mistrust. The historical experience of Reykjavík confirms that long-term security cannot be ensured solely by strengthening military capabilities, but also requires diplomacy, trust and a willingness to reach agreements that reduce the risk of conflict.
On Sunday, the President of Slovenia attended the Leadership Circle meeting hosted by Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir. The meeting took place at the historic Höfði House, where Reagan and Gorbachev met four decades ago. In an informal discussion, international representatives from diverse backgrounds exchanged views and explored practical ideas for overcoming divisions and strengthening cooperation amid growing international instability.
The central event on Monday was the Imagine Forum and the discussion entitled “Leadership, humanity and hope in a divided world.” Alongside President Pirc Musar, the speakers included Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir and Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The discussion was moderated by Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor.
During the discussion, the speakers emphasised the importance of courageous and responsible leadership that goes beyond responding to individual crises and actively helps shape a vision for a better future. At a time of escalating wars, growing geopolitical tensions and increasing societal polarisation, it is essential to preserve space for dialogue, strengthen trust and seek pathways towards common solutions.
In this spirit, President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar, President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir, and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson signed the important statement “A call for responsible leadership in turbulent times”. The statement underscores the importance of responsible, principled and forward-looking leadership in an era of global challenges, as well as the need to strengthen leaders’ accountability, cooperation and collective action in addressing the challenges facing the world today.
The speakers also devoted particular attention to the rapid development of artificial intelligence, its impact on democratic institutions and human rights, and the responsibility to ensure that technological progress remains at the service of humanity. They further highlighted the importance of intergenerational responsibility and involving young people in shaping decisions that will affect their future.
