General Assembly: Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council - Informal meeting of the plenary, 80th session General Assembly Date: 20 February 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/asset/k11/k1103cwtnz?lang=en Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Co-Chair [0:17]: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I call to order the 4th informal meeting of the plenary on the question of equitable representation on and increase in in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council. We continue with the list of speakers remaining from our first meeting this morning. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia. Georgia [0:48]: Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, at the outset I would like to thank the co-chairs for their efforts and their leadership throughout this Throughout the past IGN sessions, Georgia has submitted and voiced its positions on Security Council reform, covering all 5 aspects. Let me reiterate that we support reform of the Security Council on equitable representation and enlargement. We encourage the increase of the— we encourage the expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, as this will increase the Council's legitimacy, authority, and credibility. Our priority is allocating additional seats to the Eastern European Group to ensure fair cross-regional representation and parity in the Security Council. We fully support the allocation of additional seats for the African Group in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the SEAT Declaration. At the same time, we stand for the allocation of seats for smaller states and Small Island Developing States across all regions. We must also mention that a meaningful reform should entail reform of the use of veto, the working methods and decision-making principles of the Security Council, as well as accountability before the General Assembly. In this regard, we welcome the progress made with the General Assembly resolution on the use of veto. Mr. Chair, on numerous occasions, the international community has experienced a detrimental effect of the abuse of veto right. We believe that the right of veto should be limited in cases where a member is directly involved in the conflict in question and therefore cannot objectively exercise its rights. In 2008, we faced Russia's aggression against Georgia, which highlighted the Security Council's inability to adequately address the aggression. Our position on the limitation of the veto power is clear. We fully support the political statement on the suspension of the veto in case of mass atrocities presented by Mexico and France, and the ACT Code of Conduct concerning the Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. In conclusion, let me once again express our readiness to further promote the IJM process. Thank you. Co-Chair [3:33]: I thank the distinguished representative of Georgia, and I give the floor to the distinguished Distinguished Representative of Cambodia. Cambodia [3:44]: Co-chairs, I highly appreciate co-chairs for the 2nd international negotiation for the continued discussion on this important area of focus. Our consultation today would center on our longstanding commitment to multilateralism sovereign equality and states, and the need for a Security Council that is more representative, more effective, and more trustworthy. The Council should evolve to reflect contemporary geographical realities, including the growing contribution of developing countries to peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and sustainable development. In this regard, Cambodia supports an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. A more balanced Council is essential to strengthening its legitimacy and its capacity to act on behalf of all member states. As we discuss the ways forward for establishing a third category, category of longer-term seats, Cambodia is of the view that such arrangements should uphold the principles of equitable representation, accountability, and rotation. Any new category must ensure that smaller and developing states retain meaningful opportunities to serve on the Council. On the question of fixed regional seats, Cambodia believes that regional representation can play a positive role in ensuring continuity and predictability, guaranteeing that the voices of small, medium-sized states are consistently heard in the maintenance of international peace. Co-chairs, Cambodia is committed to engaging with flexibility and openness to achieve a reform outcome in which— in which seeking inclusive member-state-driven negotiations to create a Security Council fit for all the challenges of our time. Thank you. Co-Chair [6:11]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia. Malaysia [6:20]: Co-chairs, thank you for convening this important meeting. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to constructively support this process. Allow me to start by highlighting the following points. First, we support expanding Security Council membership in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Such a reform would strengthen the Council's democratic character and inclusivity. It would also help ensure more adequate representation for today's 193 Member States, a significant increase from the membership size when the current structure was originally established and after the 1965 expansion. Second, in response to one of the guiding questions in the Concept Note, Malaysia sees merit in exploring the possibility of a third or hybrid category of membership. A semi-permanent category with a longer tenure than the current 2-year non-permanent seats, but without conferring permanent status, could offer greater continuity and accountability in the Council's work. Such an arrangement could enhance both representation and effectiveness while preserving flexibility through periodic review by the wider membership, including through election by the General Assembly. Third and finally, Malaysia underscores that efforts to expand the Council's membership would be undermined if the question of the veto remains unaddressed. Without meaningful consideration of this fundamental imbalance in the Council's decision-making structure, even a more inclusive membership may continue to face paralysis from the exercise or the threat of the veto. This is especially when non-permanent members' positions do not align with those of the veto-wielding permanent members. Malaysia therefore reiterates its call for reform of the veto with a view to its eventual abolition so that an expanded and more representative Council may discharge its responsibilities under the Charter more effectively. Co-chairs, institutions and structures that do not reflect current realities may lose their credibility, and the Security Council is not immune to this dynamic. It is therefore important that the Council reforms in a manner that responds to the current global needs and realities. Comprehensive reform of the Council should accordingly be advanced with urgency and Malaysia stands ready to engage constructively to help move this process forward. I thank you. Co-Chair [9:00]: I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia, and I give the floor to the United Kingdom. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [9:10]: Thank you, co-chairs, for convening this meeting, and thank you also for the continued opportunities for informal engagement as well. Challenges, and to command the confidence of the wider UN membership. As to how we achieve this, allow me to first reiterate the UK's longstanding position on categories of membership. The UK supports expansion of the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. This should include permanent African representation, as well as new permanent seats for India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil, alongside an expansion of the non-permanent category, taking the overall size of the Council to the mid-20s. In considering categories of membership, we recognize that different models have been proposed. The UK believes it is important to continue exploring how these approaches might be brought closer together, including through open and inclusive discussion of where there may be scope for convergence, while ensuring that any outcome strengthens the Council's legitimacy and effectiveness. These discussions should be guided by the principles set out in Article 23 of the UN Charter. Reform should deliver a Council that is more representative of the world it seeks to serve, while remaining responsive and effective, and benefiting from the perspectives and experience of a broader cross-section of the UN membership. In the same spirit of considering different categories and models, We also recognize the aspirations expressed by cross-regional groupings, including Small Island Developing States, and would welcome further discussion on how these perspectives can be reflected within existing and future membership arrangements, taking into account existing modalities for geographic representation and the need for balance. Co-chairs, the UK remains committed to Security Council reform and to making meaningful progress in this session of the General Assembly. We look forward to continued engagement with all delegations in the spirit of consensus-building. Thank you. Co-Chair [11:44]: I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom and I give the floor to Slovakia. Slovakia [11:55]: Co-chairs, thank you for giving me the floor and thank you for all your efforts so far in trying to accelerate further convergence in the context of United Nations Security Council reform. United Nations Pact for the Future, adopted in September 2024, aims to revitalize global governance with a major focus on reforming the United Nations Security Council. It pushes for a more democratic, equitable, and representative Council to better reflect 21st century realities. In light of this commitment and considering the contemporary challenges to the UN, we share the mounting sense of urgency to move forward on the matter of equitable representation and increase in membership of the Security Council. At the same time, we recognize that this is work in progress and we still have ways to go. Co-chairs, the equitable representation through the expansion of permanent and non-permanent seats is a key reform issue. Slovakia has long been advocating for prioritizing greater representation for historically underrepresented regions, especially Africa. Key decisions affecting peace and security must be made with proper African representation. We continue to support proposals to add African seats to the Security Council in both categories of membership. My delegation also maintains its backing for a model of expansion that includes new permanent members. We continue to support Brazil, Germany, India and Japan— the so-called G4 group— as candidates for new permanent seats on the Security Council. Co-chairs, let me conclude by saying that my delegation remains committed to the task of advancing fair multilateral reform. reforms. We will work with all Member States to find a way to meaningful UN Security Council reform that will properly reflect the views of all Member States and groups. Thank you. Co-Chair [13:38]: I thank the distinguished representative from Slovakia and I give the floor to Hungary. Hungary [13:46]: Distinguished Co-Chairs, Excellencies and colleagues, at the outset, as this is the first time that my country speaks during this year's IGN session, I would like to express Hungary's full support to the Co-Chairs' dedicated work and tireless effort in bringing this process forward. Hungary firmly believes that the membership of the UN's main decision-making body has to be adapted to reflect the political and economic realities of the 21st century. This is key to maintain the long-term legitimacy of the only UN organ that has the power to make legally binding decisions. Therefore, we support the extension of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. This process should be firmly grounded in the principle of equitable geographic representation. In this context, we advocate for the allocation of an additional non-permanent seat for the Eastern European Group, as this region remains underrepresented in the Council. The membership of the EAG has grown from 10 countries in 1964, when non-permanent membership was expanded to 10, to the current number of 23 Member States. We believe that this is a legitimate request which stands under any enlargement model. Moreover, we acknowledge and respect the legitimate aspirations of other states, regional and cross-regional groups. The reform should not be seen as a zero-sum exercise, but as a collective effort to enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council. Any outcome must carefully balance regional representation, inclusivity, and efficiency. Regarding new types of categories, including longer-term non-permanent membership or fixed regional seats, we remain open to examining all practical proposals and interim solutions that could bridge existing positions. Longer-term renewable seats or other intermediate arrangements may offer constructive avenues for compromise. Flexibility in the configuration of categories could help consensus while preserving institutional stability. To conclude, reforming the Security Council is both an institutional necessity and a crucial step towards preserving the credibility and strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations. Distinguished Co-Chairs, we look forward to your guidance throughout the process and assure you of Hungary's constructive participation. And I thank you. Co-Chair [16:03]: I thank the distinguished representative from Hungary. And I give the floor to Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste [16:10]: Co-chairs, distinguished delegates, Timor-Leste aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the L69 Group and wishes to intervene in its national capacity. It is clear that the Council's composition continues to reflect the realities of 1945, risk further eroding the confidence in its authority and decisions. Therefore, a comprehensive and genuine reform to enhance the Council's representativeness, legitimacy, and effectiveness is extremely important and timely. From Timor-Leste's perspective, equitable representation is not an abstract aspiration. It is a structural necessity. States of modest size and capacity depend on rules-based international order in which inclusivity is institutionalised, not incidental. We therefore would like to highlight the following points. First, we echo the call for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, ensuring fair geographical balance and giving due consideration to unrepresented and underrepresented regions of the Global South, particularly Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific. Second, as a Small Island Developing State, we underscore the importance of safeguarding avenues for smaller and vulnerable states to participate meaningfully in the Council's deliberations. Continued and predictable opportunities for Small Island Developing States to serve in non-permanent category remain essential, particularly as non-traditional threats increasingly shape their security. The nexus between climate change, resource scarcity, displacement is no longer theoretical. It is a lived reality for many of our countries. The Council's effectiveness is enhanced when it integrates perspectives shaped by climate vulnerability and development constraints. Co-chairs, we share the view that progress must now move beyond reiterating long-held positions. Advancing text-based negotiation is indispensable. A consolidated negotiating text that reflects areas of convergence and divergence would provide the necessary structure for genuine compromise. Without prejudging outcomes, establishing indicative timelines and phased milestones would demonstrate the collective seriousness of purpose. In closing, Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to working constructively with all partners toward meaningful, inclusive, and forward-looking reform. Thank you. Co-Chair [18:45]: I thank the distinguished representative from Timor-Leste, and I give the floor to Nauru. Nauru [18:54]: Co-chairs, Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Republic of Nauru. Nauru aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Saint Lucia on behalf of the L69 Group. Allow me to underscore Nauru's perspective as a Small Island Developing State. The United Nations Security Council is outdated. And exclusive. United Nations must reform its most powerful function to be fit for purpose. We therefore support expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership. A reform must be balanced to be comprehensive, fair, and credible. On permanent membership, the Asia-Pacific region, despite its varied demographics, economies, and geopolitical significance, it is underrepresented. Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean remain entirely excluded. Issues before the Security Council are not distant debates. Traditional security implications such as political tensions, economic instability, and environmental degradation are already being felt in our regions. It is critical for developing countries to also be allotted permanent category in the Council. On the non-permanent category, Nauru strongly supports its expansion for equitable representation. We strongly stress the importance for Small Island Developing States to have dedicated seats to ensure their challenging realities are reflected in the Council's decisive actions. Seats are on the front line of a non-traditional security threat— climate change. An inclusive Security Council will validate and strengthen its legitimacy, understanding, and effectiveness to emerging security challenges. After more than 2 decades of discussions, we must move forward toward text-based negotiations with clear timelines and milestones. A Security Council that reflects the diversity of the United Nations and principled on sovereign equality will better serve a small island state like Nauru. Nauru stands ready to work with member states to achieve a fit-for-purpose United Nations Security Council. I thank you. Co-Chair [21:15]: I thank the distinguished representative from Nauru, and I give the floor to Ethiopia. Ethiopia [21:27]: Thank you, co-chairs. At the outset, my delegation would like to thank you for your leadership in facilitating this very important intergovernmental process. Ethiopia aligns itself with the statement developed by Sierra Leone on behalf of the African Group, and my delegation fully subscribes to the common African position on UN Security Council reform. As an African country belonging to The African negotiating only to the African negotiating bloc. Ethiopia examines all models on the basis of the following two main parameters. First, we look at how the five key issues of the reform as provided under General Assembly decision 62/577 are addressed in the models. Second, Any model should, as a matter of priority, contain elements on how to fully address Africa's unique exclusion in the composition of the existing Security Council. It is to be recalled that in the existing composition, while all regions have at least one permanent seat and 3, or at times 4, rotating seats in the Council, Africa remains solely with a fixed 3 rotating seats. This non-representation is at the heart of the challenges Africa faces in the UN-based peace and security architecture. Therefore, we evaluate each model's merits in terms of its element addressing Africa's representation. Any model that proposes limiting expansion of the Security Council only to the non-permanent category of members based on longer tenure or rotating members seeks to maintain the status quo on the composition of the African Council— the composition of the Council in the permanent category. Any proposal that seeks to expand the Security Council only in the non-permanent category will not address the historic injustice done to Africa. Therefore, regarding the size of an enlarged Council, my delegation would like to reiterate the common African position as articulated in the Iza-Lwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, that expansion must include 2 permanent seats and 2 additional non-permanent seats for Africa, while the decision on the composition should be left to the continent. The position is inseparable from Africa's stance on the veto. While we continue to call for its abolition, in the event that veto is retained, all new permanent members, including the 2 African seats, must be vested with the same prerogative and privileges. The proposal on long-term membership The proposal to extend reelection seeks to address the concern of those states that consider the 2-year rotating membership period to be inadequate. However, it will not resolve either the representation deficit or the procedural challenge we have been addressing— discussing under the 5 elements of UN Security Council reform. The reform of the UN Security Council entails change in the Council in the permanent and rotating category. In conclusion, Ethiopia supports a reform that would ensure fair representation of all regions in the Security Council. This requires adequate representation in both categories of membership— permanent and non-permanent. I thank you. Co-Chair [25:27]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia, and I give the floor to Micronesia. Micronesia (Federated States of) [25:35]: Co-chairs, my delegation aligns with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Saint Lucia on behalf of the L69 group and would like to convey our strong support for the ongoing discussions surrounding Security Council reform. Co-chairs, my delegation is pleased to contribute its perspectives on categories of membership. It is our firm view that any reformed Council must be more representative, transparent, and accountable if it is to preserve its legitimacy and effectively respond to contemporary peace and security challenges. Thus, we would need an increase in both permanent and non-permanent membership in the Council. The current composition no longer reflects contemporary political, demographic, and economic realities. Developing countries comprise a large share of the United Nations membership and population, yet their presence on the Council, particularly in the permanent category, remains limited. Enhanced cross-regional representation is essential to ensure that all groups of states, including Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable countries, are better reflected in the Council's work. A dedicated and elected seat for SIDS must be part of the outcome. We also support a reform process that makes sure all member states, especially those most affected by the Council's decisions, are heard. This means not only expanding membership, but also making decision-making more open and inclusive so every region is fairly represented. Finally, my delegation reiterates that progress on regional and cross-regional representation should be captured in a more structured, text-based manner, in line with the convergences that have emerged over successive IGN cycles. Micronesia stands ready to engage constructively with all delegations to achieve a balanced, inclusive reform while reinforcing the Security Council's overall legitimacy and effectiveness. Thank you. Co-Chair [27:57]: I thank the distinguished representative of Micronesia, and I give the floor to the last speaker on the list, Nigeria. Nigeria [28:07]: Yes, thank you very much, co-chairs. Nigeria aligns with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia on behalf of L69, and the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Africa Group. We thank the co-chairs for convening this 2nd plenary to discuss the fundamental pillar of our reform efforts, the categories of membership. For Nigeria, the reform of the Security Council is not a mere bureaucratic exercise. It is a moral and political imperative to redress a historical injustice. Africa remains the only continent not represented in the permanent category, despite over 70% of the Council's work focusing on African peace and security. Nigeria's position on the categories of membership is resolute and consistent with the Ezulwini Consensus and soon-to-be-presented African Reform Model. We advocate for expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. We demand at least 2 permanent seats for Africa with all the prerogatives and privileges of current permanent members. Including the right of veto and an increase in non-permanent representation to 5 seats for the continent. Mr. Co-Chairs, we reject any intermediate or hybrid models that create a third class of membership. True reform requires the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories. Anything less is tantamount to a postponement or denial of justice, which is contrary to the purpose of this important process and the pursuit of justice for which the UN is firmly rooted. Regarding views on a third category of intermediate seats or long-term renewable seats without permanent status, Nigeria views such proposals with significant caution. While we appreciate the spirit of compromise, an interim solution must not become a permanent substitute for full representation. Any model that avoids the creation of new permanent seats fails to address the structural inequality At the heart of the UN Security Council. Africa will not be relegated to a second-class status through revolving or extended-term seats that deny the region the same decision-making privileges as the current permanent 5 members. Nigeria's position on fixed regional seats remains unambiguous. The African Union shall be responsible for the selection of African representatives to the Council. Whether seats are designated as regional or national, the authority to determine who represents the continent's interest must reside with the continent itself. We reject any criteria for selection that are imposed externally or that undermine the sovereign choices of the African group. We welcome the co-chairs' commitment to a consolidated model. However, Nigeria emphasizes that this model must be built on text-based foundation we have long advocated for. Nigeria calls for immediate commencement of text-based negotiations with clear milestones. We expect that tangible progress in this regard must commence immediately after the presentation of the African Reform Model. It is pertinent that the legitimacy of the United Nations depends on its ability to evolve. We seek a council that is not just larger but more democratic, transparent, and truly representative of the 21st century global reality. I thank you. Co-Chair [31:41]: I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria for his statement. We have heard the last speaker. I would like to thank all delegations for their contributions. Since the meeting will continue in closed format, the webcast will cease streaming. If you allow me a minute to ensure that that happens.