General Assembly: 44th plenary meeting, 80th session

Good morning. The 44th plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will consider agenda item 122, entitled "Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council." I will now make a statement as the President of the General Assembly. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, If there is any year in which we must build on the momentum of past sessions with renewed urgency, it is this one. Not only does this 80th session mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, It also marks the first anniversary of the Pact for the Future, which was adopted by the General Assembly by consensus during the 79th session. And it comes at a time when our Organization is undertaking a process of renewal to better meet today's challenges, including through the UN80 initiative. As I have said repeatedly, this 80th anniversary is not only a moment for celebration. It is a moment of reflection, action and leadership to make this organization, our United Nations, fit for the 21st century. The membership has been clear about its different priorities in this regard. During High-Level Week, over 100 world leaders specifically referred to the need for Security Council reform, among other reform steps. In doing so, their calls complemented the vision set out in the Pact for the Future, which reiterates the urgent need to make the Council more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable. This included calls to enlarge the Security Council so that it is more representative of the current United Nations membership and reflective of the realities of the 21st century. In line with the Pact's call to accelerate progress on Security Council reform, I appointed two co-chairs early in the session to advance efforts in this priority track. I thank Her Excellency Lize Grigore van Haren, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and His Excellency Tarek Al-Banai, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait, for their leadership and commitment as Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform. And I encourage them, after 17 years of reform discussions, to use the momentum to explore and take the next steps, not only in the light of the calls of the head of state and government during high-level week, but also in light of the discussions I've had with you in the last weeks and months, as many approached me in this matter. Excellencies, as the member states are those in whose hands the reform process lies, And I would like to reiterate the call in the Pact for the Future, which encouraged delegations to submit further models of the Security Council reform, as well as to review and refine existing proposals. The goal must be to develop a consolidated model that builds upon convergences across the five clusters, relating to, first, the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly; Second, size of an enlarged Security Council and the working methods of the Council. Third, categories of membership. Fourth, the question of the veto. And fifth, regional representation. We need to ask, are there areas in which these clusters, where groups could offer greater clarity or demonstrate flexibility to move discussion forward and find common ground? This is also the moment today to discuss these different questions. And this moment, with the 80th anniversary, the UN initiative and quite strong headwinds, is the moment when the world looks to the United Nations to renew faith in multilateralism. We must show that progress is possible. The Security Council, as one of the most important and most well-known organs, cannot be left out of this reform process. especially as it too often finds itself paralyzed. This lends to the misconception that the UN as a whole is unable to respond to today's challenges. As we advance a broader UN reform process, ensuring that the Council overcomes its blockages and better reflects today's membership is one of the most critical parts of the reform, as many member states have underlined. Yet, we know we are not living in a world where change can happen in a matter of days. And it will be difficult to achieve during the 80th session what hasn't been agreed in the last 17 years, especially as the lines of divisions feel deeper than ever before. Nonetheless, making steady and real progress is important. particularly as there exists broad agreement among Member States on the importance of this process and on the principles that guide it, as reflected in the Pact for the Future. To not make progress, to miss the opportunity afforded by the UN80 initiative and the Security Council reform, would be to jeopardize the credibility of the United Nations as such. demands not only persistence but creativity, not only conviction but compromise. Let this 80th session be remembered as a moment when we moved forward from reflection to resolve, from promises to action, and from discussions to tangible progress, to show that we are also, in this regard, indeed better together. I thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil on behalf of the Group of Four.

Madam President, I deliver this statement on behalf of the G4, Germany, India, Japan, and my own country, Brazil. Within and outside the United Nations, the widespread assessment is that the organization has not delivered as it should have that it is ineffective and that it faces major challenges. It is indeed true that several parts of the system across the three main pillars have not met the legitimate expectations of our citizens and governments. It is also true that much of the negative assessment of the UN stems from the repeated failure of the Security Council to effectively discharge its primary responsibility under the Charter. maintaining international peace and security. Reforming this principal body of the UN will go a long way in making the UN fit for purpose and in changing the public perception of its utility and effectiveness. It also means demonstrating that multilateralism works, which should be our biggest collective priority. It is precisely to undertake such a historic task that we absolutely and urgently need a more representative, legitimate, credible and effective Security Council. That is why we repeat yet again that reform is not an option but an imperative. That is why we reiterate our call for Member States to agree on the only reform that will truly address a key root cause of failure in the Council: the expansion in both categories. There is no other way to make the organ reflective of today's geopolitical realities and ensure adequate representation of Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. In order to achieve this, we must stop talking about talking and start negotiating. We welcome the discussions on the revised Liechtenstein model and the CARICOM model during the last IGN session. We hope that the African Group will follow suit at the earliest opportunity. Madam President, the G4 welcomes the appointment of the new IGN co-chairs and looks forward to working closely with them to achieve concrete progress. As we prepare to initiate another IGN cycle, we must no longer allow decades-long virtual immobility. We must move forward. The available vehicle is clear, a consolidated model which properly and succinctly reflects key elements of the models presented by Member States and groups and actual convergences on the five clusters in accordance with the overwhelming views and sentiments of the majority of Member States. The consolidated model must pave the way for early start of text-based negotiations. As in any United Nations process, the bridging of divisive positions requires a text on the basis of which we conduct negotiations with specified timelines and milestones. This is what is needed now to move beyond the unproductive repetition of positions of different groups and Member States. We kindly call upon the new Co-Chairs to help us deliver on this mandate during this IGN session. Madam President, it is our hope that the opportunity provided by the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations will serve as a catalyst to address the anachronistic structure of the Security Council. As the G4 noted in the beginning, the consequences of continued failure to deliver progress in the IGN extend well beyond the Council itself. As trust in the United Nations is being shaken and the international order anchored in international law and the UN Charter faces unprecedented strain, reform is needed not only to strengthen this organization as a whole, but also to reinforce the entire multilateral system upon which it is founded and sustained. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy on behalf of the Uniting for Consensus Group.

Madam President, on behalf of the Pro-Reform and Cross-Regional Group United for Consensus, I wish to express our appreciation for convening this debate. We would like to thank you for appointing two highly qualified and capable co-chairs for the intergovernmental negotiation process. Ambassador Tarek Al-Banai, Permanent Representative of Kuwait, and Ambassador Liesel Gregoire van Haren, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. UFC looks forward to engaging with them constructively, building on the momentum generated during the past cycles of the AGN, in a spirit of openness and a shared commitment to progress. The Group expresses its full support to the Co-Chairs and trusts that their leadership will continue to guide the process in an impartial and balanced manner. We affirm that IGN remains the sole legitimate and inclusive forum to advance discussions on Security Council reform. Madam President, our collective objective must be to pursue a reform that makes the Security Council truly representative, democratic, accountable, transparent, effective, and responsive to evolving global challenges, while addressing its existing imbalances rather than perpetuating or worsening them. We need a reform for all, not for a few, one that serves the interests of all Member States and strengthens the Organization for the challenges of the future. We look forward to continuing to build on the existing convergences to reach an agreement on a comprehensive proposal that will garner the widest possible political acceptance by Member States, as stated in the Decision 62/557. In this context, The Co-chairs have a key role in fostering a productive, Member State-driven dialogue in the IGN. The last session of the IGN not only allowed for constructive discussions on the five interlinked clusters of the reform, but also contributed to deepening the debate on concrete model proposals. Now is the time to further build on convergences and work towards bridging the remaining divergences. There are no shortcuts in this process. The advantages of open, frank and pragmatic discussions and consensus building within the IGC are also highlighted by the fact that some of the proposals put forward by UFC, such as the rotating seat reserved for SIDS, have been taken into consideration by a broader grouping of Member States and negotiations groups. Let me recall that over the years, UFC has listened carefully to other positions and has even adapted its initial proposal for reform. demonstrating flexibility and capacity to evolve. Therefore, we strongly encourage interested member states and negotiating groups to present their own reform models and to continue to actively and constructively engage with this process. The more voices, proposals and commitments heard, the broader, more beneficial and more democratic the process will be, ultimately leading to a UNSC that is able to deliver on its primary mandate to maintain international peace and security and is fit to respond to global challenges and crises of today and the future. Madam President, the UFC model is a realistic proposal that focuses on enhancing the Council's representation. We propose to add more elected non-permanent seats and to create longer-term re-electable seats to ensure accountability to the wider membership. Allow me to emphasize that adding elected non-permanent members has not faced any objection. To date, 59 member states have never served on the Security Council. Our proposal would allow more member states to have the opportunity to serve on the Council. On the other hand, the establishment of new permanent seats would not only block greater representation in the future, but would go against the principle of sovereign equality of all Member States. In this spirit, we are fully cognizant of the need to redress the historical injustice against Africa. Thus, we recognize the imperative need to strengthen the presence in the Council of the African continent, as well as other underrepresented regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean. and we remain committed to finding a practical solution that takes into account their aspirations. Furthermore, the General Assembly recently agreed to continue discussions on the issues of representation across regional groups, taking into account that small island developing states, Arab states and others, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have been mentioned in IGC discussions. We oppose the creation of new permanent seats since we firmly believe that new elected seats are the best way to ensure that the Security Council is more representative of and more accountable to the broader UN membership. Let us be realistic. How could any enlargement of the Security Council with more permanent members and more vetoes ever effectively discharge its functions? In this context, it's equally fundamental to address the use and abuse of the veto that is preventing the Council from effectively fulfilling its vital mandate and of maintaining international peace and security. While advocating for the suppression of the veto, we should act together in the immediate term to move towards its limitation in specific circumstances, such as in cases of mass atrocities and war crimes. Finally, at a time when the United Nations faces mounting challenges and increased efficiency has become an urgent necessity, UFC believes that any proposal should truly examine the Security Council working methods for it to be a truly comprehensive reform. In particular, the Security Council and the General Assembly must complement and reinforce each other's mandates. We also advocate for closer cooperation with the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as more consistent engagement with multilateral and regional partners, such as the African Union's Peace and Security Council. In conclusion, UFC is committed to continue to work collaboratively with you, Madam President, and the co-chairs of the AGN, the other member states, and negotiating groups. and to advocate for a reform for all, reflective of the shared aspiration for a Security Council that truly serves the global community. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations.

Thank you very much, Madam President. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is honored to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, Madam. President 80 years after the inception of the United Nations, this organization continues to act under the umbrella of a Security Council which is in line with the realities of 1945. There can be no doubt that these realities are not the same of the 21st century. This situation is unsustainable and must be effectively resolved so that the Security Council can be broader, more representative, more efficient and transparent. And thus, that will further increase its effectiveness and legitimacy and ensure its decisions can be better enforced, we staunchly support the expansion of the Security Council to include developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America. At the same time, the reform should not lead to an increase in the representation of a regional group which is already over-represented. Nowhere is this reality more patently clear than in Africa. For too long, Africa has been, as is well known to you all, the main arena of the Council's work. However, it continues to be the least represented region among the Council's members. This is a historical injustice which must be remedied as a matter of priority. It must be dealt with as a special case. Our group remains united in its conviction that Africa deserves to take up its rightful place at the very core of the organ to which the United Nations Charter entrusts the responsibility to maintain international peace and security. In this regard, we unreservedly acknowledge the legitimate aspirations of the African continent, and in that regard, we recall the Ezulwini Consensus and the Cirt Declaration. This demand is not a mere issue of representation. It is a matter of equity and historical justice. And it's fully appropriate to increase Africa's representation if we wish to see the emergence of a multipolar world such as that we are beginning to see. President, the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations wishes to underscore that Africa accounts for more than a quarter of UN members. Approximately 70% of the matters which fall within the Security Council's remit remain African issues. Consequently, it is both just and necessary to ensure that the continent play a greater, more equitable and more meaningful role in the decisions that affect it most directly, including in the sphere of peace and security. This is particularly important if we really believe in the central premise that is African solutions for African problems. With this in mind, we appeal for the further democratization of the pen holder system. This in order to guarantee the effectiveness and the equitable distribution of the Security Council's workload. The Security Council's credibility rests on its ability to reflect the world as it stands today. Ours is a multipolar world marked by interdependence and interconnection, diversity and the sovereign equality between nations. Genuine, authentic reform must guarantee that all regions of the world, particularly the Global South, have a voice and a vote in the governance of global peace and security. At the same time, we should tackle the issue of over-representation, with a view to striking a balance between size and effectiveness, to guarantee that the Security Council is able to effectively function following any expansion. With this in mind, it is of pivotal importance that the Security Council remain effective and receptive, given its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with the Charter. We reaffirm that any Security Council reform must be the result of inclusive and transparent intergovernmental negotiations. These negotiations must be championed by Member States in accordance with General Assembly decision 62/557, any attempt to impose artificial deadlines or to reduce the process to only limited groups of member states is counterproductive and runs the risks of widening existing divisions on this matter. Consequently, we insist on the need to achieve a broad agreement between member states. one which broaches the five clusters outlined in decision 62/557 of the General Assembly. At the same time, we would like to state that Security Council reform is an issue that should unite us, not divide us, because this very intergovernmental process and its envisaged result aim not only to correct the imbalances inherited from the colonial era, but also to strengthen multilateralism at a time when it is subject to sustained attack. President, allow us to conclude by emphasizing the fact that we endorse the world's appeal to forge ahead with Security Council reform. It is time to correct the historic injustice done to Africa. It is time to ensure that the voice of the Global South can ring out louder. And it is time to ensure that together we can build a multilateral system which is more balanced and inclusive, one in which we can continue to current and succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic countries.

Madam President, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland. We thank the President for her messages this morning on the importance of this process and the timely appointment of the co-chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations. Allow me to extend our sincere gratitude to Ambassador Albani for again taking on the important role of co-chair of the IGN. your wisdom and institutional memory guiding this process, the fourth session in a row, is very valuable. We also warmly welcome Ambassador Gregoire van Haren to this important task and wish the coaches all the best. The 80th session of the General Assembly will no doubt be a year of reforms, and Security Council reform must be part of these efforts. We need a consolidated model and to move to text-based negotiations. The Council must be better equipped to act and to fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace and security. We need a Council which reflects the diverse world of today and can address the needs and concerns of people from all regions of the world. The Nordic countries continue to advocate for a more representative, effective, transparent and accountable Security Council. We support the expansion of a reformed Council with both more non-permanent and permanent members. That includes, as reflected in the Pact for the Future, redressing the historical injustice done to the African continent through better representation for African countries in both categories. Reform of the Council is vital to improve representation and legitimacy. This will also necessitate further reform of the Council's working methods for an increased membership. In the meantime, we must review and improve its methods of work, ensuring an effective and accountable Council. Vetoes continue to be cast in the Security Council despite urgent need for action. Too often, the Council is prevented from action by the use or the threat of the veto. The Nordic countries continue to support the ongoing initiatives to limit the scope of the veto. We must consider the possible negative impacts of the veto on the current as well as on a future enlarged Security Council and on the United Nations as a whole. Reforms must ensure that vetoes are in line with the broader principles of the Charter. It is unacceptable that countries violating the UN Charter use their veto to continue violations unchecked. A veto should never be used to paralyze Council action on critical matters or shield acts of aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. President, the Nordics firmly support strengthening the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly, and strengthening the Assembly's own role in matters of international peace and security. We deeply regret that language was removed from the IGN rollover decision last year, recognizing the central role of the GA in the IGN process and reiterating commitment of our heads of state and government to strengthen efforts in the framework of the IGN as a priority and without delay. President, Co-Chairs, We urge that a clear timeline for the IGM process be prepared in order for a consolidated model to be presented by the Chairs and for text-based negotiations to be initiated. The Nordic countries support your leadership in this process and stand ready to contribute constructively. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iceland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on behalf of the ALDE 69 group.

Good morning, Madam President, Excellencies. Thank you for convening this meeting. It is my honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the L69, a diverse, pro-reform group of developing countries, in favor of justice, sovereignty, and equity in the reform of the Security Council, both in process and in outcome. We welcome the timely appointment of the IGN co-chairs and look forward to the able leadership of this process under Ambassador Tarek Alwani, PR of Kuwait, and Ambassador Lies Greghois van Aarnen, PR of the Netherlands. The 80th anniversary year of the UN provides a historic window of opportunity for true reform of the Security Council. and the L69 is hopeful that this can be a more meaningful IGN session for us all. The ministerial statement of the group adopted in our meeting in this year's UNGA High-Level Week highlighted the critical need at this time for an enhanced representation of underrepresented and unrepresented regions as both a moral and political imperative in order to improve the legitimacy, credibility, and efficacy of the Security Council. Developing countries, in particular from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, need to be meaningfully represented in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. The high-level representatives at our meeting noted that global realities have outgrown the current structure of the Security Council, and they called for an urgent push to give equal voice and participation to the global south, which for a long time has constituted the vast majority of the UN membership. Madam President, in light of this, allow me to highlight three points for particular consideration. First, we underscore the need for the management of the IGN process to be transparent, inclusive, and faithful to the majority position of the membership. It is noted, for example, that concerns have been expressed about the lack of explicit references in outcome documents to the support for expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. which remains the robust majority position on record of the membership. We hope to have this redressed in this session. Second, the L69 group looks forward in this session to building on the recent discussions and in-depth engagement we have had on models. We wish to recall that the mandate adopted by our leaders in September 2025 specifies the need to intensify efforts to find agreement on the question of categories of membership. It is important, therefore, to take the next step forward on the development of a consolidated model that, one, fully and accurately captures positions of member states in a structured manner, and, two, in no way constitutes a subjective assessment or an untimely effort to propose models that have not been presented by delegations. There can be full use of the calendar to ensure that this is addressed in an inclusive and Member State-led manner, and we also hope to welcome the African presentation of their model this session. Third, we cannot afford further delayed action at this crucial juncture, as it will have serious consequences on a system that has already been in a freefall of trust. It is clear that the IGN requires a substantive textual basis on which to base discussions, or we risk sinking back into an unproductive cycle of restating positions and retreading the same ground. Neither the membership nor our citizens can continue to accept the use of scarce resources for these meetings without a clear roadmap for moving forward. We therefore reiterate our long-standing position regarding the working methods of the IGN and underscore the need for a single text that allows us to orient discussions to narrowing the gaps between positions and commence real negotiations, as is the case in all other UN processes. Madam President, we must also highlight a point of crucial significance in the continued support of the L69 for the common African position as enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sertey Declaration. It is notable that many member states have signaled support for addressing the historical injustice done to Africa. We wish to stress that by Africa's own standard, this demands not only additional seats for Africa, but also full and equal rights for African member states in any new configuration at all levels of the categories of membership in the Security Council. This injustice cannot be corrected in any other way. If one supports redressing the historical injustice against Africa, you must necessarily support the expansion in both categories. Finally, Madam President, I take the opportunity to highlight yet again that decision 6255/557 is what forms the basis of this undertaking. The parameters laid out in that decision clearly set the standard as the widest possible political acceptance. and explicitly describes this process as a member state-driven one that must be open, inclusive, and transparent. There is no basis for a forced consensus or for this process to be held hostage in the pursuit of consensus. It is important to recall that the only previous reform of the Council was voted on. Of the P5 members, only one voted in favor at the time, with two abstaining and two voting against. Nevertheless, in the end, these P5 members were among the first to ratify. We must therefore not place impediments on this process in search of a mythical consensus that is to be achieved even before we have a text to anchor our discussions. What is necessary for our work is political will and us to take part in a results-oriented dialogue. The L69 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the goal of comprehensively reforming the Security Council. A Council that embodies the principles of equity, inclusivity, and accountability will not only serve the interests of developing countries, but will strengthen the entire multilateral system. We look forward to your leadership and the efforts of the new co-chairs in incorporating the elements we have outlined as they deliver on the mandate for the IGN. We also urge all delegations to take a constructive approach to advance a meaningful outcome in the 80th session. You can count on the L69 support as we aim to transform these discussions into concrete progress. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain on behalf of the Arab Group.

President, I have the honor of making this statement on behalf of the Arab Group. First of all, I'd like to express the support of our group to your efforts to lead the work of the current session of the General Assembly under this agenda item in particular. This item is of great and growing importance to Member States, especially the Arab Group. We commend the efforts made during the previous session. I commend Ambassador Tarek Al-Banai, Permanent Representative of Kuwait, who resumed his functions during this session, and we also congratulate Ambassador Liesje Kooij-Van Heren of the Netherlands, and we wish them every success in their work in Security Council reform and to serve the common interests of all Member States. Madam President, the world is undergoing fundamental change as well as rising political tensions. That is why we must strengthen the UN's capacity to protect international peace and security as laid out by the UN Charter. We must also intensify our efforts in the intergovernmental negotiations on UN reform. That is a priority that can no longer wait. Our group reaffirms that intergovernmental negotiations remain the only venue for arriving at an agreement on an enlargement and reform of the Security Council in accordance with decision 62/557 of the General Assembly, adopted by consensus. This decision established the basis for negotiations. We reiterate as well that the five thematic clusters are interlinked. They contain common elements, and that is why they must be addressed as a single whole in order to arrive at true Security Council reform. The position of the member states of the Arab Group on Security Council reform is as follows. There must be greater representation of Arab states among the permanent members if the Council is expanded. There ought to be proportional Arab representation among the non-permanent members as well in an enlarged Council. Madam President, we are facing various obstacles to reform of the Council, including the veto. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases in which the veto was used, issues concerning the Arab region were involved. In addition, the ultimate goal of reform, expansion of the Council, is to ensure equitable representation of all of the groups, the geographic and regional groups. in an expanded Council. Therefore, we reiterate that our group, in light of its political and cultural specificities, and as a group, therefore, deserves permanent representation in an expanded Council, because our Arab group represents more than 450 million people, including 22 member states, or 12 percent of the UN's member states. In addition, the majority of the work of the Council concerns the Arab region. This demonstrates clearly that we must reform the Council. We must guarantee representation of Arab states because The Council's resolutions have an impact on our region, on the peace and security of our region. Therefore, we must allow the Arab group to have representation within the Security Council, especially because a large portion of the resolutions concern the peace and security of our region and the world as a whole. We believe that The development of methods of work of the Council and its relations with the General Assembly is a major issue. We must ensure effectiveness and transparency in the work of the Council. We must also hold more public sessions open to all members. as well as informal negotiations. Our countries must take part in meetings that concern us. We reaffirm the importance of cohesion between member states. We must avoid imposing solutions that are not consensus-based. We must not be hasty in adopting timeframes which could hinder real comprehensive solutions to reform the Council. We must take into account the proposals that have been made in the course of decision 62/557 and maintain the concept of ownership by Member States of the I.G.N. The Arab group commends the efforts made to determine common points between the positions and proposals, and identifying as well points of disagreement that require further negotiation. These efforts have allowed us to determine what points of convergence exist between the various countries and groups. We must therefore continue these efforts toward negotiation in order to find common ground which will allow us to arrive at real, comprehensive reform so long awaited for the Security Council. In closing, we will spare no effort to take active and positive part in the new round of intergovernmental negotiations. We are open And we have cooperated and negotiated with all groups to arrive at real reform in the framework of transparency. Thank you.

I thank the senior representative of Bahrain. I now give the floor to the senior representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the African group.

Madam President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Union Member States. We sincerely appreciate your convening of today's general debate on this critical agenda item. Once again, let me commend you, Madam President, for your efforts since your election to lead our work during the 80th session of the General Assembly. You can be assured of Africa's full support in advancing meaningful progress on this crucial issue and in achieving consensus on Security Council reform. The African Group welcomes the appointment of His Excellency Mr. Tayeb Al-Bainai, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait, and the appointment of Her Excellency Ms. Lies Greger van Haren, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as co-chairs of the intergovernmental negotiation during the 88th session. We believe the leadership shown by the co-chairs in the last sessions played a key role in moving the reform process forward. We warmly congratulate both the appointed and newly appointed co-chairs and assure them of Africa's continued support as they guide the IGM process. Madam President, Africa continues to prioritize and firmly uphold its commitment to the urgent and comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, especially the Security Council. This reform is essential to preserve the integrity, principles, and objectives of the UN Charter and to foster a more equitable world rooted in universalism, fairness, and regional balance. We affirm the principles set out in the Pact for the Future, in particular paragraph 39, adopted by our leaders during the high-level week of the 79th session. Africa remains deeply encouraged by the widespread support for the common African position and is heartened by the expressions of support during the high-level week of ONGA 80. In this regard, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Coordinator of the African Union Committee of 10 Heads of State and Government on United Nations Security Council reform, has consistently stressed that this political support must now be transformed into concrete action. Africa has long suffered an historical injustice that must be addressed. Leaders from across the membership have called for Africa to be recognized as a special case in the reform process and a priority. Africa's continued exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council is a stain on the past and present that must be removed. It is time for action, fairness, and justice. Madam President, after 20 years of African unity, the common African position as espoused in the Eswatini Consensus and Set Declaration, we underscore the significance of the seventh summit of C10 Heads of State and Government convened during the 80th session of the General Assembly High Level Week on 21st September 2025. The strong participation of Heads of State, high level officials and stakeholders reflected a sheer commitment to advancing Security Council reform. The summit provided a unique opportunity for frank exchanges on the urgent need to address the historical injustice done to Africa between the C-10, permanent members of the Security Council, regional and interest groups engaged in the IGN process. The summit also highlighted the breadth of support for Africa's legitimate demands, including recognition of Africa as a special case and priority in the reform process. The common African position on Security Council reform is well known to this Assembly. Africa's position is clear and remains unchanged. We demand no less than two permanent seats in the Security Council, with all the rights and privileges of current permanent members, including the veto, if it is maintained, and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa. This is not merely a question of proportional representation. It is about correcting a structural and historical injustice. Ensuring that Africa has an equal voice in decision-making on international peace and security, particularly on matters directly affecting the continent, is essential for genuine global stability. In this regard, the African Group appreciates the historical joint statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan on behalf of the 10 elected members of the Security Council, at the open debate on the implementation of Note 507 on working methods on 14th November 2025. The E10, bringing together all regions and reflecting the overwhelming main groups participating in the IGN process, underscored that in light of the growing urgency to enhance the Council's effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security, There is an urgent need for comprehensive reform of the Security Council through the IGAN process mandated by the General Assembly and reaffirmed in the Pact of the Future. The ETAN call for a Council that is more effective, efficient, representative, inclusive, transparent, accountable and democratic, and historically affirmed the need to redress as a priority the historical injustice against Africa by treating Africa as a special case in the reform process. This is now in the official records of the Security Council, and it adds to the equally historic debate held in August last year during Sierra Leone's presidency on addressing the historical injustice and enhancing Africa's effective representation on the United Nations Security Council. These important steps further build on the commitment in the Pact for the Future to address the historical injustice against Africa and the current iteration of the Co-Chairs' revised element paper, which recalls the growing recognition by Member States of Africa's legitimate aspiration to play a more prominent role on the global stage, including through an enhanced presence in the Security Council, consistent with the Azuwini Consensus and the Declaration. These developments significantly strengthen the credibility and practical viability of the Common African Position. Africa believes that the Common African Position serves as a vital roadmap for driving forward Security Council reform and for mobilizing the political will necessary to accelerate the IGAN process. But while we acknowledge that important steps were taken in the previous session, including the convening of structural dialogues, Disagreement over both substantive and procedural issues, as well as insufficient political commitment, continue to hinder progress. A path towards progress is the implementation of Action 40a of the Pact of the Future on the development of a consolidated model. In line with that action, Africa reiterates its commitment to submitting its model. In this respect, I am pleased to inform that the C-10 Heads of State and Government have adopted the African Union Member State model on United Nations Security Council reform and will table it for endorsement by the African Union Assembly in the forthcoming Assembly session. Therefore, to conclude, Madam President, and recalling the commitment made by our leaders at the 2005 World Summit, Africa remains committed to engaging constructively with all Member States and interest groups. We are convinced that through an open, transparent, and inclusive Member State-driven process, we can make meaningful progress towards a Security Council that is truly representative, democratic, efficient, transparent, and accountable, and that finally corrects the historical injustice done to Africa. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana on behalf of the Caribbean Community.

Madam President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 member states of the Caribbean Community. Let me begin by congratulating the permanent representatives of Kuwait and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, their excellencies, Tarek Albunai and Ms. Lise Gregor van Haren, on their appointment as co-chairs of the intergovernmental negotiating process for the 80th session. CARICOM pledges its full support to the co-chairs as they execute their mandate. Madam President, CARICOM recalls the pledge made by member states in the Pact for the Future to, and I quote, "reform the UN Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable." In fact, this pledge represents a long-standing aspiration of many Member States who have continued to advocate for Security Council reform on the premise that the current configuration of the Security Council does not align with the growth in membership of the United Nations. Nor does it lend itself effectively to the maintenance of international peace and security 80 years into the establishment of the Organization. CARICOM therefore urges all Member States to fully recommit to the goal of urgent reform and to take tangible steps to securing it. Madam President, a careful survey of the current threats to international peace and security would reveal that virtually none of them is beyond the scope of what the Security Council can address. However, the difficulty often lies in geopolitical tensions that are played out in the Security Council, often at the peril of lives and livelihoods. the United Nations could have a much more effective role in many of the conflicts that we are currently witnessing, should the Security Council be less prone to geopolitical maneuverings. On this note, CARICOM continues to lament the continuing use of the veto, which represents one of the biggest impediments to Council action, many times in situations where such action is desperately needed. The General Assembly must continue to examine the question of the veto, with a view to reducing the proclivity for it to be used solely in pursuit of political interests, even when engendering grave consequences. In this context, CARICOM remains supportive of the veto initiative as a good first step towards creating accountability around the use of the veto. We urge continued efforts of this nature, with the goal of aligning action by the Security Council with the will of the General Assembly. This is necessary to counter narratives about the ineffectiveness of the United Nations as a whole in response to conflict situations. Madam President, substantive progress on reform of the Security Council will remain out of reach unless the process for achieving the reform is remedied. While recognizing the incremental progress made in the IGN, CARICOM is of the view that normalizing the working methods could yield even more concrete results. Delays in this regard translate into delays in remedying the under-representation of regions such as Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. These delays also hinder the aspirations of groups, such as small island developing states, for guaranteed representation on the Security Council. Reform of the Security Council is not impossible. We, the Member States, have the power to make it happen. We only need to engage in good faith to make it happen. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Guyana. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Madam President, creativity, vision and leadership. These three words capture what the E10 bring to the Security Council. During the 60 years since the Council was expanded to 15 members, the elected members have demonstrated their enormous value in terms of strengthening our collective security system. The E10 have worked tirelessly to maintain international peace and security. They bring new approaches and new perspectives. When the council faces situations of inaction or paralysis, the elected members transform this paralysis into action. They overcome stagnation and produce results. The E10 have become vital. Allow me to highlight three key examples of their creativity, vision and leadership. first, their creativity. In 2021, Norway and Niger led the first resolution which explicitly addressed attacks against educational facilities. Alarmed by the escalation of attacks against schools in armed conflict zones around the globe, Norway and Niger took an unprecedented step by jointly drafting the text. Resolution 2601 reaffirmed that attacks against educational facilities may constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and the text established the protection of education as a central issue of international peace and security. Adopted unanimously, this groundbreaking resolution represents the creativity and the vital perspective that the E10 bring to the Security Council. Second, their vision. In 2024, Switzerland reimagined the role of science, technology, and innovation in the prevention and management of risks to international peace and security. during the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. With its leadership, the Council adopted a presidential statement S/PRST/2024/6 that text recognizes that scientific development plays a crucial role, both in shaping the future of international humanitarian law and in conflict prevention and the protection of civilians. By identifying emerging risks and opportunities to save lives in technological landscapes which are constantly evolving, elected members continue to assess potential threats and explore new opportunities. Thirdly, their leadership. Around the world, small arms and light weapons cause the majority of armed violence-related deaths. According to the UN Global Study on Homicide of 2023, homicide deaths exceeded those caused by armed conflict and terrorism combined in that year. That year, Ecuador, as President of the Council, took on a leading role in addressing the growing threat of the illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. Building on the momentum provided by resolution 2616, Mexico, Mozambique, Senegal and Ecuador strengthened the demand for a more robust arms control architecture. Together with Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Japan, Malta, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, Ecuador also called for broader representation of women in decision making in this field. Through their leadership, Elected members remind us that collective action is necessary to address the interconnected supply chains of these weapons. 99 member states have joined together to protect safe access to education in conflict situations. One elected member linked emerging technology to natural disaster risk assessment and response. Eight countries from four continents rallied to combat arms-related violence. Violence that is related to small arms and light weapons. These examples reveal a fundamental truth. The E10 do not simply participate in the Security Council, they lead. There is another far more critical component to what they do, collaboration. The transformative power of elected members lies in their capacity to build bridges. The E10 collaborate within the Security Council through initiatives such as the E10 Handbook. They share institutional knowledge and they coordinate positions. They cooperate with regional groups and bring diverse perspectives to complex matters. This leadership is also institutional. Elected members chair all Sanctions Committees and the vast majority of the Council's other subsidiary organs, committees, working groups and monitoring mechanisms. Elected members lead the informal working group on documentation and other procedural questions. Under Japan's leadership in 2017, This group achieved the historic update of Note 507, the main instrument governing the Council's working methods. Elected members structure, organise and make the Council function on a day-to-day basis. They play the role of representation that all council members should assume. While all 15 members supposedly act on behalf of the broader UN membership, in practice this is particularly true for the E10. Their elected status makes them accountable to the General Assembly and sensitive to global concerns. They guarantee that the Council Chamber hears the voices of the small island states facing sea level rise, the voices of landlocked countries managing refugee flows, and the voices of developing states facing food insecurity. Madam President, we have seen what happens when creativity, vision and leadership converge. Children, teachers and schools are protected in conflict zones. Innovative technology and risks are elevated up to the Security Council agenda. Humanitarian workers today have a more robust normative framework to protect them in the face of disinformation campaigns. These are just some of the advances that share a common thread: elected members drove the change. The case for expanding elected membership is compelling. Our current challenges from climate change, cyber threats, to pandemic preparedness and humanitarian protection and the protection of civilians demand broader representation and greater expertise. That is no secret. These seats, which were established when the United Nations only had 117 members, now serve an organization of 193 member states. A Security Council with 26 or 27 members through the expansion of elected members would strengthen the Council's legitimacy, effectiveness and capacity to act. More elected members mean more diverse perspectives, as well as more innovative solutions and more bridges being built between the Council and the broader membership. This Council expansion would not create additional veto powers or new permanent privileges. On the contrary, it would amplify and extend the collaborative, accountable and results-oriented approach that elected members have consistently demonstrated. greater regional representation, stronger connection to General Assembly priorities, and an increased capacity to address the full spectrum of security challenges that we face today. More elected voices mean more avenues towards consensus, more opportunities for creative problem solving, and more channels for the world's concerns to reach the Security Council chamber. However, here we are, debating whether to expand the very mechanism that creates results. The question is not whether or not the E10 deserve more seats. Their track record speaks for itself. The question is whether we will grant them the representation necessary to amplify their impact. calling for more permanent seats with veto power, offers us gridlocks disguised as balance, more competitive paralysis disguised as power sharing, and more general paralysis which we can no longer afford. The solution is patently clear. Strengthen the voices that have already proven their worth. Give the bridge builders more bridges to build. grant the innovators more platforms on which to innovate. The cost of delay is measured in the number of humanitarian workers killed, climate refugees displaced, and ultimately, opportunities lost for meaningful representation. Every day, the views of approximately one third of the membership lack the benefit of effective and comprehensive representation. 60 years ago, in 1965, we expanded the Council from 11 to 15 members. The world has changed drastically since then. Indeed, global challenges have multiplied. United Nations membership has grown by around 65%. Yet the number in the E10 group has remained constant. The mathematics of representation require action. The urgent nature of global challenges demands that action. We do not need more aspirational debates. Years, even decades, have already elapsed. Neither do we need additional vetoes. Rather, we need transformation through the expansion of elected representation. We do not need more obstacles, we need more avenues for progress. The way forward is clear. We must go from 15 to 26 or 27 members, with all additional seats allocated to elected membership. This expansion honours the proven track record of elected members, at the same time it meets the representational needs of our expanded organisation. The choice is ours to make, and the time is now. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Madam President, Excellencies, let me begin by thanking you for convening this very important debate. This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, which invites us to renew our commitment to a stronger and more representative multilateral system. And it was precisely one year ago that we adopted the Pact for the Future, charting a clear direction for the reforms that the United Nations must now deliver, with the reform of the Security Council at its heart. During the last General Debate, the President of the Portuguese Republic recalled that the United Nations stands at an existential juncture and that without transformation and renewal, the Organization risks marginalization. a Security Council that reflects the geopolitical reality of the 21st century is indispensable to the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations. Portugal's position remains firm. The Council's current composition does not reflect today's world. Reform must be inclusive and transparent, capable of gathering broad political support. We believe that consideration should be given to extending both permanent and non-permanent membership without undermining the Council's efficiency. Portugal supports the common African position as well as the aspirations of Brazil and India to become permanent members. Small and medium-sized countries should also have their representation strengthened, in particular SIDS, whose security challenges are among the most existential. Reform must also include a continuous improvement of working methods. Portugal has long defended this principle, including when, as an elected member of the Council, we had the honour to chair the Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Matters. We will continue to strive for increased transparency, effectiveness and legitimacy, including as members of the ACT Group. Excellencies. The veto is not merely a prerogative, it is a responsibility. By last year, the Council registered the highest number of vetoes since 1989. And Article 27.3 of the Charter is explicit: "A party to a conflict shall not be judge of its own case." We therefore reiterate our strong support for the ACT Code of Conduct the Franco-Mexican Declaration, and all the initiatives promoting greater scrutiny and restraint in the use of the veto. The veto initiative has shown that the wider membership expects precisely that. Portugal also sees the reform of the Council as an opportunity to deepen its articulation with the General Assembly. As we discussed the UN80 initiative, the call for coherence across the UN system is stronger than ever. We advocate for a Council better connected to the General Assembly and capable of integrating a comprehensive view of security, one that recognizes climate change, food security, and forced displacement as accelerators of conflict. That advances the women, peace, and security and youth, peace, and security agendas. and one that understands the impact of digital divides and emerging technologies on today's geopolitical landscape. We support a Council that strengthens conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace, including through closer cooperation with the Peacebuilding Commission and more regular exchanges with regional organizations, including the African Union. In this spirit, we will continue strengthening the relationship between the GA and the Council, including through our annual workshop, co-organized with Ecuador and UNITAR, early next year, and through also active discussions on mediation, accountability, and peacekeeping based on the Assembly for Peace Digital Handbook, which we proudly supported together with the United Nations University. This year, for the first time, we also partnered with UNITAR to create a dedicated training course for all missions wishing to deepen their understanding of the Security Council's functioning. Whether members or non-members, all missions follow the Council's work closely, and this initiative, we hope, will help to broaden that knowledge base and also support more informed engagement. So we intend to reiterate and expand this offering at the start of next year. Excellencies, to conclude, as we begin a new cycle of intergovernmental negotiations, we hope that Member States will demonstrate the political will to broaden convergences and identify concrete steps towards a reform that is long overdue. The world cannot afford a paralyzed Council. Portugal stands ready to work with all delegations towards a more representative, more effective and more credible Security Council. As we celebrate the United Nations 80th anniversary, these principles guide our candidature for the Security Council for 2027-2028 and reaffirm our commitment to serve this organization with responsibility and resolve. In that same spirit, we believe that the time has come to consider moving step by step and when conditions allow towards text-based negotiations, a natural and necessary phase if we are to translate shared ambitions into concrete reform proposals. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.

Madam President, Yesterday, the Security Council adopted a decisive resolution to break the cycle of violence in Gaza. In doing so, it demonstrated its ability to fulfill the mandate bestowed upon it by the UN Charter, committing to maintaining international peace and security. At a time when the world is being torn apart by over 60 armed conflicts, and multilateralism is being challenged, sometimes in a radical way, the international community expects the Security Council to take action responsibly and effectively. To this end, a reform is clearly needed. The Security Council was designed to represent the realities of its time. The world of 2025 is not that of 1945, or even 1965. The number of states has quadrupled since the UN was founded, while the world's population has gone from 2.5 billion to 8 billion today. The Council must reflect this new reality. Greater geographical representation is needed to consolidate its authority while maintaining its executive and decision-making nature. This expansion ought to affect both categories of membership, permanent and elected. This imperative should take into account the will and ability of new states to shoulder the responsibility of a permanent seat at the Security Council. This also means correcting the historic anomaly under which an entire continent, Africa, is left without a permanent seat in the Council. These new permanent members, who should they be? The position of France in this regard has been consistent. This reform should grant two seats to Africa in light of its demographic importance and the number of situations in Africa that require the Council's action. as well as one seat each to members of the Group of Four, Germany, Brazil, India, and Japan, in light of the responsibilities each of these countries has on the international arena. And each of these new states ought to enjoy the privileges associated with their status, especially veto rights, in accordance with the spirit of our Charter. A reformed Council. could include up to 25 members. It would maintain its nature as an operational and executive body. The political weight of its decisions would be strengthened. Madam President, we would therefore arrive at a reformed Council that ought to renew its methods of action. World peace and security and faith in our institutions are shaken when the Council is incapable to act. For example, in the case of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the massacres in Syria in the past, and today, the drastic situation that is happening in Sudan. A reformed Council is one in which the veto is used responsibly. Since 2015, France, together with Mexico, has been spearheading an initiative on the voluntary and collective limitation of the veto in the event of mass atrocities. This initiative is different from the Council's reform, because it does not require Charter modification. However, it goes hand in hand with this reform. Currently, 107 states throughout the world support our initiative, and we call on all other states to do the same. We are committed to pursuing dialogue on this topic with the other permanent members of the Council. Madam President, how can we successfully carry out this reform, which is as ambitious and as necessary? The answer, the legal answer, is provided by the Charter. The General Assembly will adopt a resolution with a two-thirds majority of Member States. But for this position to be successful, we must also build the broadest possible consensus. in order to allow for an irresistible movement toward ratification to emerge, as was the case during the last time the Charter was amended. France wishes to see good faith negotiations as soon as possible on a draft resolution. To this end, we recognize the utility of engaging in preliminary convergence work between states on reform parameters. That is the goal of discussions on the various models, including this year, the African Union model. which will be presented soon and which we welcome. Madam President, you can count on the determination of France to be actively engaged in the upcoming negotiations, which will be led by Ambassadors Lieske Wouwen-Haren and Tarek Albane. I congratulate them on their appointment as co-facilitators and assure them of our support. Their role will be vital for our collective success. The world judges the UN first and foremost on its ability to maintain international peace and security, and that's why Security Council reform is so important. Let's move forward on that. Thank you.

I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the United Kingdom and thank the Distinguished Representative of France.

Thank you, President. I would like to begin by congratulating Ambassador Gregoire van Haaren on her appointment as co-chair to these negotiations, alongside Ambassador Albony, whose continued leadership and dedication is very much appreciated. The United Kingdom looks forward to working with them closely over the coming months. The world is witnessing more conflict than at any time since the founding of the United Nations 80 years ago. The Security Council's role and its responsibility for international peace and security is therefore as important now as it has ever been. The United Kingdom believes that a reform of the Council, combined with a collective, renewed commitment to the UN Charter, would make it stronger, more inclusive, and more effective at dealing with the world's challenges. That is why the United Kingdom is a strong supporter of UN Security Council reform. The Council must be expanded to better reflect the world today. We continue to support an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to a total in the mid-20s. Securing permanent African representation is a matter of urgency. and the United Kingdom supports permanent seat for Brazil, Germany, India and Japan. President, let me speak briefly about the veto. The United Kingdom considers the veto a heavy responsibility. We have not used our veto since 1989. We welcome and co-sponsored the initiative through which this Assembly can rightfully hold those who exercise the veto to account. The United Kingdom is also a proud supporter of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Code of Conduct, through which we have committed not to vote against a credible draft Security Council resolution which would end or prevent a mass atrocity. We continue to encourage other members of the Council and the wider membership to join us. Colleagues, agreeing a model of reform for the Security Council will be difficult. We have engaged closely with these discussions over the years. We know how important it is and the strength and breadth of views. We look forward to detailed and constructive discussions in the intergovernmental negotiations, which we hope will move us towards text-based negotiations. The United Kingdom is committed to work with all of you to reform the Council, to respond decisively to present and future threats to international peace and security. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Madam President. Japan fully aligns with Brazil's statement on behalf of G4. I will make additional remarks in my national capacity. At the outset, Japan would like to express its support for your decision for the reappointment of the Ambassador Albani and the new appointment of Ambassador Harren as the IGCN co-chairs. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, it is crucial to achieve tangible results during this session. I look forward to working with you and the co-chairs toward this end. Madam President, The primary focus of this IGN session is to develop a consolidated model to make the Security Council more representative, legitimate, and effective, and to reflect the reality of the negotiations. It is essential the model properly includes the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, which is supported by a majority of the member states. It should also be emphasized the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories is essential for redressing the historical injustice against Africa. As stated in the G4 statement, Japan reiterates its support for the common African position and looks forward to the submission of the African model at the earliest towards the development of a consolidated model during this session. Madam President, A consolidated model must serve as a starting point for the future text-based negotiations. For this purpose, while it needs to properly reflect the key elements of various models submitted by the member states and groups in a balanced and equitable manner, it must also be as succinct as possible, not merely a compilation of submitted models. In this regard, Japan as a member of the G4 reiterates the significant role of the co-chairs in initiating such a consolidated model and expresses its strong expectation that this work will be carried out in a fair, balanced, and decisive manner. Madam President, It has already been more than a year since our leaders agreed on the urgent need for Security Council reform in the Pact for the Future. The continued failure of Security Council reform is an issue that goes well beyond the Council itself. Given the reality that trust in the UN, which is at the center of multilateralism, has been shaken and the international order is in flux, The reform of the Council is needed not only to strengthen the UN as a whole, but also to maintain the entire international order. As a member of the G4, Japan will continue to play a constructive role in advancing the reform process, actively cooperating with the wider UN membership to move toward our shared goal. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Madam President, at the outset, I extend my heartiest congratulations to the permanent representatives of Kuwait and Netherlands on their appointment as co-chairs of the IGN for the 80th session of the UNGA. India aligns with the statements delivered by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on behalf of L69 and by Brazil on behalf of G4. Excellencies, we gather at a time when the UN is facing searching questions of legitimacy, credibility and efficacy. Member States are discussing the UN@80 initiative aimed at reforming the UN, but let us not forget in recognising the reality All that we have seen in this forum over nearly two decades is not action, but artful delay, procedural acrobatics, and a quiet, calculated resistance to change an 80-year-old architecture that is representative of a bygone era. This situation is neither representative, nor equitable, nor credible. There is a need to make the UN fit for purpose by redesigning this framework in order not only to make it reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities, but also to redeem its crisis of legitimacy. Excellencies, the discussion on Security Council reforms in the UN commenced decades ago. There have been calls for patience and for building consensus. But consensus, when wielded as a veto by another name, becomes a tool of obstruction, not inclusion. In the 17 years since the IGM format was initiated, it has been reduced to a theatre of the absurd. Any objective analysis of the discussions up to now would make it clear that the current format has delivered nothing, adopted nothing and reconciled nothing. The framework, structure, working methods and all associated aspects of the Security Council remain unchanged. Member States are trapped in an endless cycle of statements and discussions that lead nowhere. The 79th session, like its preceding sessions, also concluded without any forward movement on this agenda item. This is masterful inactivity masquerading as dialogue. In this context, I would like to make the following points. First, any reform of the Council without expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories would simply not be meaningful. The overwhelming sentiment of Member States to have an expansion in both categories must be respected and duly factored in. Expansion of only the non-permanent category, thus further postponing the necessary substantive reform of the permanent membership category by a few decades, is a recipe to perpetuate the existing inequities and asymmetry in the Council and to consign the Council to further irrelevance and ineffective functioning. No amount of eloquent declarations emanating from this forum will be able to mask the lack of equity in the Council's positions. Second, negotiations on the basis of a text is not a dramatic innovation on the table. It is an established practice in the UN. But for some inscrutable reason, however, the IGM has been different. There is still no text, even after 17 years. In this backdrop, India reiterates its call for the early start of text-based negotiations with transparent milestones and timelines. Only this will ensure the credibility of the IGM process. Third, addressing historical injustices against Africa is a theme that resonates among different groups. India underscores that such injustices are to be addressed primarily by the inclusion of Africa in the permanent category. I urge Member States, particularly those who have been referring to this topic in rather general terms, to make their position clear and categorical. Fourth, India supports the representation of small island developing states in a reformed Council. However, similar claims by other cross-regional groups such as OIC are not comparable. Faith cannot become the determining criteria for Council entitlement. Fifth, the composition and framework of an expanded and reformed Council may be decided upon by members of the General Assembly. India stands fully ready to contribute meaningfully towards this agenda, including the IGN framework. Finally, progress on the agenda is dependent on the commitment of Member States to meaningfully contribute towards this endeavor in a forward-looking and constructive manner. India urges all Member States to come together in this regard. Narrow considerations and parochial views need to be set aside for the larger good of the effective functioning of the Security Council. Excellencies, as we commence another iteration of the IGN process, it warrants introspection and soul-searching. Are we willing to honestly work for achieving tangible progress, or are we condemned, like Sisyphus, to be trapped in this endless cycle till eternity? After all, we seek reform, not for the sake of symbolism, but for substance and in the quest for a system that empowers cooperation rather than continually codifying privilege. India will continue to work alongside progressive groups and Member States towards achieving real and effective reforms. We hope that the Co-Chairs would be able to guide the IGM in the right direction during the current session so that concrete outcomes can be accomplished. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia.

Madam President, let me begin by thanking you for convening this debate, which we hope will accelerate the process of reforming the Security Council. I would also like to thank Ambassador Al-Banai of Kuwait for his dedicated efforts in steering the work of the IGN during the last GA session. And likewise, we extend our congratulations to him and Ambassador Gregor van Harn of the Netherlands on their appointment as co-chairs of the IGN process for the current session. They have our full support and cooperation. Madam President, for well over a decade, we have had a clear mandate to reform the Security Council. We live in a dynamic and rapidly changing world, and the UN, including the Security Council, cannot remain static if it is to stay relevant. We have the highest political mandate, reinforced in the Pact for the Future.

It is now time.

To translate that commitment into implementation. As we near the conclusion of our term on the Council, we look back with a critical yet balanced perspective. It is evident that the reform of the Council is needed. The reform must make the Security Council more democratic, accountable and transparent, while effective. The Council is entrusted by the members of the United Nations with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and the authority to adopt binding measures in this regard. However, no decision can be truly effective unless it is respected and implemented. It is therefore imperative to foster a culture of accountability among all member states to uphold and implement Security Council resolutions Only then can the Council's decisions have a meaningful impact on the ground. Madam President, on substantive issues of the reform, let me touch upon the following. First, on representation, categories of membership, and working methods of the Security Council. The significant increase in the UN membership since the last enlargement of the Council provides a compelling argument for the need of the reform. When examining the Council's current composition, the underrepresentation of certain regions is clear. Slovenia has consistently advocated for a more equitable geographical representation within the Council. We hold a positive view of the African position, as ensuring a stronger and more permanent voice from the region is both a matter of correcting historical injustices and a prerequisite for maintaining the Council's legitimacy, credibility and relevance. Slovenia also strongly supports the allocation of an additional non-permanent seat for the Eastern European group, whose membership has more than doubled since 1964. Furthermore, we should strive to make the election process more inclusive and conducive to the participation of all Member States. Slovenia supports an enlargement of the Council in both categories, with the aim of achieving better representation and ensuring that the Council reflect historic changes and today's geopolitical realities. Striking the balance between the size and efficiency of the Council is essential. The ability of the Security Council to take timely and effective decisions must remain the central consideration. Accordingly, its working methods will need to be adapted to accommodate an expanded membership. Second, on veto. The issue of the veto lies at the heart of the reform efforts. Slovenia advocates that the veto be exercised with caution, responsibility, and restraint. As a member of the ACT Group, Slovenia supports the ACT Code of Conduct, and we encourage all member states that have not yet done so to consider endorsing it. Slovenia also supports the French-Mexican initiative on veto restraint in cases of mass atrocities. In her address to the General Assembly last September, the President of Slovenia proposed an initiative to seek an advisory opinion of the ICJ on the limitations of the veto power in cases involving genocide and crimes against humanity. The veto carries a particular responsibility, one that the country casting it must be prepared to assume. This is why Slovenia has supported, among other measures, the so-called veto initiative and regularly participates in the general debates they're on. Third, on procedure. We are well aware that divergent views exist within the IGN on the scope and direction of the reform across the five clusters. Such differences are a natural part of any negotiation process. However, the purpose of any process is ultimately to move forward. We therefore believe that actual negotiations should commence based on a text. Madam President, in 2008, the General Assembly adopted a decision to commence the intergovernmental negotiations. 16 years later, through the Pact for the Future, we have once again renewed our expectations for Security Council reform, a Council that is adapted to the realities of today and tomorrow. Slovenia will continue to engage constructively in the IGC process in pursuit of a comprehensive and genuine reform. We call on all Member States to work together to bridge our divides and to fulfill the long-standing promise of reform. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Madam President, for convening this general debate. I would like to congratulate the Permanent Representative of Kuwait, His Excellency Mr. Tarek Al-Bunay, on his reappointment. And I also welcome warmly the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Her Excellency, Ms. Louise Gregoire van Haren, on her appointment as co-chair of the intergovernmental negotiation. I'm confident that their leadership will be key in advancing this agenda item. Be assured of Algeria's full support in your mandate. Madam President, Algeria attaches great importance to advancing Security Council reform. Recent regional and global development have made it clear the architecture established 80 years ago is no longer fit for today's challenges. We call for a serious reflection on the Council's composition and effectiveness. The Council's structural shortcomings have often limited its ability to address major peace and security issues, particularly those affecting our region. In this context, reform must ensure equitable representation and address as a priority, as a priority, the historical injustice toward Africa. as highlighted in the Pact for the Future. Algeria firmly believes that Africa's legitimate aspiration to full representation in the Security Council must remain central. The common African position was articulated 20 years ago in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirt Declaration. Algeria still supports this position. Africa should have at least two permanent seats. These seats must include all rights and privileges, including the veto. Africa also deserves two additional non-permanent seats. This is the only viable option to address the actual Africa's under-representation in the Security Council. Yes. Africa deserves special recognition in the reform process. Other underrepresented regions must also be addressed. This approach would significantly enhance the Council's transparency, legitimacy and accountability. It would It would also strengthen the Council's role in addressing international peace and security issues. Yes, broader geographic diversity would enable better understanding of the root causes of conflict and their solutions. Madam President, in conclusion, Algeria remains convinced that a more representative and effective Security Council is urgently needed. Such reform will enhance its credibility, accountability and ability to respond to emerging challenges in the 21st century. Algeria is committed to working with all member states toward this ambitious reform. Reform that must enable developing countries, especially Africa, to fully contribute to international peace and security. Reform that must strengthen multilateralism and, ultimately, reform that will strengthen the United Nations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Madam President, Mexico aligns itself with the statement made by Italy on behalf of Uniting for Consensus. We wish to make a number of additional comments in our national capacity. We welcome the appointment of the ambassadors of Kuwait and the Netherlands as new co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations. You can count on Mexico's full support. we are convinced that you will steer this process in a transparent, inclusive and results-orientated manner. During the most recent High-Level Week, once again, Security Council reform was mentioned as one of the crucial components in efforts to strengthen the legitimacy, effectiveness and response capacity of the multilateral system. It is for that reason that we must move towards a reform which genuinely reflects the interests of the majority of Member States and a reform which does not perpetuate privileges for a small elite. As we mark the 80th anniversary of our organization, it is vital that we critically assess the Security Council's performance. This should include its limitations. These limitations include the use of the veto in situations in which international peace and justice have been seriously compromised or In situations where we have seen the perpetration of mass atrocities, every time the Security Council fails to provide an effective response, trust is eroded not only in the organ itself, but also in the United Nations as a whole. A quick perusal of national and international media outlets is sufficient to note the discontent of our constituents in the face of the Council's action when it comes to addressing situations in Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, inter alia. My country is committed to Security Council reform. We are also committed to multilateralism, with a view to ensuring that the United Nations continues to serve the collective interests of the international community and the peoples of the world. Since the very inception of the United Nations, Mexico has defended the principle of legal equality between States. Consequently, we have repudiated the granting of privileges to a handful of countries. These principles continue to underpin our stance. Mexico and Uniting for Consensus remain convinced that the creation of new non-permanent long-term seats with the possibility of immediate re-election is the best option for reform. It is also necessary to review the issue of the veto in depth. Until the veto is abolished, we call upon all countries that have not yet done so to accede at least to the Franco-Mexican initiative on the suspension of veto powers in cases of mass atrocities. My delegation wishes to emphasize that intergovernmental negotiations are the only legitimate, representative and Member States-led forum in which we can discuss and agree upon any Security Council reform. No parallel process which may emerge from the current institutional reform underway at the United Nations can substitute the forum that we jointly agreed upon. On the contrary, the IGN process must be strengthened. Moreover, delegations must make tangible contributions to the progress thereof. It is vital that more negotiating groups and more member states present their tangible reform proposals. They must outline how they envisage a reformed Security Council, beyond making general statements and overly simplified arguments. A substantive discussion, one which is open and comparatively analytical, is the only way forward if we are to continue identifying common ground and address differences of opinion on this matter. President, let us ensure that this cycle that is getting underway of the IGN provide responses, unequivocal responses indeed, in terms of producing a comprehensive, far-reaching Security Council reform. The destiny of the United Nations is at stake. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Madam President, I thank you for convening this important debate. At the outset, allow me to congratulate the Permanent Representatives of Kuwait and the Netherlands for their appointment as the Co-Chairs of the IGN on Security Council reform. Madam President, A democratic, transparent, and representative Security Council is critical to strengthen the entire multilateral system and to ensure its legitimacy in the face of complex global challenges. When the Council acts with unity and resolve, it demonstrates the immense value of global cooperation. Yet, too often, the Council fails to carry out its mandate, driven by internal divisions, leading to paralysis and an.

Inability to act.

Therefore, reform of the Security Council must be pursued with a sense of urgency. Discussion within the intergovernmental negotiations process must translate into tangible progress. Commitments reflected in the Pact for the Future must be followed through instead of being left merely as aspirations. Against this backdrop, allow me to highlight three points. First, stronger political commitment from all Member States is a must. The IGN cannot continue to do its merry-go-round discussion. Therefore, Indonesia welcomes efforts to work toward a consolidated model of a reformed Security Council, drawing from the proposals and elements in the previous IGN sessions. We must be open to progressive and innovative ideas. We cannot remain confined to a long-standing position that have been repeated without any efforts of concessions. This is where the Pact for the Future should be used as a solid foundation to strengthen the IGM process and move the reform agenda forward. Second, focusing our substantive work that will make the Council more effective, efficient representative, transparent, and accountable. Discussion on the size and composition of the council must be grounded in how these changes will enhance the council's decision making and operational effectiveness.

Representation should not only reflect.

Equitable geographical distribution, but also diversity of civilizations and levels of economic development. To achieve this, we need discussion format that foster convergence and narrow divergence. A combination of informal meetings, expert dialogues, and engagement with think tanks and civil society would contribute to enrich the conversation. Third, The IGN discussions must not be detached from the evolving dynamics within the Security Council itself. Synergy between the Council's current practice and the reform debate is essential. The IGN co-chairs could consider convening informal thematic discussion on specific issues anchored in current developments in the the council as a form of practical reflection. Issues such as chairmanship of the council, subsidiary bodies, and pen holderships could serve as one of the themes to consider how a future reformed council can establish more equitable and transparent mechanism for these roles. Madam President, Consensus and mutually agreed solution remain essentials to our collective endeavor in reforming the Council. Indonesia urges all member states to demonstrate political wisdom, mutual respect, and genuine flexibility as we continue discussion under the IGN. We must ensure that the Security Council always delivers in a timely manner. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein.

Thank you so much for the floor, Mr. Vice President, and thank you for convening today's debate. Our thanks goes also to the incoming co-chairs of the IGCN. We look forward to work with both of you. Mr. Vice President, every year that goes by without meaningful reform of the Security Council incurs a cost paid in human life. The Council remains unable to live up to its mandate by addressing the serious violations of international law and the Charter. that we see each day in the Middle East, in Ukraine, in Sudan, to name just three examples. In response, over the past 12 months, we have seen genuine efforts from the Co-Chairs to transform the mantra of Council reform into concrete action, building on the recent positive momentum in the Pact for the Future, and from time to time, including in meetings of the veto initiative, as will take place later this week. Member States remind us of our agreements in the Pact to enlarge the Council, to improve representation, to enhance working methods, to limit the scope and use of the veto, and to fully implement Article 27.3 of the Charter. In this year's GA revitalization resolution, we reinforced language in some of these areas, focusing on the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly. Over the next 12 months, Member States should continue to add detail on the exact content of our intended reforms. The Pact for the Future also contained a clear mandate and process that in the IGN there should be further models and the revision of already presented models by Member States and groups of States. Shortly after this debate, the IGN discussed Liechtenstein's revised and resubmitted intermediate model. As we already said, we look forward to discussing revised models from across the membership. It is this process that can bring us iteratively towards a consensus position. Mr. Vice-President, Liechtenstein appreciates the mentions of the veto initiative in today's meeting. While not strictly an instrument of Council reform, the veto initiative is a measure aimed at recalibrating the balance between the Security Council and this Assembly, and a prompt to empower this Assembly to make full use of the authority it has under Chapter IV of the Charter. While the Council has primary responsibility in the maintenance of peace and security, its responsibility is not exclusive. The Handbook on the General Assembly's practice in the area of peace and security, the Assembly for Peace, is one tool that states can use in this respect. Mr. Vice President, this year's revitalization of the General Assembly resolution strengthened the call in the Pact for the Future to support timely and decisive action by the Council to prevent or end atrocity crimes along the lines of the ACT Code of Conduct. Two-thirds of the membership have signed to this important political commitment, to match the procedural majority of Council members, which should also act as a practical restraint on the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities. We urge Member States to take this consensually adopted commitment seriously. Mr Vice-President, finally, we must find ways to ensure that the Security Council implements the Charter as it stands. in particular Article 27.3, which has been neglected for far too long. The Security Council and the membership as a whole must have clarity on the meaning of the text contained in this important provision of the Charter, especially given that important resolutions have been adopted under Chapter VI in recent years. In particular, we must see the implementation of this article in light of the Charter as a whole, as highlighted by Council members in many statements in this hall. We look forward to further discussions about the full implementation of this important provision. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein for his statement and now give the floor distinguished representative of Egypt.

Madam President, let me begin by congratulating the permanent representative of Kuwait, Ambassador Tarek Al-Banai, and the dear friend, the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands, Ambassador Liz van Houwen, on their appointment as co-chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform. Egypt expresses its full support for them. Madam President, Egypt aligns itself with the statements delivered by Sierra Leone on behalf of the African Group and by Bahrain on behalf of the Arab Group, and wishes to add the following. The launch of this year's intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform comes at a pivotal moment. The organization celebrates 80 years since its founding, while it faces one of the most severe financial crises in its history. Second, while the current discourse is dominated by calls for reform, and while the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative is widely invoked, It is regrettable that this reform spirit has not yet reached the Security Council, which remains stuck in the past as we approach the second quarter of the 21st century. Madam President, only days ago, I listened attentively to the Permanent Representative of Pakistan speaking at the Council on behalf of the 10 elected members, the true representatives of the wider membership. He was speaking about the Council's working methods. Anyone who listened carefully would have realized that the Council has not changed much from what it always was. Despite some procedural improvements over time, the result of the efforts of successive generations of elected members, and not a favor bestowed by permanent members, as some like to imagine, the Council continues to reflect a world that no longer exists. and power balances that are neither present nor relevant. Madam President, the clear political commitment to Council reform expressed by most of our leaders each year during the General Debate in this very hall has yet to translate into a reality consistent with the broader conversation on reforming the Organization. It is unreasonable for some to call for reform day and night, only for their voices to drop to a whisper once reform approaches the Council chamber. Indeed, among the loudest voices calling for reform and reduced UN expenditures, some no longer even participate in the intergovernmental negotiations, content instead with the role of disengaged observers. The time has come for comprehensive reform of the organization, with the Security Council at the forefront above all. Egypt looks forward to building on the progress achieved in past years, with a view to reaching genuine, comprehensive Council reform that rectifies the historic injustice against Africa and contributes to a more just, democratic and representative Council. This requires steady, diligent work, avoiding hasty theatrical antics aimed at partial reforms serving only the interests of specific states or groups at the expense of others. Egypt believes that Council reform will only be achieved through the widest possible political acceptance of the core principles of reform. We therefore call on those who insist on immediate start of text-based negotiations to exert equal effort toward bridging differences with other states and groups, so that text-based negotiations may truly begin on a strong consensual foundation that moves the process forward, rather than threaten its collapse. We also welcome the reference in the Pact for the Future for most among them Africa's rightful demand for equitable representation in the Council and the correction of historical injustice it has endured. We reaffirm the centrality of the common African position as espoused in the Eswatini Consensus and the Cirta Declaration, and call on all delegations to adopt it. We also reaffirm the just position of the Arab Group in calling for a full-fledged permanent representation with all its prerogatives, ensuring that the region has a strong voice on its matters on the Council. Madam President, The veto remains the cornerstone of Council reform. Without addressing this structural flaw, any discussion will be of little value. The war in Gaza over the past two years stands as clear evidence. This grave anomaly can only be remedied by the complete abolition of the veto. This is the most just option, or at a minimum, by granting it to all new permanent members as a basic requirement of equity, equality, and as a matter of common sense. The common African position on this matter is clear, and Egypt will continue to insist that veto reform remain an essential and central component of any Council reform. On the practical aspects of the negotiations in this session, Egypt welcomes the ongoing dialogue on reform models and looks forward to continuing it during the current session. We reiterate our call for the five permanent members to present their positions in the reform of specific models, as other member states and groups have done, or even better, to consider a unified model among themselves. Egypt also deeply regrets the unjustified delay in rolling over the negotiations to the current session and urges that, should consensus prove unattainable during this session, the negotiations be rolled over to the next session without delay. In conclusion, we request the co-chairs to begin the ING sessions at the start of next year to allow the delegations sufficient time for proper preparation. Thank you.

Now to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Mr. Chairman, I first wish to thank the Permanent Representatives of Kuwait and Austria as the previous co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform Group for leading the discussions during the last session. We also welcome the revised co-chairs' elements paper as a constructive basis for our continued deliberations. We further welcome the appointment of the permanent representative of the Netherlands as the new co-chair with Kuwait. The Philippines reiterates the urgency of reforming the Security Council to make it more representative and more responsive to today's global challenges. A structure conceived in 1945 cannot be expected to address effectively the demands of a world transformed 80 years later by new security threats, shifting global power balances, and the collective aspirations of 193 member states. The Pact for the Future echoes this imperative. It calls on all member states to advance Security Council reform, quote, "as a matter of priority and without delay," unquote. the pact has reinvigorated the political mandate for reform. The Philippines supports the reform of the Security Council in the context of a comprehensive package, including elements consisting of the expansion of membership in both categories and reforms of the Council's working methods, which in turn are the "other matters related to the Security Council" appearing in the title of this agenda item. Such a package could take the form of agreement on elements across the five clusters. In this regard, the Philippines supports an expansion of the Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories based on equitable, transparent, and consensual criteria. The under-representation of regions such as the Asia-Pacific and, in particular, Africa, is a glaring imbalance that must be corrected. We underscore the need for Council composition to reflect the evolving global landscape, particularly in terms of population and regional representation. In line with the package approach, equity and representation must be accompanied by reform and improvement in the Security Council's working methods. The Council's effectiveness should rest not only on which country sits at the table, but also on the Council's decision-making methods. We thus support reforms that promote and sustain transparency, inclusivity, and predictability in the Council's decision-making processes. These include fair distribution of penholdership, a more equitable and merit-based allocation of subsidiary body chairmanships, and enhanced regular consultations with non-Council members. It would also be useful in this connection if the Council were to consider updating if not adopting, its provisional rules of procedure, to create more predictability in its working methods and in its procedures. These, we believe, are practical and achievable measures that would not require amendments to the UN Charter to be adopted. On the IGN itself, the Philippines emphasizes the need to avoid repetition. We believe the time is ripe to move towards a process of structured text-based negotiations, using the Elements Paper as a basis to set this process in motion. Mr. Chair, the Philippines remains committed to the IGM process, guided by the principles of fairness, equity, and the sovereign equality of all Member States. These are also the principles guiding our candidature for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028. As the IGN resumes its work at this session, we look forward to receiving the indicative timeline of meetings for this session, and we wish to assure the co-chairs, Kuwait and the Netherlands, of the Philippines' full support in advancing an inclusive, transparent, and results-oriented process. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines for his statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

The

name of God. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Bahrain on behalf of the Arab Group. At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Tariq Al-Bunni, Permanent Representative of Kuwait, for his tireless efforts to guide the intergovernmental negotiations in the 69th session and for the progress made in light of the adoption of the Pact for the Future. We would like to thank him for his efforts as well during this session. And we also thank Ambassador Iske Groot van Herend, the PR of the Netherlands, who co-led the negotiations at the 80th session of the General Assembly. We wish them every success. President, we need a comprehensive reform of the Security Council. It is crucial for the Council to be more representative of our world and that it be capable of tackling challenges. It must also be more effective in addressing common challenges, which are multiplying. There are also many barriers to reform, so we must intensify our efforts to improve the Council's working methods and to increase transparency and inclusiveness in deliberations so that we can make the right decisions for international peace and security. In this regard, the Council and the General Assembly ought to work hand in hand to strengthen their respective roles, especially as the Council, in light of its composition, is not representative and not as democratic as the General Assembly, which includes all member states. Therefore, we must limit the use of the veto, especially in cases of genocide and crimes against humanity. as well as flagrant violations of international law, including genocide and ethnic cleansing. President, the goal of this reform of the Council is to produce a more representative Council that is more transparent and more effective. Multilateral action is the tool that can help us address the challenges of our era. We must speak about equitable representation, geographically speaking. My country is... I would like to reiterate the importance of decision 7D2/557. We must address the five pillars of reform in a comprehensive manner in order to arrive at a consensus-based solution. We commend the progress made during the previous sessions on identifying points of convergence. We were able to identify many such points of agreement between Member States on the five pillars. We need to have more progress, but we need to work together constructively to find a consensus-based solution and as far as possible, that would allow us to bring about a comprehensive reform of the Council. Council reform must be based upon the principle of effectiveness, accountability, and our world's geographic and geopolitical developments. President, we have seen momentum, thanks to the Pact for the Future, for multilateralism. and reform. In this regard, we must reform the Council. Reform of the Council is one of the critical pillars for promoting and improving the UN. We also need to step up transparency and representation in the negotiations, and this is the very platform for negotiations, that is to say the IGN. Developing countries must be included in this process, including my country, Saudi Arabia. We'll spare no effort to attain the goals of the UN, that is protecting international peace and security. The Security Council is the body. that must carry out this role, but it must be reformed in the spirit of accountability and collaboration in order to bring about a comprehensive reform that would allow the Council to fulfill its mandate to maintain international peace and security. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. for his statement. And now I'm going to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, President. I thank Ambassador Tariq Al-Banai of Kuwait for his leadership in the IGC in the 79th session and congratulate him and Ambassador Lies van Haren of the Netherlands for their appointment as co-chairs of the 80th session. They have my delegation's full support. Today, the most serious threats to international peace and security comes from climate crisis and the erosion of norms against conquest. For small island developing states, the climate crisis is a daily reality. As storms tear through our economies and seas creeping towards our land and homes. At the same time, Wars of aggression are testing with the growing speed, and the rule of borders cannot be changed by force. Small states hear a clear message that their sovereignty might one day also be treated as negotiable. Yet the Security Council, which carries primary responsibility for international peace and security, still hears these realities without our voice. Small island developing states are one-fifth of the UN membership and guardians of vast ocean space, yet we have no dedicated seat in the chamber where these decisions are taken. When a single veto can hold action and those on the front lines stand outside the door, the world sees that the old concept of power still waits, our shared security and the promise of sovereign equality stop at the Council's threshold. For the Maldives, reforms must change what the world hears and sees from this organization. The Maldives, therefore, wishes to offer three proposals for reforming the Security Council. First, reform of the Council must begin with a dedicated rotating seat for small island developing states. SIDS make up 20% of the UN membership. We are home to 65 million people, and we are custodians of 30% of the world's oceans. Yet our security is shaped by decisions taken in a chamber where we do not sit. Our future is influenced by votes we cannot cast. Our survival is affected by policies we cannot shape. A dedicated SIDS seat would make the Council more representative and better able to address today's threats. Second, the veto must go. Veto is a structural impediment to timely action. It turns urgent crisis into paralysis. It cannot be justified in the face of war, human suffering and global threats that demand collective resolve. Time and again, it has blocked the Council from acting where it needs most. Each time it is used, It erodes wider trust in multilateralism. Third, the Council's working method must evolve with the risk landscape it is meant to govern. Instability is increasingly driven by climate-related shocks, cross-border cyber operations, digital disinformation, pandemics, and financial contagion. These are forces that can weaken societies long before conflict erupts. Reform should, therefore, strengthen the Council's capacity for integrated risk governance through working methods that provide regular horizon scanning briefings on climate and technological threats that systematically reflect these risks and closer cooperation with the UN's specialized bodies. The Secretary-General's UN80 initiative adds momentum to three decades of discussion on Council reform, and since 2008, the intergovernmental negotiations on equitable representation and membership have been central. The Maldives encourages the IGM to move from describing positions to enabling text-based negotiations with draft text, timeline, bridging proposals, and clearer procedures. Progress in IGM should be measured in decisions taken in place of more discussions held. The Moldus remains committed to advancing the reforms needed to make the Council fit for purpose and fit for principle, worthy of the world's trust and worthy of the United Nations at 80. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Maldives and I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.

Thank you, Mr. President. The question of equitable representation and the increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council has been a standing item on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly for decades. It has been discussed in and out, and various documents and papers have been produced by facilitators and co-chairs, resolutions have been adopted, and outcomes have been reached. Somehow, The status quo has not changed. We still have not yet structurally reformed the Security Council since 1945. The question before us, however, has a simple and yet complex answer, namely, political will. It is political will towards the status quo that has kept us where we are for decades. And it is also political will towards reform and to unlock the solutions to equitable representation in the United Nations Security Council. Mr. President, as John Maxwell said, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." It will take the courage and foresight of our leaders to provide the necessary political will to make the United Nations more relevant, and representative of all. After eight decades of existence, the organization is going through profound changes, and the need for introspection has become even greater. Inspired by the Pact for the Future, to make the UN more agile, responsive, and resilient, the United Nations 80 initiative is an opportunity for us to make sure some of the difficult adjustments and to make the UN more agile and fit for purpose. However, without adjusting one of its primary organs to make it more representative, we risk exacerbating past injustices and inequalities. This year, the African Union commemorated 20 years of the Azuieni Consensus, which calls for Africa to have two permanent seats with veto power, as long as it exists for others, and five non-permanent seats. Africa, being the largest voting bloc in the United Nations, was rightly recognized in the Pact for the Future as a special case, and the United Nations member states agreed to redress the historical injustice against Africa as a matter of priority. The June 2025 revised Co-Chairs' Elements Paper on Convergences and Divergences on the Question of Equitable Representation and the Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters noted that the UN Secretary-General recognized the language in the Pact on the Security Council Reforms as the strongest language on Security Council reform in a generation. and the most concrete step towards Council enlargement since 1963. Therefore, considering such a bold and strong agreement in the PEG, inaction would further risk undermining the credibility of the United Nations. Namibia calls upon the P5 countries to recognize the pressing need for the reform of the UN Security Council. The current geopolitical landscape demands that all voices, particularly those from the African continent, are heard and considered in decision-making processes that influence global peace and security. By stepping up and demonstrating a genuine commitment to meaningful engagement, the P5, alongside other groups, can pave the way for the Security Council that is not only more equitable but one that embodies the fundamental principles of justice and accountability. This collaborative approach will ensure that our collective efforts resonate with ideals, inclusivity, and fairness that we all aspire to have. In the spirit of unity and determination, and with a shared sense of purpose and unwavering resolve, let us therefore decide to build a better together, a UN that will truly be united for generous generations to come I thank you Mr.

President I think the distinguished representative of Namibia for his statement and now give the floor to a distinguished representative of Thailand.

Mr. President, my delegation conveys its congratulations on the reappointment of His Excellency, Mr. Tarek Al-Bunni, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait.

And welcomes Her Excellency, Ms. Lies Greghoorn, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as co-chairs.

Of the IGN for this session.

Thailand actual use of our continued support.

Actions 39 to 41 of the pack for the future. In accordance with General Assembly decision 62 slash 557.

And other relevant resolutions and decisions.

Provide a firm foundation for advancing security council reform. My delegation wishes to highlight the following points.

First.

As echoed by many Member States, improving the Council working methods is essential to enhancing its credibility and effectiveness. Strengthen and timely coordination and interaction with other UN bodies, improve cooperation among UN entities and regional organizations, broader pan-holdership and co-pan-holdership, and timely appointment of chairs of subsidiary bodies are among practical measures that can yield tangible results. Second, Thailand reiterates its support for greater representation of small and medium-sized developing countries, including but not limited to African member states. Any expansion of the Security Council must ensure broader geographical representation, cross-regional balance, and increased representation of developing countries.

Third, since there is no objection to the expansion of the Council non-permanent membership, we should focus our efforts on narrowing differences among the various positions and proposals submitted by Member States, regional groups and other groupings. Our shared objective is a Security Council that is more representative, inclusive, transparent.

Efficient, effective, democratic and accountable and that reflects current global realities. That say, we recognize that all five clusters are interlinked and therefore negotiations must be guided by the principle that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Mr. President, at this challenging moment, we have an opportunity to consider how the Council can be restructured to be more effective, cost-efficient and responsive. Our Chair's aspiration is to strengthen the United Nations and the multilateral system, with the UN at the core.

Member States should work to narrow areas of divergence and broaden areas of convergence, building on progress achieved thus far within IGCN, in order to advance concrete reform Thailand stand ready to work constructively with all member states.

We remain open to engaging in tax bed negotiations.

Should consensus be reached among member states. I thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines and then now give the floor to distinguished representative of Austria. Sorry, it was Thailand. Sorry.

Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues, let me begin by congratulating His Excellency Ambassador Tarek Al-Bunni, Permanent Representative of Kuwait, and Her Excellency Ambassador Liese Gregoire van Haren, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for being appointed co-chairs of the IJN for the current session. you can count on Austria's full support and close collaboration. Austria was honored to contribute to this vital process over the past three years through the co-chairmanship of His Excellency Ambassador Axel Marchik. We extend our deep gratitude to Ambassador Albanai and his outstanding team, Aya and Fahad, for their partnership, professionalism, and friendship throughout these years. We would also like to thank all delegations for their support and constructive engagement, which made it possible to truly instill new life in this process. Excellencies, colleagues, the absence of reform of the Security Council is not a technical issue. It is a political failure that weighs heavily on the credibility of this organization. The peoples of the world, our own citizens, rightly ask why the United Nations so often falls short of its promises. In the wake of urgent reforms under the UN80 initiative, which we fully support, it is hard to explain to the wider public why the reform of the Security Council should not be part of the overhaul of the organization. In the face of brutal wars, immense human suffering, and growing humanitarian crises, we cannot afford a council that is paralyzed. We need a Council that delivers. This means tackling the effectiveness and efficiency of the Council head on, including the question of the veto. The veto must no longer be a shield for impunity or inaction, and it must be a key consideration of reform. The Pact for the Future gives us a political mandate to continue discussions on its limitations. and we must not lose this momentum. But effectiveness alone is not enough. A council that is not representative cannot be legitimate. The Security Council of today reflects the world of 1945, not the world of 2025. It is time to correct this imbalance. Many regions of this world, not least Africa, but also GRULAC and the APG, are severely underrepresented in the Council's current power balance. The historical injustice against Africa must be urgently redressed, as recognized by the Pact for the Future. Excellencies, colleagues, we cannot fail to fulfill our collective commitment under SDG 16.8 to broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in global governance. The time for talk has passed. The time for action is now. Austria will continue to remain a constructive and determined partner on reform, and we will support the Co-Chairs in their important work. As in the past, Austria will be guided by the objective to achieve a reform that makes the Council more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable. We remain flexible to support any model that garners the broadest possible political support from delegations and lives up to these principles. Allow me to share a few concrete thoughts on the way forward. First, we have built significant political momentum for Security Council reform. The Pact for the Future has moved this debate from aspiration to obligation. The train has left the station. and it must not be allowed to derail. Second, it is now time to operationalize the commitments made by world leaders. We encourage the new co-chairs to use the pact as a political compass and to steer the session toward a consolidated model for reform. Third, we urge all groups and member states that have submitted models to refine and revise them in light of the feedback received. This is how we move from discussion to negotiation. We commend Liechtenstein for taking this step with its revised model and invite others to follow suit. We also commend the CARICOM for submitting a new model during the last session. Fourth, we encourage other major negotiating groups, in particular the African group, to come forward with new models during the session. The voice of Africa must be at the center of this reform. A model from the C-10 would allow for a focused and substantive discussion on Africa's rightful place on the Council. Fifth, we must collectively further the implementation of the interim measures as contained in Action 41 of the Pact for the Future, including the full implementation of Article 27.3 of the UN Charter. As a member of the ACT group, Austria will place particular attention on the implementation of these interim measures. Sixth, we believe that the process should continue to build on best practices of the past and particularly allow space for informal discussions and exchange with civil society. Excellencies, colleagues, this is a moment to match our words with will. Let us not falter in our commitment to this organization, nor in our resolve to make the United Nations truly fit for purpose. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Thank you, Vice President. Please allow me to start by congratulating Ambassador Tariq Al-Bunni of Kuwait and Ambassador Lies Gregoire van Harden of the Netherlands on their appointment as the Co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council for the current session. We look forward to engage constructively under the able stewardship of both co-chairs over the coming months. Vice President, to contribute to this plenary debate, allow me to reiterate the following three points. First, on the question of the veto, during his address to the General Assembly in September, my Foreign Minister stressed that we must limit the use of the veto. Until the veto is abolished, it must be strictly regulated. We must challenge it each time the veto is wielded, and there must be a complete prohibition on its use in situations involving mass atrocities. Malaysia believes the veto to be an anachronism. It has no place in a modern multilateral architecture. In regulating the use of the veto, Malaysia has also proposed that for a veto to be valid, it must be supported by other permanent and non-permanent members of the Council, and endorsed by a simple majority in the General Assembly. Second, on the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly, Malaysia underscores the importance of increased access and participation of non-Council members in the work of the Security Council to enhance transparency and accountability. We commend the implementation of Resolution 76/272 or the veto initiative, which has allowed the General Assembly to hold a permanent member of the Council accountable for its decision in casting a veto. For this reason, we will continue to support mechanisms that enhances the accountability of the permanent members to the wider membership. Third, Malaysia supports the expansion of the membership of the Security Council to make it more representative, democratic, and accountable. Expansion of membership of the Council would also better reflect the current membership of the UN and the geopolitical realities of the contemporary world. We want to see a Council that truly represents the will and the interest of the whole international community. Vice President, since we become a member of the United Nations, Malaysia has had the privilege of serving as an elected member of the Security Council on four occasions. This is a trust bestowed upon us by Member States that we do not take lightly. We believe that a reformed Security Council will restore the credibility of the Council as the custodian of international peace and security. Malaysia will continue to contribute constructively toward efforts to reform and strengthen the Council. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal

thank you vice president Senegal aligns itself with the statement made by Sierra Leone coordinator of C10 On behalf of the African Group, we wish to add a number of remarks in our national capacity. My delegation wishes to congratulate Ambassador Lies Greig-Goer van Haan from Netherlands for her appointment as co-chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiations and Ambassador Tariq Al-Bahni of Kuwait for his reappointment as another co-chair. That is a sign of his unwavering commitment to ensuring progress with this process. We wish to underscore the dynamic efforts made by the outgoing co-chair. They were committed to forging additional room for dialogue and forums that brought about innovation, innovation that's highly useful. in terms of the format, accessibility and visibility of our discussions. Co-chairs, you can count on our full support to achieve our common goals. President, this new session of intergovernmental negotiations is getting underway as we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Organization. Our organization is increasingly tested by multifaceted crises, as well as by flagrant violations of international law, delays with the implementation of Agenda 2030, and the organization is beset by a liquidity crisis, which is further affecting our collective capacity to meet challenges across the three pillars of the Charter. We are seized by the initiative UN80. In this context, Security Council reform is equally, if not more urgent than the UN80 initiative, because it will contribute significantly to recasting global governance. This global governance currently continues to too severely neglect the global South and Africa. 80 years after the establishment of the council, 60 years after its last expansion, 33 years after the placing of agenda item 122 on our agenda, and 16 years after the beginning of the IGN process, the council continues to reflect outdated logic and a system which deprives a UN family whose membership has almost quadrupled since 1945 of justice, representativeness and accountability. In advance of forthcoming discussions, we wish to make the following points. Firstly, reform remains urgent. Consequently, this session must build on the momentum given to us by the adoption of the Pact for the Future. At that time, our leaders reaffirmed the urgent need for Security Council reform. That reform, they said, must renew the Council's credibility and legitimacy. It is incumbent upon us, moreover, to build on the foundations laid in recent years, including the adoption of the relevant actions of the Pact for the Future, to ensure Council reform reaches fruition. We are delighted at the growing support for African demands that was illustrated during the high-level general debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly. Faithful to the common African position as set forth in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, Africa reiterates its call to be addressed as a unique case and as a priority in a reform process. That was an imperative, once again, underscored by the Pact for the Future adopted at the Summit of the Future. This demand is not merely a political aspiration, but rather an issue of fundamental justice. In this regard, my delegation wishes to convey its gratitude to the states and groups that have already supported the common African position. We encourage other states to do the same. Thirdly, discussion on reform models remains a step in the right direction, insofar as it provides us with an opportunity to have practical discussions around the type of model that would allow Security Council reform to take shape. Here, it goes without saying that renewing the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council involves ensuring it is representative. My delegation is delighted that the African model will have room to be presented during this session. We invite delegations to support that position during structured dialogue. Fourthly, the question of the veto remains a matter of justice, coherence and equity when it comes to exercising the responsibilities and the mandate entrusted to permanent members of the Council. Africa supports the widespread abolition of the veto. With that in mind, new permanent members must be able to shoulder all of their responsibilities, veto included, if the veto remains in place. And we are particularly in favor of initiatives aiming to restrict the use of the veto, particularly in the case of mass atrocities. That's the rationale behind the Franco-Mexican initiative. My fifth point, the interconnected nature of the five reform clusters mean that holistic negotiations must take place and synergies must be forged beyond silence. We need to review working methods and thus correct asymmetries between permanent and non-permanent members, namely in terms of powers of initiative, institutional memory, and decision-making authority. Finally, an agreement in principle on the elements of reform would facilitate any text-based negotiations. Moreover, it is important to support efforts aiming to better define positions of various stakeholders. Moreover, the updating of the framework document of 2015 is relevant for my delegation because it is a solid reference point for our discussions. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal for that statement.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta.

President, Excellencies, Malta fully supports the Uniting for Consensus statement delivered at this debate and is making the following remarks in its national capacity. President, I want to begin by expressing my country's appreciation of the appointment of Ambassador Albani and Ambassador Van Hara as co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations. We believe they will continue to guide the process with prudence and impartiality, and Malta and other UFC members will fully support them in this effort. In the year of UN80 reforms, the issue of reforming the UN Security Council is once again attracting significant attention, accompanied by a renewed debate over what a future Council would look like. As a member of the UFC, Malta believes that further enhancing representation, accountability and transparency would help the Council to respond effectively to today's most pressing global challenges. But which direction should reform take us? The UFC has and remains of the view that flexibility will be required throughout the reform process, but certain basic characteristics of our approach remain. We propose to add elected and not permanent seats. We do not support an extension of the veto, and we believe that longer-term reelectable seats would help to ensure stability and Council members who are accountable to the broader UN membership. We believe that this type of reform will best address certain historic injustices, not least that 59 member states, many of them like Malta, small island states, have never served on the Security Council. By focusing on non-permanent seats, the UPC model would allow more countries to serve. There are also pragmatic reasons to prefer new elected seats over new permanent seats. And then, a large Security Council with more permanent members and more vetoes would find it even more difficult to reach agreements and respond to the most politically difficult and divisive questions. This is also the reason why, as members of the UFC, we argue that any reform of the Council would be strengthened by a new commitment to reduce the use of the veto as much as possible, particularly in cases of alleged mass atrocities and war crimes. I want to conclude these remarks by noting that as a member of the UFC, Malta is committed to working with other member states and negotiating groups to achieve a reform that benefits the UN as an organization and that reflects our shared aspiration for an effective, accountable Council that acts to preserve international peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malta. We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item for this meeting. We shall hear the remaining speakers this afternoon at 3 o'clock in this hall. The meeting is adjourned.