A/75/PV.29 General Assembly

I wish to express my appreciation to the Permanent Representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Poland for convening the first and second meetings of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform during the seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly. Unfortunately, in view of the pandemic, the work of the intergovernmental negotiations had to be rolled over to the seventy-fifth session. Despite the passage of over seven decades since the establishment of the United Nations, and the corresponding significant geopolitical developments, the Security Council remains an institution that has not adequately responded to the changes in the world’s political map in terms of its representativeness and working methods. Whether by an amendment to the Charter of the United Nations or a suitable effective alternative, it is incumbent upon Member States to continue pursuing with vigour the reform of the Security Council, which will help enhance the credibility and authority of its decisions and ensure more active participation by Member States in implementing its decisions. The Philippines has supported an enlarged Council through an increase in the number of members up to 27, making it more representative of twenty-first century geopolitical realities, including fair representation for the Asia and Pacific region. The Philippines has also long supported proposals to rationalize the use of the veto, including limiting the issues to which it may be applied. It is important not to lose sight of that important issue. As the Security Council takes into account the question of equitable representation and an increase in membership, equal if not more attention must be given to improving its working methods, that is, the other matters related to the Council, in order to make its decision-making processes more transparent and open to wider participation for non-members. Such participation should neither be token nor perfunctory, but meaningful and effective. That is in line with Article 24, paragraph 1, of the United Nations Charter, which states that the Security Council acts on behalf of the wider membership in carrying out its duties. Moreover, although the Council is the master of its procedures and, given the key role it has in maintaining international peace and security, its procedures for decision-making should be more transparent and participatory. That requires taking fully into account the views of the wider membership on issues under its consideration. On the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly, the Philippines position is in line with resolution 71/323, with emphasis on the complementary relationship between the two principal organs of the United Nations. Effective institutional arrangements should therefore be adopted to strengthen the mutual relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council, including transparent mechanisms for the two organs to consult on key issues affecting international peace and security. For example, periodic meetings between the Presidents of the two organs could be held. Meetings between subsidiary bodies of the General Assembly and the Security Council on specific issues could also be held. The Philippines remains committed to the intergovernmental negotiations process, and we look forward to its upcoming sessions and to achieving concrete results. I would like to stress that we need a Council that is not only capable of responding to dynamic and fast-changing events, but does so in a manner that fully represents and takes into account the views and concerns of the wider membership of the United Nations.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomes the convening of this plenary meeting to discuss the issues of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and its long-awaited reform process. In addressing this core issue, Venezuela reaffirms the principles of inclusion, democratization and equality of States before the law as essential elements of multilateralism that should guide both the negotiation process and its final results. Venezuela remains convinced of the need to advance fully and effectively the work of the intergovernmental negotiations in order to guarantee the democratization of the Security Council by making it more representative and renewing its capacity to respond to the challenges facing the international community in matters of international peace and security. Although work was interrupted this year by the coronavirus disease pandemic, discussions within the intergovernmental negotiations have provided an opportunity to identify some common elements. For instance, we agreed on the need to increase the representation of developing countries, especially those from Africa, and on the need to improve the working methods of the Security Council to make it more transparent. Developing countries account for most of the members of our Organization and are often those most affected by the conflicts addressed by the Security Council, thereby underscoring the need for them to be adequately represented in that organ. The building of a democratic and peaceful international system requires the recognition of these historical aspirations, with emphasis on pluripolarity and multicentrism, guided by the promotion of inclusive multilateralism. In that regard, we must redouble our efforts to correct persistent historical imbalances and thereby increase the presence of the countries of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia and the Pacific in both the permanent and non-permanent member categories. We consider it necessary to strengthen transparency, flexibility and the political will of all States in the negotiation process on Security Council reform, thereby fostering a constructive environment to avoid confrontation and the imposition of regional or national geopolitical interests and risking the collective and inclusive spirit. All States must feel as if they are part of the process and be satisfied with it to ensure its legitimacy and political acceptance. We are concerned at attempts to impose artificial deadlines that could undermine the progress that has been achieved. A decision taken under pressure will lead to greater inequality and conflict. For that reason, it is essential to prioritize the process of in-depth, democratic consultations to ensure a holistic solution supported by all Member States over proposing a negotiation based on a text whose principles, approach and methodology are unclear. In conclusion, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to the work of the intergovernmental negotiations to achieve equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council, as historically reflected in our principled position, in a manner that guarantees an unimpeachable process and the highest level of political acceptance by the Organization’s membership.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council. I join other Member States in congratulating our colleagues the Ambassador of Poland on her re-appointment as co-Chair and the Ambassador of Qatar on her appointment to steer this critical session of the intergovernmental negotiations. The Namibian delegation is confident in their capacity to lead the intergovernmental negotiations during the seventy- fifth session of the General Assembly. This year marks many milestones for our global parliament, the United Nations. It is our fervent hope that the same jubilation we have witnessed in the last months owing to the commemorative events will translate into efforts towards a meaningfully reformed Security Council. As a member of the Committee of Ten  — the Committee mandated by the Assembly of the African Union to advance, promote and solicit support for the African Common Position as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration — Namibia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Africa Member States (see A/75/PV.27). Namibia wishes to reiterate that the African Common Position, as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, is the only viable option for Africa to be represented in the Security Council. It is in line with this position that Africa demands no less than two permanent seats, with all the prerogatives and privileges of permanent membership, including the right of the veto, so long as it continues to exist, as well as five non-permanent seats in the Security Council. We thank those Member States that continue to express support for the African Common Position. To us, this is a welcome source of encouragement and assurance of solidarity, appreciation and unconditional confirmation of support for the demand to end the injustice against Africa. Therefore, my delegation is pleased to acknowledge the unambiguous expression of support for the African Common Position, as contained in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, by the respective representatives of the L.69 group, the Group of Four and the Caribbean Community, among others. We urge those delegations that have not yet expressed their support to the legitimate aspirations of the African continent to join the growing Ezulwini Consensus alliance, because it is the right thing to do. We could not agree more with the emphasis by the Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China in his statement yesterday (see A/75/PV.27) that we seek a reformed Council that will rectify the imbalance between developed and developing countries and will serve the international community better to the benefit of all Member States. My delegation believes that, in that way, we will ultimately address the historical injustice against Africa and deliver more balance between the North and the South. Indeed, it is time that the reform process address the imbalance resulting from the determination by some to preserve the entrenched self-interests of a few Member States that are finding it hard to accommodate the expansion of the Council in both categories in order to bring about much-needed fairness and greater equity in the composition of a reformed Council. Africa is opposed to the veto as a matter of principle and of natural justice inherent in the United Nations Charter. However, as long as the veto exists, and as a matter of common justice, it should be available to all permanent Council members. In addition, Africa demands no less than 26 seats in total in the enlarged Security Council. Namibia wishes to reiterate that the selection criteria for African representatives to the permanent category, and the selection of representatives itself, will be determined by the African Union. There should therefore be no discussion on this issue, and we hope that other negotiating groups will respect this sovereign decision of the group of African countries. My delegation wishes to state that the framework document remains the main reference preferred by the African Group in the intergovernmental negotiations, as it is the only document that reflects the positions and views of over 120 Member States, including on the key elements of the African Common Position. Namibia hopes that none of us will lose sight of this fact. I believe it was Greek philosopher Heraclitus who famously reminded us that the only constant in life is change. However, it seems the intergovernmental negotiations process has taken this reality to another level, where no change has now become the only constant in the life of the intergovernmental negotiations. For the umpteenth time, we have spent a round of discussions lamenting to varying degrees the fact that, for the better part of the last 15 years of intergovernmental negotiations, the last 25 years since the Millennium Declaration or the last 41 years since the item was added to the General Assembly’s agenda, and certainly since the last reform of the Council three years before I was born, we have made very little progress. Over these last two days, I have heard so many of us say how frustrated we are at hearing no new or fresh proposals, ideas or solutions, instead repeating the same arguments year after year. To say that this is frustrating is an understatement. It is truly incredible that, with such a high level of frustration among most of us, we seem resigned to the notion that no change is now the constant and that by doing the same thing over and over again we will eventually produce a different outcome. It is simply astonishing how we make up arguments in favour of the need to respect General Assembly rules of procedure and let them guide General Assembly processes but, conveniently, only when it suits the view we want to take on the reform. My delegation believes that the instruction by our leaders to reform the institution over which they preside gives us the power to make the required changes needed for a reformed Council. A tremendous responsibility rests on our shoulders. History will be the judge of our handling of this onerous responsibility. Failure to contribute to bringing about a more equitable, democratic, transparent and accountable Security Council is therefore not an option. We have time-tested tools at our disposal to do our work. Now let us do what is right. As we commence the intergovernmental negotiations process for this session, I assure the Assembly of my delegation’s readiness to engage towards a fruitful outcome for all. Let us redouble our efforts at this session. Let us make history. Let us work towards consensus on a reformed Security Council. Let us reform the Security Council.

Allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important discussion, which is even more important at the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly. In decision 74/569, of 31 August 2020, the General Assembly reaffirmed its central role in the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council. Guatemala wishes to congratulate Ambassador Joanna Wronecka, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland, and Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, on their appointments as co-facilitators of the negotiations of this important intergovernmental process. In accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, Member States confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, recognizing that the Council acts on behalf of the membership as a whole and that its actions are consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. In fact, under Article 25 of the Charter, we have agreed to accept and comply with the decisions of the Security Council. Therefore, its decisions, resolutions, representation and actions make it highly accountable to all Member States. Guatemala has highlighted at previous intergovernmental meetings on this matter the need to strengthen and improve the work of the Security Council along the following lines. First, to make the Security Council more representative. Secondly, to reconcile representativeness with agility, which implies a modest increase in the number of members. Thirdly, to seek greater rapprochement between the work of the Security Council and that of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Human Rights Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. And, fourthly, to make the work of the Security Council more transparent through its working methods. In addition, we have supported an expansion in the number of members in both categories, specifically an expansion of up to an additional five permanent and five elected members, that is, a Security Council consisting of 10 permanent and 15 elected members. Our delegation does not insist that the new permanent members have all the prerogatives of the current permanent members, in particular the right of the veto, or that the five current permanent members renounce their prerogatives under the United Nations Charter. Guatemala was a non-permanent member of the Security Council during the 2012-2013 biennium. During that time, we were able to contribute to strengthening one of the noblest tasks of the Organization: the maintenance of peace. Since then, taking into account our experience, as well as the delicate responsibility that comes with being a member of the Security Council, we have sought to strengthen other General Assembly forums, such as the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34), increased interaction and triangular cooperation among Security Council members, the C-34 and troop-contributing countries. It is particularly relevant to maintain transparency in all peacekeeping processes and working methods of the Security Council, with the aim of making the Council more effective in hostile environments, so that peacekeeping is realized and consolidated under the concept of sustainable peace. In reference to the right of the veto, it is necessary to reiterate the call for the Security Council to be consistent with its functions, including through the responsible use of the right of veto, in order to avoid the aggravation of international crises. In that connection, Guatemala reiterates its support for the French and Mexican initiative to limit the use of the veto in the case of mass atrocities, based on the normative political premise of the responsibility to protect. Accordingly, it is of singular importance to continue efforts to reform the Security Council and its relation to the referral of cases to the International Criminal Court. Whatever the outcome of the current intergovernmental negotiations on this matter, it should be the exclusive responsibility of the Member States of the General Assembly. In that regard, we do not object to the co-facilitators proposing a text that would enable direct negotiations to begin. We commend the efforts of the previous co-facilitators and recognize that the right foundation for advancing this process is the common ground we have previously identified in order to generate greater convergence. In conclusion, we reiterate our appreciation to the co-facilitators, as the work before them is of vital importance, not only to the Council but also to Member States and the entire United Nations system. We stress that a more representative, efficient and transparent Security Council will increase legitimacy in the implementation of its decisions, thereby strengthening multilateralism and the efforts to achieve a more democratic and effective system of global governance. They can count on Guatemala’s support in this process.

First of all, the delegation of Burundi would like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this plenary meeting of the General Assembly on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council other matters related to the Security Council. I also thank you for your personal involvement in favour of Council reform and for your support for the process. My delegation would also like to thank you, Sir, for re-appointing and appointing, respectively, Ambassadors Wronecka of Poland and Al-Thani of Qatar as co-facilitators of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform for the seventy-fifth session. Wishing them great success in the conduct of their mandate, my delegation also offers them its full support and cooperation. We commend the excellent work done by the co-Chairs of this process at the previous session. While fully aligning itself with the statement made by the representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the group of African countries (see A/75/PV.27), the delegation of Burundi wishes to make a few remarks in its national capacity. The delegation of Burundi continues to believe that the intergovernmental negotiations, mandated by the General Assembly, are the only legitimate mechanism for negotiating Security Council reform and must be led exclusively by Member States on an equal footing. In view of the historical injustice towards Africa, as the only continent not represented among the permanent membership, in addition to being underrepresented in the non-permanent category, which it continues to suffer in this extremely important organ responsible for global peace and security issues, whose agenda is largely dominated by African issues, the delegation of Burundi would like to reiterate once again its unwavering commitment to the integrity of the African Common Position on the issue of Security Council reform set out in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Africa is legitimately claiming at least two permanent seats, with all the prerogatives and privileges of permanent members, including the right of the veto. Although Africa opposes the veto in principle, it believes that, as long as the veto exists, it should be made available to all current and new permanent members of the Security Council. With regard to geographical representation, Burundi remains committed to the African position requiring a reform to guarantee the continent’s legitimate right to fair and equitable geographical representation in the Security Council, taking into account the objective principles and values conveyed in the Charter of the United Nations. As for the Council’s working methods, Burundi supports a Security Council that is more accessible, democratic, representative, accountable, inclusive and effective in meeting the demands of today’s world. It is evident that the African Common Position enjoys broad and sincere support from Member States. That should therefore be taken into account to move the process forward. The delegation of Burundi is of the opinion that a discussion on the working methods of the Security Council could be held at this session, in particular on their overall impact on the work of the United Nations, as well as on the lack of fairness in the composition of the Security Council and the disadvantaged position of non-permanent members in terms of institutional recognition and other decision-making. We also believe that it would be essential to hold a meeting at this session to specifically discuss the status of the various documents emanating from the previous intergovernmental negotiations and the practical modalities for moving the process forward. My delegation firmly believe that such a discussion would help advance the other processes and rationalize the various views and positions of Member States. Regarding the format of the meetings, my delegation argues that, unlike video-teleconferences, in-person meetings are much more effective because they guarantee genuine interactive discussion. Furthermore, we believe that the scheduling of meetings to discuss all aspects of Security Council reform should be subject to consultation and decided on the basis of consensus among Member States. We also believe that, in order to move forward, we should focus on the substance of the negotiations in the five issue clusters and on the integrity of the African Common Position and avoid as much as possible getting caught up in procedural and documentation matters. With regard to webcasting, meeting records and the application of the General Assembly’s rules of procedure, my delegation believes that, as long as intergovernmental negotiations remain informal in nature, to circulate the records or apply the rules of procedure would be against decision 75/569, on intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council. In conclusion, it is the sincere hope of my delegation that, during this and subsequent sessions, Member States will consolidate commitments with the aim of achieving tangible progress by demonstrating the political will, flexibility and agility necessary to make Security Council reform a reality to be passed on to future generations.

The United Nations was created 75 years ago in the aftermath of the Second World War with a view to saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war. The Security Council is tasked with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Today the purposes and principles of our Organization remain the same. However, the challenges before us become increasingly complex and demand that we strengthen our Organization and the tools at our disposal. Viet Nam reaffirms its strong support for the reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council. In our view, the Council needs to be more representative, democratic, transparent and effective. The membership of the Organization is almost universal. The membership of the Security Council was last expanded 55 years ago. Yet 73 more countries have since joined the United Nations. It is therefore high time that the Council membership be enlarged. While we note some improvements in the Council’s methods of work, there is still much to be desired. Accordingly, we support an enlargement of the Council in both categories  — permanent and non-permanent members — with equitable geographical representation, especially for underrepresented, unrepresented and developing countries. The membership increase should aim to rectify current inequity, including by trying to emulate as closely as possible the geographical proportions of the wider membership. Countries’ role in, and contribution to, the maintenance of regional and international peace and security should be duly considered when selecting new members. We also support all efforts to bring more transparency to the work of the Council, while ensuring its effectiveness. Seventy-five is not young for an organization, but it is never too late to adapt to new realities and change for the better. I would like to share a few points in that regard. First, the reform should contribute further to upholding international law, including the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and to improving the Council’s discharge of its primary responsibility. Secondly, the intergovernmental negotiations process should focus on the goals of the reform and move it forward, building on past experience and bearing in mind a long-term vision for another 75 years. The negotiations should be conducted in good faith, with mutual respect and in an inclusive and transparent manner. At the same time, there should be more negotiation than debate. Thirdly, Council reform is of, by and for all United Nations Members. Efforts should aim, therefore, at increasing mutual understanding, finding common ground and negotiating in good faith to garner the broadest possible support for meaningful, equitable and effective reform. Viet Nam has supported the efforts and work of the intergovernmental negotiations and its Co-Chairs through the years, including the 2015 framework document on Security Council reform and subsequent documents. We have contributed to the texts, papers and concrete questions put forward by the co-Chairs and are ready to actively engage in the process in this momentous seventy-fifth year of the United Nations. If nations are united, we can achieve anything.

I would like to express our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting. My delegation aligns itself with the Common Position expressed in the statement by Ambassador Kabba of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Group of African States (see A/75/PV.27). Allow me to join previous speakers in congratulating the Permanent Representatives of Poland and Qatar on their appointments as co-facilitators of the intergovernmental negotiations process. I assure them of my delegation’s full support and cooperation throughout this session. The Charter of the United Nations places the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security squarely in the hands of the Security Council. That organ must therefore discharge those functions with firmness and resist the temptation to view questions of international peace and security through the lenses of national fears and preoccupations. If it is paralysed by parochial interests, the temptation for unilateral action increases. There appears to be a moral dilemma facing the United Nations when the Security Council is unable to act because of a lack of consensus in response to the most heinous human rights violations. In such circumstances, and while conflicts continue unabated in different parts of the world, the capacity of the international conflict-resolution machinery is put to severe test. It is in that connection that we reiterate our call for the reform of the Security Council with a view to making the Council representative, transparent and, indeed, accountable. The adoption of decision 62/557, at the sixty-second session of the General Assembly, ushered in a new hope in the genuine desire to correct historical injustices and establish an international order that is inclusive, transparent and just. Previous discussions on Security Council reform emphasized the Council’s composition and size, and in particular the possibility of admitting new permanent members. This is an organ we believe cannot be left to the interest of a few. In our view, true reform of the Security Council will be one modelled along the lines of the African Common Position as enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. That is the only way the historical injustice done to Africa will be reversed. It is worth noting that the African Common Position has received tremendous explicit support and no express opposition. Lesotho therefore underscores that Africa should have no less than two permanent seats, in addition to the non-permanent seats. We also reiterate the call for Africa to name its representatives on the Council in order to ensure its continued unity. Intergovernmental negotiations on this important subject, including a dedicated meeting to discuss the status of various intergovernmental negotiations process documents, must take shape at this current session. Lesotho fully supports the framework document, as it is comprehensive, captures the African position and reflects the views of the majority of Member States. We are hopeful that, in the end, we will have a comprehensively reformed Council to better serve humankind. It is of paramount importance that Security Council reform should comprise a comprehensive package that would include changes in the Council’s working methods in the direction of greater transparency and participation by the membership as a whole. Lesotho is in favour of abolishing the veto; however, if the veto continues to exist, all permanent Council members in the enlarged Security Council should be allowed to avail themselves of it. As I conclude, allow me to underscore the fact that peace and security will remain elusive if we do not implement the necessary reform of the Council, as the principal organ for the maintenance of international peace and security. We are discussing this important subject at a critical time and juncture in human history: indeed, this is the time for a true reflection on the role of the Council in the twenty-first century. Finally, I wish to state that Lesotho remains a proponent of the maintenance of international peace and security. We remain convinced that the United Nations is the only universal institution that can safeguard world peace and ensure the survival of all. But for it to do so, the reform of the Security Council must proceed without further delay. A Council that is transparent and representative of all regions will go a long way towards fulfilling the ideals for which the United Nations was formed.

Senegal associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the group of African countries (see A/75/PV.27). My delegation takes this opportunity to congratulate you again, Mr. President, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session and to express its strong support for achieving the broadest possible consensus and tangible progress on Security Council reform. My delegation also congratulates Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani of Qatar on her appointment, and Ambassador Joanna Wronecka of Poland on her reappointment, as co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations at this session. We would also like to thank Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates for her valuable contribution as co-Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations process at the seventy-second to seventy-fourth sessions. Today more than ever, as multilateralism is being severely tested, it is time for the United Nations, in particular its organ responsible for ensuring international peace and security, to transform to better reflect current challenges and the international community’s aspirations for more inclusive global governance. In that context, for Africa, reforming the Security Council with a view to achieving a fairer world based on universalism, fairness and regional balance is pressing in order to redress a historical injustice that has lasted far too long. Such redress is certainly urgent for our continent, which is the only one not represented among permanent members and is underrepresented in the non-permanent member category all the while continuing, alas, to occupy a prominent place on the Security Council’s agenda. It is urgent because the African Common Position, which emerged from the Ezulwini Consensus of 1999 and was strengthened in the Sirte Declaration of 2005, strongly expresses Africa’s commitment to more balanced and fairer representation in the Security Council as the only way to enable the organ to fully assume its role in the maintenance of international peace and security. It is urgent because, amid today’s global challenges, it is imperative to make the Security Council more efficient and transparent, to optimize its effectiveness, to guarantee the legitimacy of its decisions and to ensure their effective implementation. In that regard, the continuing support for the African Common Position must be faithfully reflected in our documents, and there must be no ambiguity in the way the position is taken into account at all levels of the process. It is high time to move from rhetoric to action and to agree on the scope, principles and criteria for negotiations on the five key issues and their interdependence. It is also high time to show more determination and political will and finally agree on what reform to put in place and on how to move forward and overcome the interplay of strategies and interests in the various negotiating groups. At the risk of betraying the consensus set out in decision 62/557 and once again experiencing a highly regrettable setback, and given the interdependence of the five thematic clusters, only a holistic approach will enable a comprehensive reform of the Security Council. At the risk, also, of going against the spirit of the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document on the rapid reform of the Security Council, neither a fragmented approach to the process nor an intermediate model creating a new category of members other than those provided for in the United Nations Charter seems to us to be viable. Therefore, only a comprehensive approach to the five key themes of the intergovernmental negotiations will reconcile representativeness with efficiency, and expanded membership with speed of decision-making. In conclusion, while reiterating its faith in the Charter and its commitment to the reform process, my delegation remains convinced that, with determination, we will be able to rewrite the history of multilateralism. Thus we will restore to Africa a right that humankind should never have denied it: the right to benefit, like other continents, from permanent representatives on the Security Council endowed with all rights and prerogatives.

The Congo associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Group of African States (see A/75/PV.27). Allow me to make a few remarks in my national capacity. Our congratulations to Ms. Joanna Wronecka, Permanent Representative of Poland, on accepting the renewed confidence in her abilities, and to Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar, on her appointment as co-facilitator of the intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council. I would be remiss in not thanking Mrs. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates, for her efforts in leading the negotiations over the past three years. The delegation of the Congo would like to reaffirm its commitment to the intergovernmental negotiations process and takes this opportunity to assure the co-facilitators of its support in this task, which is as noble as it is complex. While the intergovernmental negotiations during the seventy-fourth session had gotten off to a good start, it was unfortunately overshadowed by the emergence of the coronavirus disease pandemic, which completely disrupted, if not interrupted, the process. Of the two working meetings convened, only one issue from the five clusters recommended in decision 62/557 was considered. It is our hope that the conditions will be met during this session for the intergovernmental negotiations to proceed with as many face-to-face meetings as usual. As you know, Mr. President, Africa has a Common Position on this project based on the Sirte Declaration and the Ezulwini Consensus. Africa’s legitimate demand for two African States to sit on the Security Council as permanent members, with all the privileges that go with that status, and for a reassessment of Africa’s representation in the non-permanent category, with two additional non-permanent seats, has always had the Congo’s support. My country’s firm commitment, alongside other African countries and so many other partners, to work to ensure that Africa obtains just reparation for the historical injustice it continues to suffer remains unwavering. Africa, which represents almost one third of the Members of the Organization, must, as everyone in this Hall agrees, gain its rightful place in the Organization’s organs. Rather than trapping the institution in the past, we must instead engage the United Nations in a more dynamic role that takes into account the reality of today’s world. The challenges of 75 years ago did not arise in the same manner as they do today — the stakes, the difficulties and the needs themselves were different. This seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly, which is marked by the solemn commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, with all that that symbolizes, offers us a privileged opportunity, through the global reform of the United Nations system, to pave the way for the future construction of the world we want: a world that is fair and prosperous for all. On the occasion of the anniversary ceremony, many delegations praised and underlined the importance of multilateralism. But they also stressed the need to adapt the Organization to the times, because reality at the time of its establishment is different from the reality of the twenty-first century. In addition to issues relating to increasing the membership of the Council, the reform, in accordance with decision 62/557, will have to take into account the five key issues dealt with in the intergovernmental negotiations, whose interdependence has often been recalled and is well established. The Council’s working methods, as well as the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly, are important issues whose regulation will improve the image of the Organization. It is on this basis that we must invest in this new round of negotiations, free from the grip of paralysing divisions and professions of faith and driven by a common will to move towards a Security Council that is more representative, transparent, balanced, fair, democratic, effective and efficient. In this endeavour, it is important to recall that the African Common position enjoys overwhelming support, which should be inscribed in the acceptance of the spirit and letter of the Ezulwini Consensus. Public health conditions permitting, we should then spare no effort to move forward in this process and commit to genuine negotiations. In that regard, the delegation of the Congo would advocate for more working meetings and an outcome document that would not only reflect the discussions that will have taken place, but would also summarize the reference documents resulting from previous negotiations. In this way, the positions of all parties to the negotiations would be clearly recorded.

Allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this significant debate, which comes at a unique time in the 75-year history of the United Nations  — one shaped by a pandemic and ongoing socioeconomic challenges, but also one that has kept the membership engaged in the same constructive spirit of multilateralism. In this light, we wish to congratulate the newly appointed co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations, and Malta looks forward to cooperating with them on this very important issue. Malta aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Italy on behalf of the Uniting for Consensus group (see A/75/PV.27), and we take this opportunity to add our national views to complement today’s deliberations. Malta continues to reiterate that a reformed Security Council remains at the core of a reformed United Nations, and therefore at the nucleus of the international world order. We were able to convene at the start of the year and an immensely in-depth discussion followed, which in turn reflected our objective to seek and identify elements of convergence within and among groups. Now we meet again, and it is during these unprecedented times that we should continue focusing on the reform of the Security Council with renewed vigour and determination, which will ultimately lead us towards a path of full convergence among Member States. The current situation should not hold us back but, rather, should act as an incentive to further explore formidable avenues of discussion. For this session, Malta recommends a continued search for convergences on all five clusters and their inherent interlinkages with one another, with a special focus on the categories of membership and regional representation. On the first cluster  — categories of membership  — we acknowledge that an increase in non-permanent seats is supported by all Member States and is common ground for advancing Security Council reform. Over the years, Uniting for Consensus has drawn up a flexible model that encapsulates inclusivity in full representation and, in our view, best positions us for a realistic, holistic reform. That leads me to my second point  — regional representation. A convergence we have observed is that underrepresented regions will benefit from the expansion of the non-permanent membership, which will ultimately give all Member States, big or small, a greater chance to contribute, as they will earn their seat as a responsibility and not as a pre-determined privilege. Uniting for Consensus illustrates this through a proposed Security Council consisting of 21 non-permanent seats. Those would include six seats for the African Group, five for the Asia-Pacific Group, four for the Latin American and Caribbean Group, three for the Western European and others Group, two for the Eastern European Group and one for small States and small island developing States. Malta believes in a transformed Security Council that is truly reflective of today’s realities  — a more transparent, representative, accountable, democratic and effective Council that is capable of delivering on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It is this strong aspiration that continues to fuel our pursuit of reform in the Security Council. To conclude, let me convey Malta’s commitment in once again having a constructive and inclusive dialogue among Member States on this very important issue, and we look forward to continuing to maintain our mutually reinforcing support to the co-Chairs. It is in the interests of all, especially during these inimitable times, to contribute and subscribe to a Council that is functional and effective and, most important, legitimate and successful. If we seek an enhanced Security Council, we automatically seek an enhanced United Nations, and this should lie at the crux of the intergovernmental negotiations’ paradigm. As a small State in a fluctuating, unpredictable world order, Malta is committed to a Council that gives all Member States equality and opportunity to seek global solutions to global issues. By making each and every Member State’s voice heard on a reformed Council is to make their voice heard with dignity, respect and rightness.

My delegation would like to express its gratitude to you, Mr. President, for convening today’s debate and for personally presiding over it, as well as for your readiness to ensure that the process to reform the Security Council gets the necessary support, even during the current pandemic. We fully ascribe to your call to explore the possibility for the intergovernmental negotiations to start early in 2021 and to enhance the dialogue among Member States on the matter. In that regard, we express our support and wish every success to the co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations, Ambassador Joanna Wronecka, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland, and Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, in guiding the negotiations at this session. In the run-up to the new round of consultations, I would like to reiterate that Ukraine remains ready to discuss all progressive options and approaches to Security Council reform aimed at re-energizing the negotiation process, making it results-oriented and ensuring that the resulting decision is more than a technical rollover. To that end, the intergovernmental negotiations should be an open, inclusive and transparent process. Progress will hardly be possible if delegations merely repeat their positions from year to year. Therefore, text-based negotiations seem to be our best shot at breaking this cycle. In that connection, my delegation has two important priorities as far as the overall reform process is concerned. First is the representation of the Group of Eastern European States in the Council. It is a matter of principle for Ukraine that at least one additional seat be allocated to the Group in the category of elected members. We reiterate that the Group remains among least represented in the non-permanent category, having just one seat for 22 Member States. Second is revisiting the role of the veto in the work of the Security Council. This is an indispensable element if Security Council reform is to be completed. Regrettably, as we see on too many occasions, the right of the veto is used by permanent members of the Security Council, chiefly by Russia, in breach of their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. The delegation of Ukraine therefore advocates a phasing out of the veto and strongly supports, as a first step in that direction, all initiatives aimed at limiting its use. We are convinced that the legitimate reasons for restricting the use of the veto by permanent members should include cases of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and cases of conflict or situations in which a permanent member is involved and cannot vote impartially due to conflict of interest. That is why we are convinced that limiting the situations where a party to conflict might abuse the right of the veto has to be considered in the course of the intergovernmental negotiations and implemented as an integral part of Security Council reform. Ukraine is among the Member States most interested in genuine reform of the Security Council and enabling that organ to effectively address the security threats and challenges of the twenty-first century. We welcome the efforts of the Council itself and, first and foremost, its elected members and those permanent members that do their best to transform the Council’s work from within, in particular by improving its working methods. It is worth reiterating, however, that the absence of progress on the fundamental issues of composition and exercise of decision-making power will further affect the Council’s ability to adequately respond to twenty-first century challenges and will undermine its relevance and credibility. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my delegation’s readiness to engage constructively on all the issues at hand so as to ensure progress towards our common goal of reforming the Security Council.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 127.