New York – February 11, 2015

Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,

I am pleased to join you today at this preparatory meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Reform of the Security Council.

Security Council reform is an integral part of our broader efforts to transform the United Nations into a more effective and democratic global institution. This includes revitalizing other bodies, as well, including the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, and improving the organization’s overall functioning and management.

Ten years ago, our Heads of State and Government in the 2005 World Summit expressed support for an early reform of the Security Council. But after nearly a decade, we have not made much progress. It is now time to move this process forward, to enhance the Council’s effectiveness, legitimacy and implementation of its decisions, in line with outcome of the 2005 World Summit.

Excellencies,

A revitalized, reformed and effective United Nations needs to be at the heart of the international community’s effort to promote peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. In these transformative times, a modernized United Nations must be the functional centre for harmonizing mankind’s values and actions.

It is on record that, at the start of this year’s General Assembly session, more than one hundred leaders expressed concern at the lack of progress in the negotiations on Security Council reform. It is also on record that leaders from all corners of the globe were unified in their common call for the Council to reform and adapt to the geopolitical realities of our modern day world.

The subject of Security Council reform extends well beyond the halls of the United Nations. It is an issue that concerns not only government leaders, but also members of non-governmental organizations, civil society, academia and other stakeholders; all of whom play a part in shaping public perception of the Organization.

Distinguished Delegates,

Today’s meeting will provide a crucial platform for preparatory discussions that will inform the intergovernmental negotiation process. Together, we will exchange views and expectations about the methodology for the upcoming resumption of the formal negotiations.

Past intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council have been characterized by the repetition of well-known positions and statements. As I outlined in my letter to Member States on 10 November 2014, there is an imperative to move the intergovernmental process towards text-based negotiations. This sentiment was echoed by the vast majority of speakers during the plenary debate last November.

Since our last meeting, I have had wide consultations with the Member States and regional groups, and I was heartened to hear support for the start of the intergovernmental negotiations, as well as the effort to move the process toward text-based negotiations.

I commend the Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations, Ambassador Rattray, for his leadership. I have full confidence in him, and support his intentions to build a substantive approach based on the views expressed at today’s meeting to launch the intergovernmental negotiations process in an open, inclusive and transparent manner. Since his appointment, he has shown commitment to carefully listen to and fully understand the views and positions of the Member States.

It is my hope that you will afford him your full support and flexibility to steer the negotiations in a manner that moves the process forward.

Excellencies,

We are currently marking 70 years since the Security Council took its primary role on behalf of Member States in the maintenance of international peace and security. It is evident that over the course of those seven decades, the world has undergone profound change.

This is a historic opportunity for the Security Council to adapt to the new realities and constructs of our world and become the more broadly representative, efficient and transparent institution to enhance its legitimacy envisioned by peoples everywhere. This should not be mistaken for setting artificial timelines; it is so that together we can make progress.

I look forward to your constructive involvement in this meeting and the forthcoming intergovernmental negotiations.