– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Mrs. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73^rd Session of the UN General Assembly

20 November 2018

Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council

Distinguished Permanent Representatives, Delegates,

The question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters has been addressed by the General Assembly for more than two decades.

However, despite our efforts, so far, we have not been able to reach agreements about the reform of this body that is essential to the United Nations and to the multilateral system.

According to the mandate that I have received, I would like to announce the names of the co-facilitators of the intergovernmental negotiations for this period of sessions.

I have reconfirmed Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of United Arab Emirates, who fulfilled this role in the previous period of sessions.

I have also designated as new co-facilitator of the process Ambassador Christian Braun, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg.

I trust that the Member States will offer their full cooperation for the fulfillment of their duties.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the role of the co-facilitators in the previous period of sessions, above-mentioned Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, from the United Arab Emirates, and Ambassador Kaha Imnadze, from Georgia. I deeply thank their efforts and work.

Excellencies,

Member States are convinced about the need to reform the Security Council.

In fact, during the high level General Debate last September, eighty world leaders emphasized this need.

To obtain tangible results in this process we need, indubitably, political willingness.

My position in this matter has been clear; I have reiterated, in several occasions, that the Security Council must adapt to the new political realities.

The reform of the Council is very important, not only for Member States, but to United Nations system as a whole.

A Council that is more representative, more effective and transparent, would improve the legitimacy and implementation of its decisions.

Furthermore, it would reinforce multilateralism and would contribute to the efforts to achieve a more democratic and effective global governance system.

Excellencies,

When I took office, I committed my full support to the reform of the Security Council, in tune with the times and pace that you, the Member States, determine.

I insist, this process is in your hands. Since this is a Member States driven process, my role, I assure you, is to accompany you in this challenge.

Considering the complexity of this matter, it is of the utmost importance to appeal, at all times, to dialogue, in earnest, respect and with an open mind.

Dialogue will always offer an opportunity, a door to reach agreements.

I encourage Member States to explore more pragmatic approaches and work methods that are appropriate to move forward in the reform of the Council, particularly in the topics in which there are still major differences.

Excellencies,

The reform of the Security Council is, without doubt, a complex challenge that is closely linked to one of the main pillars of our Organization: peace and security.

It is also possibly one of the topics that requires our best diplomatic skills.

The call to have greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in the Security Council is a reality.

I trust that the Member States will continue to channel their best efforts to find suitable answers for these challenges.

I reiterate my commitment to support you in this endeavor in an impartial, objective and open-minded manner, and move forward in our shared aspiration of reforming and optimizing the quality and efficiency of the Security Council.

Thank you.