Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters

– As delivered –

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

29 January 2019 

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Today, we begin work again on one of the most complex processes before the General Assembly: the question of equitable representation on, and increase in, the membership of the Security Council and related matters. It is a question that the Assembly has addressed for over two decades, and that has occupied Member States for much longer than that. But it remains urgent.

This week Member States have been commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. It was in the aftermath of this incomparable tragedy that the United Nations was formed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and it is on the fulfilment of this promise, perhaps more than any other, that people judge the Organization.

The Charter confers on the Security Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. As such, the ability of the Council to effectively discharge this responsibility is, in the eyes of many, indelibly linked to the credibility of the UN as a whole. When the Security Council fails, the United Nations fails – and people lose faith in multilateralism. When the Council succeeds, it is a victory for the UN and for the rules-based international system.

So the question of Security Council reform is not a theoretical one. It must not become an exercise in going through the motions. Behind every item on the Council’s agenda there are lives at stake. The people of the world are watching us. We must not disappoint them.

I am grateful to Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates and Ambassador Christian Braun of Luxembourg for having agreed to serve as Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations. I am confident that they will ably steer the process and I have no doubt that you will all extend your full support and cooperation to them, as the pressure for concrete results grows ever greater. And rightly so. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Kaha Imnadze of Georgia for his invaluable contribution to this process.

Excellencies,

It is now over 25 years since the Open-Ended Working Group was formed. Intergovernmental negotiations began more than a decade ago. And still, the composition of the Security Council continues broadly to reflect the world as it was in 1945, save for the increase in non-permanent seats agreed half a century ago. A lot has changed since then, to put it mildly.

Member States have repeatedly called for a Security Council that reflects current political realities. You have called for the Council to be more representative, efficient and transparent – not just for the sake of it, but to enhance its effectiveness and the legitimacy and implementation of its decisions. This is arguably more important now than ever.

Progress this year is critical. Many Member States feel that we have reached a ‘make or break’ point. Many have expressed frustration at the lack of progress. Others are concerned that the intergovernmental negotiations may not be the appropriate forum for advancing Security Council reform.

Excellencies,

I am aware of the sensitivities that are involved, and of the differences that persist. However, I firmly believe in the power of dialogue, and in the ability – and diplomatic skill – of Member States to make meaningful progress in the coming months. While there are still areas of great divergence, there is also much on which Member States agree.

We can build on the progress made so far if we act in a spirit of goodwill and compromise, with political will, courage and resolve, as well as flexibility and constructiveness.

This will require a credible process within the framework of the intergovernmental negotiations that Member States have full confidence in, from beginning to end. This means inclusivity – every country’s view counts and every country must have ownership of the process, regardless of its size. It means also transparency. A clear timeline with dates and sufficient time for planning purposes will be extremely useful. And it means accountability and continuity. Our work should be guided by lessons learned and best practices.

Excellencies,

As I stated during the interactive dialogue with candidates to the Presidency of the General Assembly in May 2018, the extent to which this is achieved, and the pace and progress, is up to you – the Member States. This is an intergovernmental process. I will do my utmost to support you, while you are in the driving seat.

I encourage continued interaction between the main negotiating blocs to seek further areas of convergence and to reassess their positions, bearing in mind that the clock for reform is ticking. The people of the world are watching, and they want results.

Today’s debate provides an opportunity for Member States to express their views and expectations for the process. I will exert every effort to facilitate your work, and to enable an open and sincere discussion as we seek to advance our shared aspiration of reforming the Security Council.

Thank you.