General Assembly Plenary meeting on “Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council”

Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York,

15 November 2021

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Thank you for joining today’s debate on Security Council reform.

We live in challenging times. Multiple threats – including climate change, COVID-19, terrorism, cybercrimes, nuclear proliferation, and ideological confrontation – are straining today’s international system. 

Acknowledging these new global realities, increasing numbers are calling for reform of the Security Council, the principal organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Is there merit in such calls? After 76 years, is Security Council reform needed now?

To put it simply: yes.

Not only will reform make the Council more fit for purpose in addressing today’s novel and complex challenges, but it will also revitalize the United Nations as a whole, increasing its effectiveness.

Revitalizing the United Nations is one of my top priorities, the fifth Ray of Hope under my Presidency.

Security Council reforms aligns with my conviction that a stronger United Nations is necessary to build a more resilient world.

Excellencies,

A more representative and inclusive Security Council has become an imperative of our time.

Since I took Office two months ago, I convened informal meetings with regional groups and Member States to exchange views on taking the reform process forward.

I am heartened that the membership’s commitment to the IGN process remains strong.

Rest assured that I am committed to supporting your efforts in an impartial, objective, and transparent manner.

Excellencies,

Security Council reform will be challenging but not impossible.

I am from the Maldives, which was one among the 10-member states that initially introduced today’s item, “the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council” into the General Assembly’s agenda in 1979. Back home we have always believed in both the necessity and feasibility of reforming the Council.

I am hopeful – both as your President and as a Maldivian – that progress can be made this session.

I wish to thank the Co-Chairs of the 75th session’s IGN, Her Excellency Joanna Wronecka, former Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland, and Her Excellency Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, for their important contributions to the process.

Earlier today, I took the decision of appointing Her Excellency, Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, and His Excellency, Ambassador Martin Bille Hermann, Permanent Representative of Denmark, as co-Chairs of this Session’s Intergovernmental Negotiations.

I thank both Ambassador Alya and Ambassador Martin for graciously accepting this challenge to move this process forward.

I trust that Member States will, once again, actively engage in the year’s Session to help advance the IGN.

Excellencies,

As outlined in the UN75 Political Declaration, I support Member States’ proposal to, and I quote, “instill new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council…”.

Ultimately, the success of this process depends on you, the Member States, through constructive negotiations, conducted in good faith and in a cooperative spirit.

I hope that we will be able to make meaningful progress on this issue during the 76th session, with greater political will and active participation.

I thank you.