Remarks by President General Assembly
H.E Dennis Francis
at the
13 December 2023
ECOSOC Chamber
(As Delivered)
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Your Excellency, Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations,
Members of the Intelligentsia of the South
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I thank the L69 Group for organizing today’s roundtable – a critical platform to facilitate the informal sharing of varied perspectives on United Nations Security Council Reform.
I would like in particular to thank India for its exemplary leadership in addressing global challenges, for its continued championing of matters of interest to the Global South, and for remaining a critical voice in seeking solutions to our major multilateral challenges facing the international community.
These strengths have been on full display, particularly during the pandemic, as well as, more recently, during India’s G20 Presidency.
While conflicts seem to be spreading the globe, the Security Council – whose primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security – however, seems caught in a concerning state of paralysis.
With its unsatisfactory discharge of its crucial mandate, the Council is perceived as falling short of its mandate – consequently, compromising the credibility of the entire UN itself.
Of course, None of this is entirely new.
But as the world faces crisis after crisis, the pressure on the Security Council – and the UN at large – becomes only more pronounced, and continued inaction on matters that threaten international peace and security is only more damaging.
We certainly need new, and innovative pathways for change.
And in this regard, I welcome any innovative solutions emanating from exchanges such as these – to move forward the intergovernmental negotiations.
As President of the General Assembly, I share the view that we need a Council that is more balanced, more representative, more responsive, more democratic, and more transparent.
Excellencies,
While some of today’s challenges could not have been envisioned eight decades ago, the need for reform has been apparent for some time now.
And, while the road to reform is a long and arduous one, I firmly believe a positive outcome is not only possible but achievable.
Reform is our collective task and responsibility. It is also the world’s expectation – by the peoples we are here to serve.
As President of the General Assembly, I am committed to facilitating dialogue among Member States around this important topic.
And I take this opportunity to urge Member States to overcome entrenched positions, and to move towards substantive progress – through genuine and good faith dialogue.
Our objective must be to find and/or create ways to move beyond a perpetual stalemate.
While it is ultimately up to Member States to find agreement, it is important that we hear the voices of the diverse stakeholders, including those here with us today.
In this vein, I am pleased to welcome the experts who will share their invaluable insights today on the Security Council reform – and I encourage you all to engage in the conversation with an open-mind and an honest heart.
I wish you fruitful discussions and look forward to benefiting from your useful insights on this very important process.
I thank you.
