Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the UN at the Security Council Open Debate on the “Implementation of Note S/2024/507” (10043rd meeting)
Mr President,
I would first like to thank the Presidency and the outstanding briefers – Ms Loraine Sievers and Ms Shamala Kandiah Thompson – for their valuable insights and continued focus on strengthening the Security Council’s working methods. Latvia also expresses its appreciation to Denmark and Pakistan, the co-chairs of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, for leadership in advancing discussions that enhance the Council’s transparency and efficiency. Your efforts contribute to making the Council’s work more predictable and accountable which we all benefit from.
We particularly commend the co-chairs for their dedicated and constructive facilitation of the process for selecting chairs for the subsidiary bodies in 2026. We trust that the subsequent process will allow for its smooth and timely completion so that subsidiary bodies can commence their important work without delay and continue to contribute effectively to the Council’s mandate.
I would like now to address three further points:
First, we believe that transparency in the Council’s practice directly enhances its credibility. Consistent application of the provisional rules of procedure and working methods is fundamental to maintaining confidence in the Council’s ability to fulfil its mandate. In this regard, Latvia underlines the importance of a fair, predictable and consistent application of Rule 37 in order to ensure that all Member States directly affected by the Council’s deliberations can participate in the discussion and contribute with their valuable perspectives. At the same time, we recognise that the Council must find a fine balance between closed consultations, which facilitate efficient decision-making, and the openness of public meetings, where transparency and trust walk hand in hand.
Second, Latvia stresses that effective participation of all fifteen Council members must be ensured in both substance and process. Timely and fully inclusive circulation of documentation to all members enables that all Council members can engage in discussions constructively. We therefore encourage all presidencies and respective penholders to circulate such documents in a transparent and timely manner, consistent with the practice outlined in the Note 507. We further affirm our commitment to uphold these principles during our forthcoming tenure on the Council.
Third, the Council’s working methods should be further improved during the upcoming Secretary-General selection process. This could be achieved through a closer cooperation with the General Assembly by providing regular procedural updates to the wider UN membership. Latvia advocates for the timely and consistent distribution of all relevant communication, including documents related to the selection process itself. This approach would visibly reaffirm the Council’s commitment to Article 24 of the UN Charter.
Latvia further underscores the importance of promoting gender equality and geographical balance in the nomination and evaluation of Secretary-General candidates. The inclusion of women in leadership and equitable regional representation strengthens both the legitimacy and credibility of the United Nations in the eyes of its wider membership and the public.
In conclusion, Latvia reaffirms its commitment to supporting practical improvements that make the Security Council more accountable, effective and representative. Its procedures must embody the principles of fairness and shared responsibility upon which the United Nations is built. Latvia will work with all Council members to achieve that goal.
I thank you.