Statement of Latvia, delivered at the General Assembly, by Mr Oļegs Iļģis, Deputy Permenanet Representative to the UN, on the Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council
Mr President, distinguished colleagues!
The United Nations was founded on the promise of equality among nations - large and small, from every region of the world. Yet, eight decades later, the composition and working methods of the UN Security Council no longer fully reflect this reality. Reforming the Security Council is therefore not a matter of convenience, but of credibility.
Mr President,
Latvia strongly supports the reform of the UN Security Council. The Council needs to become more effective, transparent, inclusive and accountable. The Security Council must not only be capable of acting, but of acting in a manner that enjoys the confidence of all Member States.
Equitable representation lies at the heart of this reform. The last structural reform of the UN Security Council was in 1965, when the number of non-permanent members was increased from 6 to 10. At that time, the UN had 117 Member States, today it has 193. Accordingly, Latvia believes the Security Council must better mirror the membership of the United Nations and the realities of the 21st century. Regional representation must reflect changes in respective regional groups that have occurred over time. Council’s composition should ensure fair and balanced geographical representation, giving a stronger voice to regions that remain underrepresented.
It is long overdue for Africa to have permanent membership at the Security Council. Likewise, the Small Island Developing States deserve to be represented. Their voice must be heard, particularly in light of existential threats posed by climate change.
The Council must also be more inclusive and transparent. All members - permanent and elected - must be held to the same standards of responsibility and accountability. Elected members bring diversity, innovation and regional experience that strengthen the Council’s legitimacy. Their role should be supported and valued through fair and transparent application of its working methods.
Mr President,
We believe that The Pact for the Future, adopted last year alongside the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative, provides a pathway to transform global governance. It calls on us to modernize the multilateral system, including the Security Council, to better reflect today’s geopolitical realities and tomorrow’s challenges.
In conclusion, let me reiterate that Latvia will continue to engage constructively in this discussion to further enhance inclusiveness of the Council. The Security Council is the master of its own procedure and have the means to enhance its effectiveness and inclusiveness, thereby strengthening its ability to act with the confidence of the entire UN membership.
I thank you.