Statement of Latvia on the Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council
New York, 20 February 2026
Mr. Chair,
The authority of the Security Council rests not only on the UN Charter, but also on the confidence of the membership it serves. Reforming the Council is therefore not a matter of convenience, but of credibility.
Equitable representation must remain the guiding principle of Security Council reform. We have said it time and time again and most, if not all delegations at some point have said it during the IGN discussions, that the Council’s composition should reflect the diversity and evolving realities of the United Nations membership. It is that simple - no institution can effectively serve a world it no longer reflects. Ensuring fair and balanced representation is indispensable to the Council’s effectiveness.
Fair and balanced geographical representation must give a stronger voice to regions that remain underrepresented and whose perspectives are essential to the legitimacy of the Council’s decisions. Therefore, Latvia supports enlargement in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. A more representative Council will be better equipped to respond to contemporary threats and to act with the authority of the wider membership.
In this context, strengthening Africa’s representation is essential. Africa remains gravely underrepresented in the Security Council despite the significant share of issues on the Council’s agenda. This issue must be addressed. Likewise, Small Island Developing States deserve enhanced representation. A Council that asks these regions to shoulder responsibility must also grant them a seat at the table where decisions are made.
The Council must equally become more inclusive and transparent in its daily work. 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 ability to act. Their role must be supported through the fair, consistent, and transparent application of working methods.
Mr President,
The Pact for the Future, adopted alongside the Secretary General’s UN80 initiative, offers a pathway to modernize global governance. The preparation stage before the adoption of the Pact generated a momentum and shared sense of urgency for the reform. Today, as we all repeat the same statements, that we all have heard, that urgency has diminished. It can and it must be restored in order to align the multilateral system, including the Security Council, with the geopolitical realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The question before us is no longer whether reform is necessary, but whether we have the collective will to deliver it.
In conclusion, Latvia will continue to engage constructively to advance a more representative, inclusive and effective Security Council. The credibility of the multilateral system depends on our ability to ensure that the Council reflects the world it is mandated to serve.
I thank you.