Kyrgyzstan wins a seat on the UN Security Council for the first time

Peace under pressure

The new members will take their seats as the Board faces its most difficult test in years.

Its work is increasingly influenced by geopolitical competition among major powers, particularly the five permanent members.

Deep divisions over conflicts including Ukraine and Gaza has led to a stalemate, frustrating action, meanwhile the use of vetoes sometimes prevents reaching agreement on resolutions overcome major crises.

Demands for reform are increasing

The council also faces growing calls for reform, with UN and world leaders arguing that the council’s composition no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres own repeatedly warned that international institutions were still “stuck in the world as it was in 1945, not in the world of today,” including Security Council self.

African countries have been among the strongest advocates for change, arguing that the continent of 54 member states remains underrepresented in the Council’s permanent decision-making structure. Calls to expand representation of developing countries as a whole are also growing louder.

Question about veto

The veto right – which allows permanent members to block Council action despite wider support – is also coming under increasing scrutiny.

From 2022, the mandate of the General Assembly requires Assembly to meet whenever veto power is granted in the Security Council, giving the broader UN membership an opportunity to review and debate its use.

Although non-permanent members do not have veto rights, they can play an influential role in shaping negotiations, building coalitions and advancing issues of concern to their region and the broader international community.

What the Security Council does

Founded below UN CharterSecurity Council assume primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

In contrast to General Assembly resolutions which are generally non-binding, the Security Council decision adopted under the Charter can have legal force for all UN Member States.

The Council has the authority to impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping missions, establish international tribunals and, in exceptional circumstances, authorize the use of force.

The door is closed

Much of the Council’s work is conducted around the iconic horseshoe-shaped table in the Security Council Room at UN Headquarters, in New York.

Although public meetings often attract global attention, most of the Council’s most important discussions take place behind closed doors in the form of consultations and negotiations among its members.