General Assembly: 23rd plenary meeting, 81st session
- Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council - Item 125
Continuation of the debate on the item
Agenda item81st session
Item 125
Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council
🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇰🇵 Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 🇯🇵 Japan
🇳🇦 NamibiaFirst replyin response to Kuwait, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Thank you, Master President. I am taking the floor in what my delegation would call the right of participation following the removal from the list of speakers at quarter to one this afternoon without proper consultation after having been inscribed and listed to participate in this debate in our national capacity. Master President, NABIA aligns itself with a statement delivered by the on behalf of the African group. Nibia welcomes the reappointment of the permanent representative of the state of Kuwait. And the permanent representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as co-chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations. Mr. President, earlier this year, the African group presented the African Union model for Security Council reform, which represents not only the maturity of our continental consensus and the historic milestone for Africa's quest for equitable representation within the United Nations system, but also a demonstration. Of the continent's political unity, seriousness, and readiness to engage constructively with a view to correcting the historical injustice that has excluded Africa from permanent representation. It also signifies Africa's determination to move the reform process from general declarations to support of support towards concrete and actionable outcomes. The African reform model gives practical expression. Of the Ezolini consensus and the Sierte Declaration, which remain the sole legitimate framework of articulating Africa's position in the intergovernmental negotiations on the UN Security Council reform. It offers a coherent, comprehensive, and forward looking proposal that addresses the long standing historical injustice suffered by Africa that has been without representation in a permanent category of the councils on the Council, despite constituting. The largest regional grouping in the United Nations and being subject to the significant proportion of the Council's agenda. Mr. President, the Pact for the Future adopted in September 2024 leaves no room for ambiguity. Africa must be treated as a special case and a priority in Security Council reform. The logical consequence of that commitment is that Africa's permanent and increased representation. Must remain central to any reform outcome and cannot be subordinated to competing interests or alternative arrangements. Any reform that seeks legitimacy and sustainability must respect and accommodate Africa's collective position and address the very historical injustice the organization has pledged to correct. Since the adoption of the Pact for the Future. Every President of the United Nations General Assembly has been supportive of his full implementation, and we equally commend the tremendous efforts of the current PGA to advance Africa's cause for permanent representation in the UN Security Council. In conclusion, Mr. President, Namibia calls for the concrete actions to finally translate this unwavering and consequential support into tangible progress. I thank you, Mr. President.
🇰🇵 Democratic People's Republic of KoreaFirst replyin response to Japan
Mr. President, thank you for giving me the floor. Japan has neither the moral justification nor the qualifications to look over the position of permanent member of the UN Security Council. The remark made by the Japanese representative that Japan is a peace-loving nation and has contributed to world peace is fundamentally at odds with Japan's past actions. The greatest crimes of all time committed by Imperial Japan, inflicting immeasurable disaster and suffering upon the peoples of my country and other Asian nations are an undeniable historical fact which has already been acknowledged by the world at large. Japan is a country that has failed to properly reflect on its war crimes that destroyed peace in Asia and the world during the first half of the twentieth century and resulted in the mass slaughter of people in many nations. More than eighty years have passed since since its defeat, yet Japan still refuses to offer a sincere apology or provide reparations for its past acts of aggression. Instead, the Japanese authorities are glorifying past crimes, elevating the masterminds of aggression to the status of heroes, and brazenly engaging in acts of paying homage to the specters of militarism, all in full view of the world. It is utterly absurd for a nation that committed grave crimes against humanity in the past and shows no remorse whatsoever to hold the position of responsibility within the United Nations. Meanwhile, under the easy of the United States, Japan is racing down the path of a new militarism, openly revealing its true sinister nature as the very entity that is jeopardizing peace in the Asia-Pacific region. They are accelerating moves toward rearmament, including the undesirable amendment of the peace constitution, the abandonment of the exclusively defense oriented policy. The restructuring of military apparatuses and the expansion of military capabilities. Such actions stand in complete contradiction to the obligations incumbent upon a defeated nation and an enemy state and represent both a shameless disregard for the UN Charter and a grave challenge to the world peace. To give just one example, Japan has already become a permanent member of the permanent council of the League of Nations, which was organized after the end of World War I. As a permanent member of the League of Nations, an organization that professed to stand for international peace and security, Japan instigated the Manchurian instant in China and threw itself into a frenzied war of aggression on the Asian continent, ultimately forcing humanity to endure the horrific catastrophe of the Second World War. History teaches us that the inclusion of Japan in the international body tasked with addressing global peace and security would not contribute to the maintenance of peace, but rather cause grave harm. Therefore, it is in the interest of international community security. To uphold the enemy state clauses stipulated in the UN Charter and to thoroughly thwart Japan's ambitions to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Japan must attend to its own responsibilities, namely making reparations for its past crimes and abandoning its schemes to rearmament and remilitarization. The mercantile mindset that a permanent seat of the UN Security Council can be bought with money only serves to expose Japan's anachronistic obsession. My delegation strongly urges Japan to earnestly reflect upon its crime-leden past and embark upon the path of genuine repentance rather than chasing unattainable pike dreams. Thank you, Mr. President. Je donne maintenant la part,
🇯🇵 JapanFirst reply
Thank you, Mr. President. I will not repeat what was mentioned in our statement earlier. Japan has regarded the fact of history with humility and sincerely addressed various issues for over 80 years since the end of World War II. Having served as a non permanent member of the UN Security Council twelve times over the last 70 years since joining the UN, as well as having been as one of the most important financial contributors. Japan has actively contributed to international peace and security. Japan will continue such contributions as a responsible member state of the United Nations. I thank you. je donne I give the floor once again to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor again. History can never be rewritten, and it certainly cannot be erased. No matter how much the Japanese authorities engage in word games and linguistic manipulation, resorting to all sorts of tricks to conceal their past crimes and their militarization moves, they can never escape responsibility for their egregious crimes against humanity. Such actions only serve to further highlight their true colours, a desire to deny a history stained with thin and to repeat it. My delegation strongly urges Japan to fulfill the unavoidable moral responsibilities and international legal obligations it bears toward the era and humanity as a member of the international community through concrete actions rather than mere words. Thank you, Mr. President. Excellence, Excellences,
🇯🇵 JapanSecond reply
Thank you, Mr. President. I will not repeat what was mentioned in my statement earlier. Japan will continue contributions as a responsible member state of the United Nations. I thank you. l'Assemblée à chaque fois. The Assembly has thus concluded. At this stage of its consideration of agenda item 125, the meeting is adjourned.
Verbatim from the transcript. A reply is identified from its own words, the Chair's grant, or its place in the right-of-reply sequence; delegations and addressees follow the transcript's attribution.
Speaking timeSenegal (8.4%) · Democratic People's Republic of Korea (7.7%) · Chair (7.3%) + 20 more
Plenary meetings, 23rd meeting of the 81st session. Agenda items taken up: item 125, “Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council”; “Continuation of the debate on the item”. 18 speakers were heard, representing 18 delegations. Rights of reply were exercised 4 times.
Rights of reply · 4
🇳🇦 NamibiaFIRST REPLY · in response to Kuwait, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Namibia stated that the African Union model for Security Council reform, presented earlier this year, gives practical expression to the Ezolini consensus and the Sierte Declaration, which it called the sole legitimate framework for Africa's position in the intergovernmental negotiations.
Namibia emphasized that under the Pact for the Future, Africa must be treated as a special case and a priority, and that Africa's permanent and increased representation must remain central to any reform outcome.
🇰🇵 Democratic People's Republic of KoreaFIRST REPLY · in response to Japan
Democratic People's Republic of Korea stated that Japan must never be permitted to become a permanent member of the Security Council, citing what it called Japan's past crimes against humanity, lack of apology and compensation, and military expansion.
🇯🇵 JapanFIRST REPLY
Japan stated that Japan has consistently worked the path of a peace loving nation since the end of World War II and will continue its contributions as a responsible member state of the United Nations.
🇯🇵 JapanSECOND REPLY
“Thank you, Mr. President. I will not repeat what was mentioned in my statement earlier. Japan will continue contributions as a responsible member state of the United Nations. I thank you. l'Assemblée à chaque fois. The Assembly has thus concluded. At this stage of its consideration of agenda item 125, the meeting is ad…”
Points of disagreement
Democratic People's Republic of Korea stated that the Security Council must be reformed on the basis of impartiality and objectivity, alleging that it had issued no statement condemning what it called grave acts of state terrorism by the United States and had applied double standards regarding the Korean Peninsula.
Ukraine stated that a state that, in its words, wages a war of aggression, violates the charter and commits war crimes cannot be entrusted with primary responsibility for international peace and security, and that the Russian Federation was never admitted to the UN under Article 4 of the Charter.
Ecuador opposed the expansion of the veto and stated that it is vital to strengthen transparency and accountability in how it is used.
Key points
Mauritania called for genuine reforms of the Security Council, stating that after 80 years the old order could no longer keep pace with change, and that its working methods should be strengthened to make it fairer, more equitable and more global in outlook.
Türkiye welcomed the reappointment of the permanent representatives of Kuwait and Kingdom of the Netherlands as co-facilitators of the IGN.
Japan stressed that Security Council reform is urgently needed to make the Council truly representative, legitimate and effective, and that IGN must be a member state led process, with the co-chairs' work on a consolidated model carried out fairly, impartially and transparently.
Statement by statement · 18 speakers
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia said Malaysia supports expansion of the Security Council in both categories with equitable and fair regional representation, and sees merit in exploring a semi permanent category with longer tenure but no permanent status.
Malaysia stated Malaysia remains firm that the veto should ultimately be abolished and, so long as it exists, must be strictly regulated, including never being used where mass atrocity crimes are taking place.
🇲🇷 Mauritania
Mauritania called for genuine reforms of the Security Council, stating that after 80 years the old order could no longer keep pace with change, and that its working methods should be strengthened to make it fairer, more equitable and more global in outlook.
Mauritania stressed that the reform process must guarantee equitable representation of all countries and all regions.
🇷🇴 Romania
Romania said the world was seeing frequent paralysis and a legitimacy deficit when looking at the Security Council, and that the UN and its Security Council needed to deliver better, with reform a condition for the United Nations' continued relevance.
Romania recognized the need for a more representative Security Council reflecting current realities, with a more democratic and legitimate decision-making process rather than a more cumbersome, multi-layered one, and called for a carefully prepared GA decision on Security Council enlargement with additional elected state allocation for regional groups.
Romania stated the veto power had to be coupled with transparency and accountability, with correlated political costs, and that enhancing interaction between the Security Council and the General Assembly would help increase transparency and legitimacy.
🇰🇵 Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Democratic People's Republic of Korea stated that the Security Council must be reformed on the basis of impartiality and objectivity, alleging that it had issued no statement condemning what it called grave acts of state terrorism by the United States and had applied double standards regarding the Korean Peninsula.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea called for priority to be given to equitable representation of developing countries, with expansion of non-permanent seats undertaken first as the area where consensus can be reached.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea stated that Japan must never be permitted to become a permanent member of the Security Council, citing what it called Japan's past crimes against humanity, lack of apology and compensation, and military expansion.
🇹🇷 Türkiye
Türkiye welcomed the reappointment of the permanent representatives of Kuwait and Kingdom of the Netherlands as co-facilitators of the IGN.
Türkiye stated that Security Council reform is an undeniable and inevitable necessity that can no longer be deferred, but that it must not be undertaken in haste and requires narrowing differences to achieve the broadest political acceptance.
Türkiye said the use of veto is an impediment that should ideally be abolished, or otherwise limited, especially in cases of mass atrocities and war crimes, and that fair representation is attainable only through rotation of more non-permanent members through regular elections, while more permanent seats would hinder wider representation.
🇿🇲 Zambia
Zambia stressed that comprehensive reform of the Secret Council is both necessary and urgent, as the Council's composition has not kept pace with profound political, economic and demographic changes.
Zambia reaffirmed support for the common African position on Secret Council reform, as articulated in the Azulini consensus and Saiti Declaration, and called on member states to engage constructively with it.
Zambia emphasized that reform must be comprehensive and address all five clusters under consideration in the intergovernmental negotiations in a balanced and coherent manner.
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia supported reforms that expand Security Council membership and improve regional balance, including greater representation for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific, and further exploration of options to strengthen representation of small island developing states.
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Ukraine supported enlargement of the Security Council in both categories of membership, and called for limits on the use of the veto, including that it not be used in situations involving genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes.
Ukraine stated that a state that, in its words, wages a war of aggression, violates the charter and commits war crimes cannot be entrusted with primary responsibility for international peace and security, and that the Russian Federation was never admitted to the UN under Article 4 of the Charter.
🇱🇾 Libya
Libya reaffirmed Libya's commitment to the common African position as embodied in the Isolini consensus and the Sir Declaration, and supported Africa's demand for at least two permanent seats with all prerogatives and privileges, including the right of veto for as long as it exists, plus additional non permanent seats.
Libya called for those who have declared support for Africa and its right to equitable representation to state clearly, not in general terms, the details of that support and how it accords with the common African position.
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan stressed that Security Council reform is urgently needed to make the Council truly representative, legitimate and effective, and that IGN must be a member state led process, with the co-chairs' work on a consolidated model carried out fairly, impartially and transparently.
Japan noted that the Asia-Pacific region remains underrepresented in the Council, with one fifth of the seats despite having 54 member states and more than half of the world's population.
Japan stated that Japan has consistently worked the path of a peace loving nation since the end of World War II and will continue its contributions as a responsible member state of the United Nations.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
Bangladesh stated that Security Council expansion in both categories is essential, and that it must ensure equitable regional representation, redress historical injustices and provide due representation from Africa, while the Asia-Pacific and Latin America also deserve due attention.
Bangladesh called for reform of the Security Council's working methods, particularly the veto, which it said has been misused, so that judicious application of special powers, accountability under UNGA resolution 76/262 and greater inclusivity are ensured.
🇵🇭 Philippines
Philippines reiterated that agreement on reform of the Security Council should take the form of a package consisting of pillars on expansion of membership and improved working methods of the Council.
Philippines said the Philippines has consistently supported enlargement of the Council with particular attention to representation of developing countries, including those from Africa and the Asia-Pacific, and remains open to expansion in both permanent and non permanent categories on the basis of agreed criteria.
Philippines stated considerable scope remains for improving the Council's working methods, which would not require charter amendment, so the IGN can already agree on them as part of a reform package.
🇦🇴 Angola
Angola called for enlargement in both categories of membership, with reform providing Africa two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats in line with the common Afghan position.
Angola reaffirmed the African position in favor of abolition of the veto, adding that if it continues to exist it must be extended to new permanent members on an equal basis.
🇱🇹 Lithuania
Lithuania reiterated Lithuania's positions on Council composition: enlargement in both permanent and elected categories, with attention to redressing historical injustice against Africa regarding representation, and an additional elected seat for the Eastern European states.
Lithuania stated that what it called the abuse of veto power by Russia could no longer be ignored, and that Lithuania supports limitations on veto powers, including the code of conduct and the France Mexico initiative.
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Ecuador opposed the expansion of the veto and stated that it is vital to strengthen transparency and accountability in how it is used.
Ecuador supported proposals to increase from two to four the Council seats for Latin America and the Caribbean, and called for correcting historic imbalances in representation, particularly those affecting Africa.
Ecuador reaffirmed its support for the intergovernmental negotiations process, noting the revised elements paper dated June 2026 as a useful contribution, and said that no artificial deadlines must be imposed.
🇰🇪 Kenya
Kenya stated that for Africa, Security Council reform is a matter of equity, historical justice, democratic legitimacy and the credibility of multilateralism, and that Africa's continued exclusion from permanent membership is unacceptable.
Kenya reaffirmed full support for the common African position, under which Africa must be allocated no fewer than two permanent seats and five non permanent seats, with African permanent members enjoying the same prerogatives and privileges as existing permanent members for as long as the veto exists.
🇸🇻 El Salvador
El Salvador reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive reform leaving a more representative, democratic, transparent, effective and accountable Security Council, with any expansion correcting existing structural imbalances and guided by the principle of the sovereign equality of states.
El Salvador reiterated its support for expanding elected member seats and for more equitable geographical representation, including for Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
El Salvador expressed concern at the disproportionate use of the veto and the threat of its use, and reiterated support for efforts to restrict its use, particularly in situations of atrocity crimes.
🇳🇦 Namibia
Namibia stated that the African Union model for Security Council reform, presented earlier this year, gives practical expression to the Ezolini consensus and the Sierte Declaration, which it called the sole legitimate framework for Africa's position in the intergovernmental negotiations.
Namibia emphasized that under the Pact for the Future, Africa must be treated as a special case and a priority, and that Africa's permanent and increased representation must remain central to any reform outcome.
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