UN Assembly chief emphasises urgent need for Security Council reform

New Delhi: UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis highlighted the imperative for reforming the existing structure of the UN Security Council.

He said the UNSC does not accurately represent the current geopolitical dynamics of the world.

Speaking at a media briefing after discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Ambassador Francis, currently on a five-day visit to India, emphasised the pressing need for a comprehensive overhaul of the UN Security Council (UNSC).

"The reform of the UN Security Council is absolutely necessary," he affirmed, noting that the topic was a focal point in his talks with Jaishankar.

India has been consistently advocating for a restructuring of the United Nations, particularly the UNSC. New Delhi has expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of meaningful progress in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform.

India is actively seeking permanent membership in the UN Security Council, with the present configuration comprising five permanent members (Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States) and 10 non-permanent members elected for a two-year term by the UN General Assembly.

The UN General Assembly president also commended India for its pivotal role in securing full membership for the African Union in the G20.

"There is no doubt in anyone's mind that India's outreach to Africa, particularly with regard to its facilitating the membership of the African Union in the G20, demonstrates India's leadership in the international arena," said Francis.

"More than that, it demonstrated India's long-standing commitment to assist and facilitate development in the Global South," he added.

Dennis Francis, a diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, outlined his presidency priorities, focusing on peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability. The theme for his presidency of the 78th UNGA is 'Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity'.