Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, urges reforms in the UN Security Council to enhance transparency and inclusivity in response to global challenges. He advocates for electoral processes to reflect changing realities instead of expanding permanent membership. The diverging proposals from different groups illustrate the complexities surrounding UNSC reform discussions, particularly regarding representation and membership categories.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, has emphasized the necessity for reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC) to enhance its transparency and inclusivity amid global and regional challenges. During a recent debate on UNSC reforms, he highlighted a common consensus on the urgent need for restructuring the Council, as echoed in the ‘Pact for the Future’ adopted by world leaders last September.
Ambassador Akram proposed that reforms should encompass all UN bodies, including the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and the Peacebuilding Commission. He warned that reflecting on “new realities” could risk solidifying the Council’s composition based on its 1945 framework, hindering the responsiveness of the UNSC to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The Pakistani envoy expressed his concerns regarding the campaign led by India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—collectively known as the Group of Four—advocating for new permanent seats on the UNSC. He suggested that the only effective means to reflect changing realities would be through an electoral process rather than expanding permanent membership, which would risk stagnating representation.
In contrast, the Italy/Pakistan-led Uniting for Consensus (UfC) initiative opposes additional permanent members and advocates for a new category of non-permanent members with extended terms and re-election options, potentially raising the number of elected seats to 21. Akram pointed out considerable divergences among member states regarding various reform elements, including Council size, membership categories, regional representation, and the veto power restrictions.
The ongoing discussions on UNSC reforms have highlighted both converging and diverging views among member states, particularly regarding the prioritization of African representation, the inclusion of developing countries, and the elements needed for effective regional and cross-regional representation in the Council.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s call for reforms in the UN Security Council underscores the need for a more transparent and responsive international governance structure. Ambassador Akram’s comments advocate for a thoughtful examination of membership categories and electoral processes to ensure the Council adapts to current global realities while avoiding the pitfalls of a rigid structure. The discussions surrounding reforms reflect a complex interplay between different national interests, highlighting both common ground and significant disagreements.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
