Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, called for comprehensive reforms in the UN Security Council to enhance its transparency and inclusiveness. He highlighted the necessity for structural changes to reflect contemporary global challenges while cautioning against adding permanent members that would freeze the Council’s framework. The discussions reveal both convergences and divergences on the reform proposals among member states.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, emphasized the necessity for the UN Security Council to become more transparent and inclusive to effectively address contemporary global and regional crises. During a debate on the Council’s reform processes, Ambassador Akram noted the global consensus on the urgent need for restructuring the 15-member body, aligning this with the ‘Pact for the Future’ adopted by world leaders last September, which calls for strengthening the entire UN structure.
Ambassador Akram urged a holistic approach to reforming UN bodies, stressing that merely reflecting ‘new realities’ without considering the evolving dynamics would result in a static, outdated Council framework dated back to 1945. He stated, “Any expansion of permanent members would freeze the Council at that moment; It is only through the process of elections that the new realities that constantly change can be reflected in the composition of the Security Council…”.
His comments target the Group of Four nations—India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—advocating for permanent seats in hopes of increasing Council membership. In contrast, the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group, led by Italy and Pakistan, firmly opposes additional permanent members, proposing instead a new category of longer-term, re-electable members to increase elected member seats to 21.
Ambassador Akram indicated that discussions concerning the reforms have revealed considerable convergences as well as significant divergences among member states. Areas of agreement include prioritizing Africa, expanding representation of developing countries, and regional group representation; however, stark disagreements persist regarding the Council’s size, membership categories, veto powers, and working methods.
In conclusion, Ambassador Akram’s advocacy for comprehensive reforms highlights the pressing need for a more inclusive and functional Security Council. His remarks reflect the complexities that arise in balancing various interests, including support for developing nations and concerns regarding the veto power. Pakistan continues to call for a reform approach that represents changing global realities without entrenching outdated structures.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
