India’s Permanent UN Representative, Ruchira Kamboj, drew attention to the recent G20 presidency under India, where Africa secured a permanent seat
France has reaffirmed its commitment to Security Council reform by pledging support to India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan in their pursuit of permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council. This endorsement aligns with the collaborative efforts of these G4 countries, known for mutually supporting each other’s aspirations for permanent seats.
Nicolas de Rivière, France’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasised the imperative need for Security Council reform to enhance its authority and representativeness. Rivière proposed the idea of an enlarged Council, potentially accommodating up to 25 members, encompassing both new permanent and non-permanent members. Additionally, he advocated for a more robust presence of African countries, demonstrating a shared commitment between Paris and New Delhi towards fostering inclusive representation.
India’s Permanent UN Representative, Ruchira Kamboj, drew attention to the recent G20 presidency under India, where Africa secured a permanent seat. Kamboj perceives this significant development as a compelling call to action, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive reforms at the UN Security Council.
India had always voiced concerns regarding the limited representation and absence of the Global South’s voice on crucial issues at the UN’s high table. Kamboj expressed this collective angst during the Voice of Global South summit, highlighting the necessity for equitable representation. India also critiqued the lack of transparency in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process since its inception in 2008. India emphasised the need for formalisation, clear deadlines, and a recorded two-thirds majority vote in the event of no consensus, advocating for a more structured approach to the UN Security Council reform.
“Fifteen years since their inception, our dialogue remains largely confined to exchanging statements, speaking at, rather than with each other. No negotiating text. No time frame. And no defined end goal. We turn up each, year make statements and go back to the drawing board,” Kamboj said on Thursday.
As discussions surrounding UN Security Council reforms intensify, these developments set the stage for the UN Summit of the Future scheduled for September 2024. Described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” by the United Nations, this summit aims to rebuild trust and forge a new global consensus. The ongoing efforts of nations, such as France and India, underscore the importance of inclusive representation and robust reforms to address contemporary global challenges effectively.
