Sat Nov 16 23:57:30 UTC 2024: **India Calls for Urgent UN Security Council Reform at UN General Assembly**
NEW YORK – India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, delivered a strong call for reform of the UN Security Council at the General Assembly on Monday. He highlighted the stark contrast between the world of 1945 and today’s geopolitical landscape, arguing that the Council’s structure, unchanged since 1965, is outdated and hinders its effectiveness.
Mr. Harish identified three key obstacles to reform: the ineffective intergovernmental negotiation process (IGN), the insistence on unanimous consensus by some nations, and the underrepresentation of the Global South. He criticized the IGN’s lack of a negotiating text, timeframe, and defined goals, and cautioned against using the pursuit of consensus to maintain the status quo. He stressed the need for greater representation of developing nations, asserting that it’s crucial for both the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN.
Pointing to the G20’s recent inclusion of the African Union as an example of achievable change with political will, Mr. Harish urged member states to prioritize concrete outcomes. He warned against using convergences as a substitute for consensus, potentially delaying meaningful reform, including expansion of permanent seats and addressing the underrepresentation of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. India, he emphasized, remains committed to a cooperative and inclusive approach to international relations and believes Security Council reform enjoys broad support. As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary, India hopes for a significant reform that truly reflects the current global reality.
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