UNSC Reform: Amid global challenges and conflicts, serious questions are being raised on the old structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India has further strengthened the demand for comprehensive reforms in the Security Council on behalf of the G4 group (India, Brazil, Germany and Japan). India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish presented a clear outline of 6 points on behalf of the G4 during the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) at the United Nations, in which the main proposal is to increase the number of members of the Council from the current 15 to 25 or 26.

India stressed that the United Nations is not untouched by global challenges. Questions are being raised on the credibility and effectiveness of the organization, as it is proving incapable of meaningfully addressing the ongoing conflicts at the global level. A major reason for this situation is the lack of effectiveness of the Security Council, which is also part of the changing dynamics of the broader balance of power. P. Harish, outlining the vision of the G4, said that the need for reform is now becoming more evident day by day.

Delay in reforms will increase human suffering and misery. The ongoing conflicts are paying a heavy price, with countless innocent lives being lost every day. He warned that there is no scope for getting entangled in the cycle of resultless meetings. We collectively have to make good use of every moment. The G4 has consistently emphasized on a result-oriented process. Central importance should be given to text-based negotiations with clear milestones and deadlines. The G4 is committed to working towards a consolidated model, which could be a precursor to text-based negotiations. The G4 has clarified its vision for a reformed Security Council. The size of the council should be increased from 15 to 25 or 26 members. This extension should be in both permanent and temporary categories.

6 new permanent members should be added

According to the G4 model, six new permanent members should be added. two from the African region, two from Asia-Pacific, one from GRULAC (Latin America and the Caribbean), and one from WEOG (Western Europe and Others). Also 4 or 5 additional non-permanent members – one or two from Africa, one from Asia-Pacific, one each from GRULAC and EEG. This model is a reflection of contemporary geopolitical realities. The G4 has emphasized on addressing the serious lack of inadequate representation of the Global South. The G4 has presented a specific formula to correct the historical injustice done to Africa. This is different from normal calls, where there are no concrete details on presence in the standing category. The G4 says that no one can say that they support eliminating injustice and at the same time oppose the expansion of the permanent category. A real solution is possible only when states from unrepresented areas get permanent seats.

Efforts to make the Security Council more representative and effective

This proposal of G4 is an attempt to make the Security Council more representative and effective. G4 countries including India believe that the current structure is based on the balance of power of 1945, which does not match today’s world. The absence or under-presence of regions such as Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America undermines the Council’s legitimacy. This statement has come at a time when global conflicts are increasing and questions are being raised on the role of the United Nations. The G4 made clear that reform is necessary not only for representativeness, but also to enable the Council to deal with current challenges. If this model is adopted, the Security Council can become more inclusive and effective, which will be important for global peace and security.