G4 Nations call for Reform in Equitable Representation in Security Council Membership
On January 26, 2022, Ambassador Leendertse, the Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations, delivered a statement on behalf of the G4 – India, Brazil, Japan and Germany during a meeting of the General Assembly. In his statement, Ambassador Leendertse highlighted the importance of cooperation and multilateralism in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Ambassador Leendertse, speaking on behalf of G4 stated that they are open to exploring ways to improve cross-regional representation in the United Nations Security Council in order to ensure that the diversity of the General Assembly membership is reflected in the Council. The statement also emphasized the importance of giving due consideration to the nomination and election of non-permanent members, with a focus on the adequate and continuing representation of small and medium-sized Member States, including Small Island Developing States.
In regards to African representation in a reformed Security Council, the G4 expressed their full support for the Common African Position and stated that any outcome document should clearly recognize the overwhelming support for this position. They also emphasized the need to attribute all members expressing support for the Common African Position.
Ambassador Leendertse emphasized the importance of equitable geographical distribution in the Security Council as a cornerstone of the international system, necessary for representativeness, legitimacy, and efficacy. The statement also clarified that members of the Security Council act in their own national capacity on behalf of the entire membership, and not on behalf of a region.
The G4 joint statement also pointed out that discussions on equitable geographic representation are linked to those regarding categories of membership, and that the only way to make the Council more representative, effective, transparent, and legitimate is through an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership.
