India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, at the informal meeting of the 78th Session in New York, emphasized the urgent need for essential reforms within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). She pointed out that despite over a decade of discussions, significant progress is absent. She urged, how much longer must the world and future generations wait for substantial change?
Kamboj questioned the delay in initiating UN reforms since the 2000 Millennium Summit when world leaders pledged to accelerate efforts to broadly transform all aspects of the Security Council. Kamboj suggested that next year's 80th UN anniversary and an important summit scheduled for September offer opportunities to introduce these necessary changes.
'Pay Heed to the Voices of Youth and Future Generations'
Kamboj stated that reforms should move forward with attention to the voices of youth and future generations, notably in Africa, where there's a growing demand to rectify historic injustices. She warned that failure to act might consign the Council to irrelevance. Kamboj proposed a more inclusive approach, cautioning that limiting the UNSC’s expansion only to non-permanent members could exacerbate structural inequalities. She stressed the need for a Council structure that ensures equitable representation and participation.
Kamboj Speaks on the Veto Power Issue
Ruchira Kamboj also emphasized that the veto power should not hinder the reform process within the Council. She called for flexibility in discussions and suggested that new permanent members should abstain from using the veto until key decisions are reviewed.
Brazil, Japan, and Germany Echo India's Call
India’s G4 allies—Brazil, Japan, and Germany—echoed the call for greater representation in the non-permanent category, stressing the importance of diversity and plurality among the 193 member countries' viewpoints. Ruchira Kamboj proposed identifying specific groups or countries that deserve particular attention and whose voices need to be heard carefully.
UK Supports India’s Reform Suggestions
The United Kingdom, as a permanent member of the Council, also expressed support for India's reform suggestions via tweet. The UK stated that the Security Council should be more representative of today’s world. They support its expansion and the vision of a more diverse and effective Council, with permanent seats for the G4 nations - Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, advocating for their permanent representation.
