US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield has expressed the United States support for the creation of two permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African states and one rotating seat for small island developing states.
She plans to make a formal announcement on Thursday, emphasising that this move is part of US President Joe Biden’s legacy.
Thomas-Greenfield also clarified that the US does not support expanding veto power beyond the current five countries that hold it.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also advocates for Security Council reform, citing the need to address its legitimacy and effectiveness.
Any changes to the Security Council membership would require amending the founding UN Charter, which necessitates approval and ratification by two-thirds of the General Assembly, including the current five veto powers.
Thomas-Greenfield stressed the importance of enabling African countries to have a more influential role in the Security Council and highlighted the valuable insights that small island developing states can offer on international peace and security issues, particularly related to the impact of climate change.