US Secretary Antony Blinken Supports UN Security Council Reforms
Endorses Permanent Seats for India, Japan, and Germany
New York [US], September 24: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has affirmed support for the reformation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to better represent the developing world. Speaking at the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Blinken stated that the United States has long endorsed permanent seats in the council for India, Japan, and Germany.
Blinken proposed the idea of two permanent seats for Africa, one rotating seat for Small Island Developing States, and permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean. He emphasized the need to adapt the UN system to reflect the current geopolitical situation, which has changed significantly since 1945.
However, Blinken opposed any revisions that could alter the core principles of the UN Charter. He stated, “The United States is committed to adapting the UN system to reflect this world of today and tomorrow–not the one that existed in 1945 but we are and we will remain resolutely opposed to revisionism. We will not accept efforts to tear down, dilute, or fundamentally alter the core principle of the UN Charter.”
India has long sought a permanent seat in the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world, gaining momentum with international support. The UNSC is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called for reforms in global institutions during his address at the ‘Summit of the Future.’ He termed reforms as the “key to relevance” and highlighted the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member in the G20 as an important step. PM Modi expressed India’s willingness to share its success experiences with the Global South, emphasizing that the success of humanity lies in “collective strength” and not on the battlefield.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri appreciated the inclusion of a detailed paragraph on UN Security Council reforms in the UN Summit document, calling it a “very good beginning.” He noted that this marks the first step towards text-based negotiations for UN reforms.
Doubts Revealed
US Secretary of State -: The US Secretary of State is a high-ranking official in the United States government who handles foreign affairs and represents the US in international matters. Right now, this person is Antony Blinken.
Antony Blinken -: Antony Blinken is the current US Secretary of State. He helps manage the United States’ relationships with other countries.
United Nations Security Council -: The United Nations Security Council is a group of countries that work together to keep peace and security in the world. They make important decisions about how to handle conflicts and crises.
Permanent Seats -: Permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council are special positions that give certain countries more power and a lasting place in the council. Right now, only a few countries have these seats.
United Nations General Assembly -: The United Nations General Assembly is a big meeting where representatives from all the countries in the United Nations come together to discuss and solve global issues. It happens every year.
Developing world -: The developing world refers to countries that are still growing and improving their economies and living conditions. These countries often need more support and representation in global decisions.
Small Island Developing States -: Small Island Developing States are small countries made up of islands. They often face unique challenges like climate change and need special attention in global discussions.
Latin America and the Caribbean -: Latin America and the Caribbean are regions made up of countries in Central and South America and the islands in the Caribbean Sea. These areas have their own cultures and issues that need to be addressed globally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the current Prime Minister of India. He is the leader of the Indian government and represents India in international matters.
Global institutional reforms -: Global institutional reforms are changes made to international organizations to make them work better and be fairer for all countries. This can include giving more countries a say in important decisions.
Sustainable development -: Sustainable development means growing and improving in a way that doesn’t harm the environment and can be maintained for a long time. It focuses on balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri -: Vikram Misri is an important official in the Indian government who helps manage India’s relationships with other countries. He supports the idea of making changes to the United Nations Security Council.
UN Summit document -: The UN Summit document is a written record of the discussions and decisions made during a big meeting of the United Nations. It includes important topics like reforms to the United Nations Security Council.