- First-time member Latvia emphasizes Ukraine peace and multilateral cooperation
- Arab representative Bahrain demands Gaza ceasefire and Palestinian statehood
- Africa seeks greater influence through Congo’s third council term
- Security Council veto power remains obstacle in major conflicts
- Membership changes highlight failed reform efforts since WWII era
The United Nations General Assembly has reshaped global decision-making power through its latest Security Council elections. Five nations – representing diverse regions and political priorities – secured rotating seats with overwhelming support from 193 member states. This transition occurs amid escalating tensions in Gaza and Ukraine, testing the council’s ability to address 21st-century crises through a 1945 governance framework.
Latvia’s historic first election to the council marks a symbolic victory for post-Soviet states. Foreign Minister Baiba Braže emphasized their unique perspective: Our experience under occupation teaches us that peace requires constant vigilance.The Baltic nation pledges to prioritize conflict resolution through three key channels – strengthening NATO-UN coordination, monitoring hybrid warfare tactics, and promoting climate security initiatives.
Bahrain’s return to the council after 25 years signals renewed Arab influence. Foreign Minister Al Zayani outlined an urgent Middle East agenda: immediate Gaza humanitarian corridors, hostage release negotiations, and accelerated Palestinian statehood talks. Analysts note this creates potential friction with permanent member the United States, which vetoed three Gaza ceasefire resolutions in 2023.
Africa’s representation through Congo and Liberia highlights the continent’s push for security council reform. Deputy Foreign Minister Deweh Gray stressed Liberia’s focus on resource-related conflicts: Blood diamonds fueled our civil war. Now we see cobalt disputes destabilizing the Congo. Natural resource governance must become a peacekeeping priority.
Colombia’s election continues Latin America’s emphasis on environmental peacebuilding. Ambassador Zalabata proposed linking conflict prevention with Amazon protection efforts: Deforestation displaces indigenous communities, creating migration crises. True security means protecting both people and ecosystems.
The council’s structural limitations remain apparent despite new membership. Russia retains veto power over Ukraine resolutions, while U.S. support for Israel continues blocking Gaza interventions. Reform advocates argue the current system – where Africa lacks permanent representation despite contributing 45% of peacekeeping forces – undermines UN credibility.
Regional experts highlight Latvia’s upcoming role as a bellwether for small-state influence. As former Soviet territory now bordering Russia, Riga plans to establish a working group on hybrid warfare tactics. This initiative could reshape how the council addresses cyberattacks and election interference – threats unrecognized during the UN’s founding.
With new members assuming seats in January 2025, all eyes will monitor their ability to navigate great-power rivalries. The incoming cohort faces three immediate tests: renewing Mali peacekeeping mandates, addressing Sudan’s civil war spillover, and preventing escalation in Taiwan Strait tensions. Their performance could determine whether incremental reform satisfies critics demanding Security Council expansion.
