Reform of Security Council: President Tebboune Calls for Accelerated International Negotiations
BY: Hana Saada
New York, September 20, 2023 – During his address at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria underlined the pressing need for accelerating international negotiations aimed at reforming the United Nations Security Council. President Tebboune emphasized that a global and integrated approach to reform should be the top priority for the international community. This approach, he argued, is crucial to achieve a consensus on genuine reform that would ensure a more transparent and equitable representation on the Security Council.
In his thought-provoking speech, President Tebboune pointed out that recent years had witnessed the Security Council retreating from its pivotal role in maintaining international peace and security. He stressed that the UN Charter had entrusted the Security Council with the critical responsibility of preventing the use of force and addressing issues that threaten global peace. However, due to geopolitical conflicts and multiple crises, the Council’s effectiveness had diminished.
“Facing geopolitical conflicts and multiple crises, the Security Council has stepped back in fulfilling its central role in recent years,” noted President Tebboune. He further elaborated that the Council’s role was at the heart of the United Nations, making it imperative to revive its efficacy.
President Tebboune asserted that any effort to strengthen international cooperation must respond to the growing demand for greater dynamism within a multipolar world order. He emphasized that this objective necessitated a comprehensive reform of the primary organs of the United Nations, making them more transparent while ensuring a balanced representation among member states.
The Algerian President also highlighted his country’s commitment to the common African position on reforming the UN Security Council. This position seeks to rectify the historical injustices that have disproportionately affected the African continent. He called for the reactivation of the UN General Assembly’s pivotal role, portraying it as a truly representative body that reflects the diversity of the international community. President Tebboune sees this as a vital step in promoting equality among states and establishing the foundations of true democracy.
President Tebboune’s vision for international diplomacy and cooperation aligns with Algeria’s deep-rooted commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. He stressed that dialogue and debate were essential elements for creating a world characterized by coexistence, solidarity, cooperation, and equality among nations.
Furthermore, President Tebboune drew attention to the unprecedented scale of conflicts and crises worldwide. He noted that these crises had resulted in millions of people being displaced, leading to a transformation of international relations. The shift from cooperation to confrontation has put international organizations and institutions to the test in a global context marked by multidimensional emergencies.
In conclusion, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s address at the United Nations General Assembly highlighted the urgency of reforming the Security Council and revitalizing the UN’s core principles of maintaining global peace and security. His call for a global and integrated approach to reform, based on transparency and equitable representation, resonated as a pivotal step towards creating a more just and peaceful world order.
