Peace under pressure
The incoming members will take their seats at a time when the Council faces some of its toughest tests in years.
Its work has been increasingly conditioned by geopolitical rivalries between major powers, particularly the five permanent members.
Deep divisions over conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza have led to stagnation and frustrating action, while the use of vetoes has sometimes prevented reaching agreements on resolutions deal with major crises.
Growing calls for reform
The Council has also faced growing calls for reform, with UN and world leaders arguing that its composition no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities.
Secretary General António Guterres has He repeatedly warned that international institutions remain “stuck in the world as it was in 1945, not in the world today.” including the Security Council itself.
African countries have been among the strongest advocates for change, arguing that a continent of 54 member states remains underrepresented in the Council’s permanent decision-making structures. Calls for greater representation of developing countries in general have also grown louder.
The question of the veto
The veto power – which allows any permanent member to block Council action regardless of broader support – has also come under increasing scrutiny.
Starting in 2022, a mandate from the General Assembly requires the Assembly will meet every time a veto is issued in the Security Council, giving all UN members the opportunity to examine and debate its use.
While non-permanent members do not possess veto power, they can play an influential role in shaping negotiations, building coalitions, and promoting issues of interest to their regions and the broader international community.
A wide view of the Security Council Chamber. (file photo)
What the Security Council does
Established under the Charter of the United Nations, the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Unlike General Assembly resolutions, which are generally non-binding, Security Council decisions taken pursuant to the Charter can have legal force for all UN member states.
The Council has the authority to impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping missions, establish international tribunals and, in exceptional circumstances, authorize the use of force.
closed doors
Much of the Council’s work takes place around its iconic horseshoe-shaped table in the Security Council Chamber at UN Headquarters in New York.
While public meetings often attract global attention, many of the Council’s most consequential discussions take place behind closed doors in consultations and negotiations among its members.