UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, in a speech at the Chatham House think tank in London, advocated for a revitalized multilateral system that accurately represents the current global landscape.
The UK government has restated its commitment to prioritize the reform of the United Nations and has expressed its support for India’s aspiration to obtain permanent membership in the influential Security Council.
India has played a leading role in the long-standing endeavours to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), asserting its rightful claim to a permanent seat within the United Nations.
At present, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) consists of five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US. Exclusive veto power over significant resolutions is granted solely to these permanent members.
The United Nations Security Council, as one of the primary organs of the United Nations, holds the responsibility of safeguarding global peace and security. Its key functions include recommending the acceptance of new members to the General Assembly and approving amendments to the UN Charter.
UK’s Support to India
During a conference at the Chatham House think tank in London, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly advocated for a revitalized multilateral system that accurately mirrors the contemporary global circumstances.
Highlighting the shifting global economic dynamics towards the Indo-Pacific region, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the need for multilateral institutions to adapt accordingly.
He outlined five key transnational priorities, including the reform of the United Nations Security Council, calling for the inclusion of permanent African representation and expanding membership to include India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan.
Why is this Change is Needed?
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the necessity for multilateral institutions to adjust to the changing global economic landscape, particularly the shift towards the Indo-Pacific region.
Cleverly outlined five primary transnational priorities, which encompassed the reform of the United Nations Security Council. He advocated for the integration of permanent African representation and the expansion of membership to incorporate India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan.
Among the key priorities outlined by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, he emphasized the importance of streamlining and expediting access to finance while maximizing its impact.
Cleverly also highlighted the urgent need for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish new regulations that are relevant to the contemporary digital economy, promoting trade policies that are transparent, fair, and devoid of manipulation or distortion.
Additionally, he underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing in enhancing problem-solving capabilities, mentioning his upcoming role as chair of the first-ever UN Security Council meeting on this matter and the UK Prime Minister’s plan to host an AI summit later this year.
Why India should become a permanent member of the UNSC
To begin with, India has emerged as a significant contributor of troops and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations. With a record of over 200,000 peacekeepers deployed as of 2021, India stands as one of the leading nations in terms of contributing personnel to the United Nations globally.
India has consistently demonstrated a firm commitment to championing the rights of women and children and has assumed a prominent role in the United Nations’ endeavours to combat violence directed towards women and girls.
One noteworthy aspect of the India-UN relationship is that India holds the position of being one of the major financial contributors to the United Nations. India annually contributes more than 40 million USD to support various activities of the UN, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid efforts, and the advancement of human rights.