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United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis on Wednesday said the existing composition of the UN Security Council does not mirror the contemporary geopolitical reality of the world and it needs reform. The statement was made by Francis at a media briefing after holding talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

 

The Security Council has progressively been unable to make decisions in recent years to bolster global peace and security, he added. Ambassador Francis, who is on a five-day visit to India, also strongly underlined the need for reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC). 

 

"The reform of the UN Security Council is essential," he said, adding the issue figured in his talks with Jaishankar as well.

 

India has been pressing for reform of the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council.

 

New Delhi has been particularly upset over the lack of meaningful movement forward in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform. India is a strong contender for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

 

At present, the UNSC comprises five permanent members and 10 non-permanent member countries which are elected for a two-year term by the General Assembly of the UN.

 

The five permanent members are Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States and these countries can veto any substantive resolution.

 

The UN General Assembly president also hailed India for making the African Union a full member of the G20.

 

"There is no doubt in anyone's mind that India's outreach to Africa particularly concerning its facilitating the membership of the African Union in the G20 demonstrates India's leadership in the international arena," Francis said.

 

"But more than that it demonstrated India's long-standing commitment to assist and facilitate development in the Global South," he added. Belonging to the diplomatic service of Trinidad and Tobago, Francis has announced his presidency priorities to include peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability.

 

The theme of his Presidency of the 78th UNGA is 'Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity'.