In a groundbreaking development, India’s push to include the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 during its presidency has ignited discussions on the need for comprehensive reforms within the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the significance of this move during the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) meeting on Security Council Reforms, asserting that it should serve as an inspiration for the UN to modernize its own structures.

India’s Ambassador Kamboj revealed that the African Union secured a permanent seat in the G20 at the New Delhi Summit in September. This strategic inclusion ensures that the Global South is now represented in a key institution responsible for global governance and decision-making.

During her address, Kamboj stressed that the UN, as an older organization, must draw inspiration from India’s initiative. Broad representation, she emphasized, is essential for both the effectiveness and credibility of global institutions. India firmly believes that the G20, with Africa’s full participation, becomes a more representative and relevant entity.

Looking ahead, Kamboj highlighted the upcoming Summit of the Future in September 2024 as a golden opportunity to reaffirm commitment to the UN Charter and conduct a comprehensive review focusing on various reforms, including those related to the Security Council as reported by Business Standard.

The UN has labelled the Summit of the Future as a once-in-a-generation chance to enhance global cooperation, address governance gaps, and strengthen the multilateral system. The urgency of Security Council reform was underscored during early discussions held by Kuwait and Austria, Co-Chairs of the IGN process, where India emphasized the need for a comprehensive and holistic approach.

Ambassador Kamboj warned against maintaining the status quo, asserting that global challenges demand concrete progress. She cited the unanimous calls for meaningful reforms from over 85 global leaders during the recent high-level UN General Assembly session. According to her, failure to make tangible progress on Security Council reform would be interpreted as an attempt to preserve an outdated system, impacting people worldwide grappling with both existing and emerging threats.

India’s longstanding efforts to reform the Security Council, reflecting the geopolitical realities of the 21st century, were emphasized. Kamboj insisted that as the world’s largest democracy, India will continue striving to amplify the voice of the Global South, advocating for immediate action on UNSC reform.

She cautioned against a piecemeal approach, asserting that expanding only in the non-permanent category would exacerbate existing disparities between permanent and non-permanent members. Inaction, Kamboj warned, could lead to the fading relevance of multilateral institutions, with real consequences for people worldwide.

As India continues to champion the cause of Security Council reform, the global community faces a crucial juncture in deciding the fate of the UN’s governance structures. The AU’s inclusion in the G20, driven by India’s initiative, serves as a catalyst for broader conversations on the need for a more representative and effective UN Security Council. The world watches as diplomats convene to address these pressing issues, recognizing the urgency of adapting to the realities of the 21st century.

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