Election of Non-Permanent Members to the UN Security Council (2019-2020)

On June 6, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly conducted elections to appoint five non-permanent members to the UN Security Council for the 2019-2020 term. The countries elected were Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Indonesia, and South Africa. These nations were chosen to serve alongside the five permanent members and other non-permanent members, contributing to international peace and security efforts.

Context and Background

The UN Security Council is composed of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The remaining ten seats are filled by non-permanent members elected for two-year terms, with five elected each year. These non-permanent members are chosen based on regional representation to ensure a balanced geographical distribution.

Regional Allocation

• Belgium and Germany were elected from the Western European and Others Group (WEOG).
• The Dominican Republic was elected from the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC).
• Indonesia was elected from the Asia-Pacific Group.
• South Africa was elected from the African Group.

Significance of the Election

• Belgium: This marked Belgium’s sixth term on the Security Council. Belgium aimed to focus on conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and the protection of civilians during its tenure.

• Dominican Republic: This was the first time the Dominican Republic was elected to the Security Council, highlighting its growing role in international diplomacy and regional leadership.

• Germany: With this election, Germany secured its sixth term. Germany emphasized its commitment to multilateralism, conflict resolution, and climate security.

• Indonesia: Indonesia’s election marked its fourth term. The country focused on issues such as counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and sustainable development.

• South Africa: This was South Africa’s third term. South Africa prioritized African issues, conflict resolution, and the promotion of human rights.

Broader Historical Significance

The election of these countries to the Security Council underscored the importance of diverse regional representation in addressing global challenges. Each member brought unique perspectives and priorities, contributing to the Council’s ability to respond to international crises and maintain global peace and security.

The participation of these nations also reflected their commitment to the principles of the United Nations and their willingness to engage in collaborative efforts to address complex global issues. The election process itself demonstrated the importance of diplomatic engagement and consensus-building within the international community.

Overall, the 2018 election of non-permanent members to the UN Security Council for the 2019-2020 term played a crucial role in shaping the Council’s agenda and actions during a period marked by significant geopolitical challenges.