Finance
Five countries have begun to assume responsibilities as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council: Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.
Their two-year term officially began on January 1, but the Security Council’s first business day after the New Year holiday break is Tuesday, January 3, according to Xinhua.
On Tuesday, a flag installation ceremony was held to mark the beginning of their responsibilities. Kazakhstan initiated the ceremony in 2018.
The ceremony was presided over by Kazakhstan’s permanent representative, Akan Rakhmetullin, who expressed confidence that the five new council members will bring much depth and focus to the pressing issues of global peace and security.
“As we begin a new year, it is clear that the global situation continues to be marked by numerous challenges and crisis, from ongoing conflicts and humanitarian calamities to the negative impacts of climate change and the pandemic,” Rakhmetullin said.
Addressing these pressing issues requires the cooperation and solidarity of all UN member states, he said.
Before installing their respective national flags outside the Security Council Chamber, the permanent representatives of the five new council members delivered brief speeches.
India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, and Norway were replaced by the five countries.
The Security Council has five permanent members — the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China — and ten non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms. Every year, five non-permanent members are replaced.
As non-permanent members, Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates are halfway through their two-year terms.
Source:IANS
