Delivered By: Ms. Aysha Almenhali, First Secretary

Co-chairs,

The United Arab Emirates aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the Arab Group.

I once again congratulate Ambassador Albanai on his re-appointment and Ambassador Gregoire-van Haaren on her appointment to advance this important Member-State led process.

We welcome today’s opportunity to focus on regional representation with regard to the Asia-Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean regions, as well as cross-regional representation.

The membership of the United Nations has evolved significantly since the Council’s first and only expansion in 1965. At the same time, the global conflict map is unfortunately expanding, underscoring the need for broader and more inclusive representation on the Council – particularly from the Global South.

This evolution is evident in the Asia-Pacific region, which remains glaringly underrepresented relative to both the size of its membership and the number of consequential agenda items concerning the region. Since 1965, the Asia-Pacific Group has experienced a significant increase (of around 107%) in its membership, from 26 to 54 states.

There is also a clear need to enhance the representation of Latin America and the Caribbean, whose membership from 1965 to present has increased from 22 to 33 states (50% increase).

One cannot discuss regional representation without mentioning that special attention must be given to the legitimate aspirations of Africa, as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

With regard to cross-regional representation, there is a compelling case for increased Arab representation on the Council, grounded in clear and enduring realities. The considerations that led to the necessity of the Arab swing seat in 1967 to ensure a minimum Arab representation on the Council still exist today.

As the proportion of the Security Council’s agenda devoted to Arab-related situations has remained consistently high, members of the Arab Group have demonstrated a strong record of substantial contributions to international peace and security. Arab representation on the Council also remains the only established example of cross-regional representation, an arrangement which must be retained and enhanced in a reformed Council.

In conclusion, as we embark on another session of the Intergovernmental Negotiations, I hope that we will come closer than ever to our shared goal of a reformed, more representative, and more effective Security Council.

Thank you.