STATEMENT BY DPR MARK SEAH, AT THE IGN OPEN DEBATE ON “SIZE OF AN ENLARGED SECURITY COUNCIL AND WORKING METHODS OF THE COUNCIL, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY", 9 MARCH 2023

Thank you, Co-Chairs

1 The scope of today’s debate is broad. If we can resolve the three broad areas of expansion, working methods, and the Council’s relationship with the General Assembly, we would have revamped the Council completely.

2 But before turning to these issues, allow me to express support for the Co-Chairs’ suggestions to (a) webcast the first segment of the IGN meetings and (b) establish a website to serve as a repository for statements, letters, decisions and other documents related to the IGN process. My delegation has previously said that we should have a single, consolidated IGN document to focus our attention on. We are of the view that the Co-Chairs’ suggestions build upon initiatives such as their Elements Paper and the 2015 Framework Document. Having a repository would help member states to refer to each other’s positions and engage these more substantively over time.  The repository would also be a useful resource for small delegations, such as mine.

Co-Chairs,

3 My delegation acknowledges that some may prefer to continue our discussions entirely in informal format. But it is our view that your suggestions achieve a good balance, by recording only the formal segments of IGN debates, while leaving us the flexibility to brainstorm and explore alternatives during the interactive sessions and informal-informals. 

Co-Chairs,

4 Allow me to now address briefly the three broad topics of today’s debate.

5 First, enlarging the Council is necessary, to reflect contemporary realities and the current membership of the UN. Singapore has long maintained our support for expanding both permanent and non-permanent categories, to ensure greater geographical representation and inclusivity. This is especially pertinent for under-represented regions, in particular the African Group, and under-represented groups such as small states, half of which have yet to serve on the Council. Reform should be in the interests of all, and not just large and medium-sized aspirants.   

6 As for the size of an enlarged Council, my delegation is open to considering all proposals, provided these do not undermine the Council’s effectiveness. We note the broad consensus in the Revised Co-Chairs’ Elements Paper that members should number in “the mid-20s, within an overall range of 21-27 seats”. However, we ought to first address the issues of “categories of membership” and “regional representation” before we can meaningfully discuss the size of an enlarged Council.

7 Second, my delegation believes that the Council’s working methods should be improved with a view to increase transparency and accountability. The debate over working methods is fundamentally a debate over transparency and accountability, particularly to non-members and to the General Assembly as a whole. To this end, we commend the Informal Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Questions chaired by Albania for adopting its first-ever annual programme of work and for including, for the first time, a set of indicators on the implementation of Note 507. We look forward to the full implementation of the recommendations in Note 507, to the formalization of the Council’s working methods, and to elected members playing a larger role within the Council, including on penholdership.

8 Last, the relationship between the GA and the Council should be one that enables non-Members to participate and have meaningful access to the Council’s work. We should recall that despite the Council’s primary responsibility in this area, the GA has a say, mandated in Art 11 of the UN Charter, on matters of international peace and security.  Article 15 of the Charter also gives the GA a mandate to consider the Council’s reports, including an account of the measures that the SC has taken to maintain international peace and security. These reports should be submitted in a timely manner and be more analytical. I would also like to commend the cooperation between the GA and Council that led to the transparent and timely nomination and open engagement of candidates to the post of Secretary-General in 2016.  We should work for further improvements.

9 I thank you.

.     .     .     .     .