IBSA Nations Reinforce Commitment to Expand UNSC Membership
In a meeting at the UN General Assembly, India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to UNSC expansion to include developing nations from their regions. The ministers emphasized cooperation on global challenges, including humanitarian issues in Gaza and the conflict in Ukraine, alongside enhancing the IBSA Fund for alleviating poverty and hunger.
During the recent 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India, along with Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, convened to reaffirm their commitment to enlarging the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The three ministers emphasized the importance of ensuring representation for developing nations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America within both permanent and non-permanent membership categories. Minister Jaishankar remarked on the productive nature of their discussions, stating, “Attended a productive IBSA Foreign Minister’s meeting today alongside FM Mauro Vieira and FM @RonaldLamola. IBSA nations participate in and shape ongoing global discourses on development, SDGs, poverty eradication, multilateralism, and South-South cooperation. We share convergent views on reforms of UN system and of its Security Council. Our consultations should intensify as these debates acquire greater urgency.” The grouping, known as the IBSA Dialogue Forum, was established in 2003 as a coalition of three pluralistic and diverse nations. Following the meeting, the ministers issued a joint statement reiterating their pledges to work towards an inclusive UNSC reflective of current global realities, supporting Africa’s rightful aspiration for permanent representation and expressing solidarity with Brazil’s and India’s pursuit of permanent seats. Moreover, they addressed global issues such as the conflict in Ukraine, calling for de-escalation and dialogue for peace. They expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and compliance with international law. Further discussions led to the commitment to enhance the IBSA Fund, which focuses on poverty alleviation and hunger eradication through South-South cooperation, highlighting the critical need for food security and global nutritional support. They also welcomed initiatives such as the Global Alliance against hunger and poverty under Brazil’s G20 presidency and stressed the importance of diplomatic dialogues to address geopolitical tensions and conflicts worldwide. Through their collaborative efforts, the IBSA ministers reiterated their commitment to the principles of multilateralism and the UN Charter, advocating for systemic reforms to meet the challenges of the 21st century effectively.
The International Brazil-South Africa-India Dialogue Forum, commonly known as IBSA, was established to foster cooperation among three emerging economies and to enhance their collective influence on global issues. The forum emphasizes shared interests in sustainability, social development, and multilateralism, positioning itself as an advocate for expanding representation at the United Nations, particularly in the Security Council. As developing nations face unique challenges in international governance, the issue of UNSC reform has gained prominence, particularly as it relates to equitable representation.
The IBSA ministers’ meeting underscored their collective commitment to the reform of the UNSC, advocating for the inclusion of developing countries and addressing pressing global issues such as humanitarian crises and geopolitical tensions. Their unified stance on expanding representation for Africa, Asia, and Latin America within the UN framework reflects a broader aspiration for a more equitable global governance system. The prioritization of poverty alleviation and food security further illustrates their dedication to fostering deeper South-South cooperation.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
