Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — BRICS leaders have reaffirmed their support for reform of the United Nations Security Council in the interests of developing countries and noted that no woman has ever been elected UN secretary-general. The statements were included in the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit marking the group’s 20th anniversary.
The declaration notes that, amid the ongoing selection process for a new UN secretary-general and taking into account relevant provisions of the UN Charter, only one representative from Latin America and the Caribbean and two representatives each from Africa and Asia have ever held the post. It also specifically notes that the position has never been held by a woman.
The declaration calls for more meaningful participation and representation of emerging markets and developing economies, as well as least developed countries, particularly from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, in global decision-making processes and structures.
BRICS called for fair geographical representation in the UN Secretariat and other international organizations, addressing the persistent underrepresentation of developing countries, including in senior and leadership positions. It also called for increasing the share of women at all levels of leadership in these institutions.
According to BRICS, the selection and appointment of heads of UN executive bodies and other senior positions should be based on the principles of transparency and inclusiveness and conducted in accordance with Article 101 of the UN Charter and the rule that senior positions in the UN system should not be monopolized by citizens of one state or group of states.
BRICS leaders also expressed regret over attempts by individual states to unilaterally undermine the work of multilateral institutions, including through the deliberate delay of assessed contributions.
Regarding reform of the UN Security Council, BRICS countries, referring to the 2022 Beijing Declaration and the 2023 Johannesburg Declaration II, reaffirmed their support for comprehensive reform of the body to make it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, while increasing the representation of developing countries.
The declaration states that Security Council reform should strengthen the voice of the Global South. It also recognizes the legitimate aspirations of African countries as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
The document separately notes that China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, have once again expressed support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a more significant role in the United Nations, including the Security Council.
