NEW YORK (GNP): The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday elected five countries to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council for a two-year term beginning 1 January 2027, filling seats vacated as Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia conclude their mandates at the close of 2026.
Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe secured their positions through a decisive first round of voting. Kyrgyzstan, however, required three additional rounds before prevailing over the Philippines to claim the seat allocated to the Asia-Pacific group, marking the Central Asian nation’s first-ever membership on the Council since it joined the United Nations in 1992.
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock presided over the ballot proceedings. In the Western European and Other States group, Portugal and Austria won their seats with 134 and 131 votes respectively, while Germany fell short with 104 votes. Trinidad and Tobago was returned unopposed from the Latin American and Caribbean Group, and Zimbabwe faced no rivals in the African Group contest.
Voices from the elected delegations
“Geopolitical confrontations are on the rise, while our common rules and norms face growing pressure. Austria has always stood by the principle that the rule of law must prevail over the logic of might.” Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Austria
“Security, stability, and peace are the foundations upon which any meaningful agenda for human rights and shared prosperity must be built. All pillars of the United Nations will guide our engagement.” Paulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Portugal
“For more than six decades, Trinidad and Tobago has championed human rights, upheld international law, and refused to remain silent in the face of injustice. On the Council, we will work to build consensus for sustainable peace.” Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago.
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“These are turbulent times, and Kyrgyzstan accepts the weight of that responsibility. We will work hand in hand with all our partners, European, Asian, Latin American, and African alike.” Jeenbek Moldokanovich Kulubayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kyrgyzstan
The five incoming members will join Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia, who continue their terms through the end of 2027, ensuring institutional continuity within the 15-member body.
The Security Council bears primary responsibility under the UN Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. Its non-permanent members are elected by the 193-nation General Assembly for two-year terms on a rotating regional basis.
