UNSC ANNUAL OPEN DEBATE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF NOTE 507: WORKING METHODS OF THE UNSC
Statement by H.E Mr. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
14 November 2025
Thank you, President.
I thank Sierra Leone for convening this important debate.
Given we face more conflicts that at any time since World War II, it is imperative that the Council fulfils its mandate effectively – and it can only do so when the Council’s processes and procedures are fit for purpose and reflect contemporary realities.
Australia welcomes recent updates of Note 507, that emphasise transparency – particularly reporting on the use of the veto to the General Assembly in the Council’s annual report – and inclusivity – in particular, the value of meaningful participation by briefers and measures to ensure full, safe participation in Council deliberations.
And we welcome the increased emphasis on collaboration with civil society, regional organisations, and other United Nations bodies including ECOSOC, the General Assembly, UNESCO, and in particular, the Peacebuilding Commission.
But there remains work to be done:
First - significant delays in appointing the 2025 chairs of subsidiary bodies resulted in expert reports to sanctions committees remaining unpublished, delays or cancellations of regular briefings on the work of subsidiary bodies, and reports of the Secretary-General languishing without negotiated outcomes.
Similarly, delays in appointing penholders risks hampering the Council’s ability to fulfil its mandate.
We do not pretend there are easy solutions to these issues – but we urge the working group to add specificity and clarity to these processes as a first step.
Second – we need to make sure the United Nations as a whole, including the Security Council, helps the world solve the biggest problems of the day, delivering for the people who need it most.
As the United Nations as a whole faces budget reductions and a liquidity crisis, we urge the Council to consider how its working methods can facilitate regular assessments of its impact on the maintenance of international peace and security.
Third - we urge the Council to make greater use of the Peacebuilding Commission’s advisory role, particularly ahead of mandate renewals and in transition contexts, with a view to ensuring post-conflict transition planning can be integrated into Special Political and peace operations mandates.
Finally - I would like to touch briefly on the use of the veto, given that this is the main impediment to the Council’s ability to fully discharge its mandate.
The veto is a powerful instrument; its use must be transparent and restrained.
Australia’s opposition to the veto is longstanding, we have held this principled view since negotiations on the UN Charter decades ago.
We need a candid discussion amongst all Member States, in recognition of the fact that the future of the veto is central to progressing reforms and enhancing the Council’s efficiency and credibility.
To conclude, a credible and effective Security Council relies on fit for purpose working methods which reflect contemporary realities. Regular review and revision to working methods are essential to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
Australia wants a Council that is transparent, inclusive, representative and effective, and we look forward to working with all Member States to this end.
Thank you.