Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
United Nations Security Council
Open Debate: Leadership for Peace
15 December 2025

Mr. President, excellencies, colleagues,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country Iceland.

We appreciate this timely opportunity to reflect on the future leadership of the United Nations and engage in a dialogue on Leadership for Peace as a turbulent year draws to a close.  We are also entering the first phase of the process to select and appoint the next Secretary-General, a rare process of joint activity between the General Assembly and this Security Council.

For eight decades, the United Nations has been the anchor of international cooperation. It has prevented wars, brokered peace, alleviated suffering, underpinned development and championed human rights and human dignity. This legacy reflects the collective commitment of Member States and the dedication of those entrusted with guiding the work of the United Nations.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to former Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for his valuable insights today, and to Secretary-General António Guterres for his tireless efforts towards reforming the UN to be better equipped to address today’s challenges. As we look toward the future, we do so with a respect for the experience and leadership of those who have guided the UN’s work, recognizing that their contributions continue to shape the path ahead.

President,

In order to continue to address the challenges we face today, we need to ensure that the future leadership of the UN is committed, responsive, diplomatic and courageous. We look to the next Secretary-General to firmly defend international law, including the UN Charter, and actively use their good offices directly or through special representatives to facilitate peaceful resolution of conflicts. We need a strong, independent and courageous SG who will make full use of the powers provided for in the Charter, to lead this organization into its next decade.

Article 99 empowers the Secretary-General to bring to the attention of this Council any matter which may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. The Secretary-General can and should use this tool proactively, especially when early warning may avert escalation.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General’s good offices remain vital in preventing and resolving disputes. As the Chief Administrative Officer, the Secretary-General can shape UN processes and procedures to strengthen early warning, improve coherence and ensure rapid action when peace is at risk. The next Secretary-General must lead a UN that is truly fit for peace.

For such leadership to be effective, it must be matched with the resolve of Member States. Our own leaders must show political will for multilateralism, honour our financial commitments, and trust and help our SG implement the solutions needed. In doing so, we strengthen not only the Office of the Secretary-General but the entire multilateral system upon which our shared future depends.

President,

We look forward to a more agile, efficient and streamlined UN through the UN80 process, making it fit for purpose for the next decades. The new Secretary-General will inherit a UN on the road to significant and effective reform. She will need to have the strength and determination to ensure full implementation of the UN80 Initiative in the years to come. The world needs a more agile, more effective and more efficient UN to deliver peace, development and human rights.

President,

The Nordic countries urge the Council, including Permanent Members, to uphold the highest standards of transparency and inclusivity throughout the process of selecting the next Secretary-General.

The informal dialogues in the General Assembly, including the meaningful engagement with civil society, have been instrumental in improving openness and should be safeguarded. We also strongly encourage this Council to increase the transparency of its own deliberations. All members of the General Assembly, who ultimately decide on the appointment, have the right to be fully informed.

We also underline the importance of geography and gender in the selection of the next Secretary-General. After eight decades, it is long overdue for a woman to lead the United Nations. 

I thank you.