Joint Nordic Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations,
United Nations General Assembly
The Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on the Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters
21 January 2026

 




Your Excellencies, Co-Chairs,

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

Co-Chairs, thank you for convening this session today and for your efforts in guiding us all in this important work. As this is the first regular plenary IGN-meeting of the UNGA80, let me begin by again congratulating both of you upon your appointments as Co-Chairs of the IGN. And a special warm welcome to ambassador Gregoire-van Haaren, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Netherlands.

Co-Chairs, the Nordic countries would like to start out by underlining that, at the heart of our engagement on Security Council reform lies our unwavering commitment to the UN Charter and to international law. The UN Charter provides the foundation for multilateralism and collective action, setting out our shared principles that help navigate conflict and international cooperation. The Security Council is entrusted by all Member States in the Charter with primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security on our behalf, and the Nordics remain fully committed to advancing a Security Council that is more representative, legitimate, accountable, and above all, more effective in upholding the UN Charter and international law.

One and half years ago, through the Pact for the Future, we called for strengthened efforts to advance Security Council reform as a matter of priority and without delay. 

Turning to today’s focus on Latin America and Asia-Pacific representation on the Council, as well as on cross-regional representation, the Nordics have been and remain clear that we support a geographically balanced expansion of the Security Council from all regions to better reflect current global realities, and to ensure increased representation of developing countries. Ensuring representation through expansion is important as is amplifying voices that are currently underrepresented. Moreover, a more inclusive Council would strengthen its stability and legitimacy. 

The Nordics note that the Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions represent central actors in global governance and key partner in the development of multilateralism for the United Nations system and remain vital contributors to Global Security and Peace. The Nordics also support improving the participation of cross regional groups like small- and medium-sized states, including SIDS and others, in the work of the Security Council and remain open to how this could be implemented. Indeed, within the regions discussed today are a number of small states, whose challenges the Nordic countries can easily relate to.  

Let me make three main points: 

First, we must find ways to provide further opportunities for small states to participate in the decision-making process of the UN Security Council, by increasing opportunities for serving as elected members and for participating meaningfully in the work of the Council. The majority of UN Member States are small states – many of which are in the two regions in focus here today. To this extent we remain open to considering constructive proposals on how to enable cross-regional representation. 

Second, meaningful participation does not only mean a seat at the table. For small states in particular, fair, transparent, and inclusive working methods are critically important. 

Third, it is difficult to talk about expanding the Council without also considering the dilemmas around categories of membership and the veto. The Nordics remain committed to ensuring a transparent, accountable and effective Council. We must continue to consider the negative impact of the veto on the work of the Security Council - including on a future enlarged Council. The Nordics are focused on limiting, rather than expanding the use of the veto both now and in the context of comprehensive reform. 

Finally, Your Excellencies, in closing, please allow me to reiterate that the Nordic Countries continue to stand ready for constructive dialogue with all Member States and groups of States, particularly towards a consolidated model this session „in a spirit of cooperation, transparency, and collective resolve to advance meaningful progress on Security Council reform. “

Thank you.