Distinguished Chair,

Germany fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by India on behalf of the Group of Four. Allow me to add a few additional points in my national capacity.

Germany firmly supports an improved regional representation of under- and unrepresented groups. We need a more inclusive Security Council with more regionally diverse voices at the table. This is a matter of justice and respect.

At the same time, we should give due consideration to all regional groups with a view to the Council’s expansion. Let me give you two reasons:

First, the G4 model is fully committed to enhancing the voice of underrepresented regions. Our model would introduce new seats for all regions in the Council, including from Africa, Latin America and Asia in the permanent category. WEOG’s relative share of seats would therefore actually decrease — a clear step toward redressing current imbalances.

Second, according to the UN Charter, election of Council members should pay due regard to the contribution of UN Members to the maintenance of international peace and security. European member states contribute over one-third of the UN's regular budget. This level of engagement underscores the continued relevance and legitimacy of their representation in a reformed Council.

Colleagues,

Rather than rejecting the aspirations of individual Member States or regional groups, we encourage to work towards a consolidated model — building on the concrete models already on the table.

In our view, it is crucial that the reform expands both categories of the Council, with the addition of new permanent members who are firmly committed to upholding and promoting a rules-based international order.

Security Council reform must not be a zero-sum game. We need a Council that reflects today’s world — one that ensures fair representation and thereby also strengthens the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN.

Thank you,