Mr. President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of the G4: Brazil, India, Japan and my own country, Germany.

Let me begin with words of optimism and appreciation. The UN membership shares the same recognition of the urgent need for an effective reform of the Security Council. And this shared commitment has the potential to create a new dynamic in our discussions, and we thank all partners for their constructive engagement.

An important milestone during last year’s session was the submission of the African Group’s model. We thank our African colleagues for their contribution. All models are now on the table. This means that there is no longer any reason to delay the work on a consolidated model and to finally begin with urgently needed text-based negotiations.

At the same time, we have experienced yet another year of very limited progress in the Intergovernmental Negotiations. This is so despite the clear mandate from the Pact for the Future, and despite broad support among the membership: 119 Member States have by now expressed support for expansion of the Council in both categories, permanent and non-permanent. However, this clear and ample majority is not yet reflected in the results of the IGN.

Mr. President,

The case for reform is compelling. The Council’s authority depends on its legitimacy, and its legitimacy depends on its representativeness. This is particularly true for all regions and groups which remain unrepresented or underrepresented in the permanent category – such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific. Also small island developing states deserve a stronger voice. And we also need to ensure that countries contributing significantly to the maintenance of peace and security, and to the other functions of the UN, are adequately represented on the Council.

After nearly two decades, we must finally achieve results. The G4 expects three things.

First, the process must reflect where the membership stands. The clear majority in favor of expansion in both categories should carry the corresponding weight in the Co-Chairs’ work.

Second, the next step should be the development and presentation of a consolidated model and it must be developed based on the models presented by Member States. It should also remain open and not prejudge any outcome. This document is an important preparatory work, but not an end point.

Third, we need a draft text this session, so that the long overdue negotiations can finally begin. The mere exchange and reiteration of views have clearly reached their limits. Insisting on exhausted working methods has not and will not allow us to narrow distances and identify compromises. As in any other UN processes, real negotiations can begin only when there is a text on the table. We call for a clear roadmap with a timeline.

And let me be clear on one point. The IGN is a Member States driven process. The idea of a bridging proposal before text-based negotiations is not a way forward. The proposed “fixed regional seats” is not a bridging proposal and should not be presented as one. It does not reflect the clear majority support for expansion in both categories and so does not bring positions closer together. We therefore do not support this idea, along with the conceptual discussions attached to it. The real bridge is to follow the mandate delegations have approved, leading to a draft text.

Mr. President,

The membership has made its position clear. The Pact for the Future gave us this mandate, approved at the highest level. We have all the elements in place to implement it. What is needed now is the political will to turn this into a consolidated model, leading to a draft text, then to negotiations, and finally to results. The G4 stands ready to continue doing its part.

I thank you.