India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to expand UNSC membership to better represent developing countries during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. They addressed various global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and called for enhanced cooperation via the IBSA Fund to tackle poverty and food security globally.
During a meeting held on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Foreign Ministers of India, Brazil, and South Africa reconfirmed their dedication to expanding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) membership. This expansion aims to enhance representation for developing nations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America across both permanent and non-permanent membership categories. External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar, noted on social media that the meeting was productive, stressing the necessity for intensified consultation among IBSA nations regarding reforms of the UN and its Security Council amidst growing global dialogues on various socio-economic issues. The IBSA Forum, founded in 2003, stands as an essential grouping of these three developing, multicultural, and pluralistic nations. A joint statement issued post-meeting reflected the ministers’ shared commitment to achieving a Security Council that is more representative and effective, highlighting the aspirations of African nations for permanent UNSC seats and endorsing India and Brazil’s bids for permanent membership. In their discussions, the ministers voiced concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions and engage in direct dialogue to pave the way for peace. They further addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and compliance with international legal obligations, including adherence to UNSC resolutions. The group emphasized the urgent need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called upon those nations yet to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state to do so. The ministers also resolved to enhance the IBSA Fund, which supports projects aimed at poverty alleviation and hunger eradication. They underscored the significance of food security and nutrition on a global scale, expressing commitment to the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative under Brazil’s G20 presidency. In conclusion, the ministers acknowledged the escalating geopolitical tensions and reiterated the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in conflict resolution. They affirmed their shared belief in the necessity of revitalized multilateralism to meet the challenges of today’s global landscape, with a particular focus on implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
The meeting between the Foreign Ministers of India, Brazil, and South Africa, collectively known as IBSA, serves as a reaffirmation of their commitment to reforming the United Nations Security Council to better reflect contemporary global demographics and geopolitical realities. Established in 2003 to foster cooperation among these three emerging democracies, IBSA represents a collaborative effort among nations characterized by their rich cultural and ethnic diversity. The ministers’ collective stance highlights the challenges faced by developing nations within the existing global governance frameworks, particularly in multilateral institutions such as the United Nations.
The IBSA ministers’ meeting culminated in a strong reaffirmation of their commitment to UNSC expansion, emphasizing the necessity for greater representation of developing countries. Their discussions reflected a consensus on addressing pressing global issues, including conflict resolution and humanitarian crises, while advocating for enhanced collaboration through the IBSA Fund for poverty alleviation. Through dialogue and diplomacy, the group seeks to navigate the complexities of modern geopolitical tensions and to pursue a more inclusive and equitable global governance structure.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
