Mr. President,
May I begin by welcoming the Report of the Security Council, introduced yesterday by Sir Emyr Jones Parry. I note that once again the report points at the increased workload of the Council. It is encouraging that, in spite of this, the Council has held a number of open meetings throughout the year. I strongly hope that this practice will continue and if possible be expanded.
Sweden, too, is a strong supporter of Security Council reform. We believe that as the world changes, so must the Security Council. It must be able to manage change in order to stay relevant, representative and efficient. Its composition must be adapted to mirror today's world and address today's global challenges. The debate on Security Council reform has been going on for over a decade. As we are approaching next year's important summit, it is high time to come to an agreement. If we fail now, we might have failed for a long time to come. Sweden is ready to take its responsibility.
Fortunately, this year, we have seen some progress in the debate. Much credit goes to the Secretary General who by establishing "The High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change", has been instrumental in creating today's political momentum.
We trust that the panel's recommendations in December will be concrete, creative and bold. They should provide us with the impetus enabling us to build consensus on the main reform of the Security Council, and paving the way for a formal decision at the next session of the General Assembly.
We should use this window of opportunity.
For many years, Sweden has taken an active part in the endeavours to reach consensus on far-reaching reform. We remain committed to this aim.
We believe that for the Security Council to fulfil its crucial role in our collective security system it must be legitimate and relevant. This could be achieved by enlarging the membership of the Security Council to make it more representative.
Since the adoption of the UN Charter, a limited number of countries across the globe have emerged as key political and economic powers. They should be given a role in the work of the Security Council which is commensurate to their importance. In addition, an enlarged Security Council must ensure the legitimate interests of small and medium-sized countries. As an option for the future, Sweden does not rule out a joint seat for the European Union.
An expansion of the Security Council should not be allowed to undermine its efficiency. A way to make the Council's work more effective would be to limit the use of the veto power. And the efforts to modernize the working procedures of the Security Council need to continue.
In December, we will find ourselves at yet another important juncture. This time, we cannot afford to fail.
Thank you, Mr. President.