Australia Launches campaign for two-year UN Security Council seat
Australia has officially launched its campaign for a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying Australia wants to play a greater role in addressing major global challenges.
Mr Albanese launched the campaign in New York during the UN General Assembly, where world leaders are gathering for the annual meeting.
Australia is campaigning under the banner “We listen. We partner. We protect” and plans to highlight its work on online safety, technology regulation and climate change.
The government says a seat on the Security Council would give Australia an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on emerging issues, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
Australia and Finland are currently the only countries nominated for the two available non-permanent positions for the 2029–2030 term.
The election will be held by secret ballot in mid-2028. A country needs support from at least two-thirds of UN General Assembly members to secure a seat.
Australia last served as a non-permanent Security Council member in 2013–14. During that term, it supported efforts for an international investigation into the MH17 disaster, which killed 298 people, including 38 Australians.
The 15-member Security Council is responsible for addressing threats to international peace and security. Five permanent members — the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom — hold veto powers.
Mr Albanese acknowledged that the council needs reform but said Australia should remain actively engaged in international affairs.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia’s campaign reflects its support for a rules-based international system and greater involvement by middle powers in global decision-making.
As part of the campaign, Mr Albanese also announced Siobhan McKenna as Australia’s next Consul-General in New York. She will take over from Heather Ridout, whose term ends in December.
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Source : ABC News
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