Latvia secures a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the first time.
Hittin' the UN Security Council for the First Time:
Latvia, along with four other countries - Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia - are set to shake things up as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the next two years, starting in 2026.
This historic election day for Latvia has been hailed by Foreign Minister Baiba Braze as a "momentous milestone" for her nation. These incoming members will join the existing non-permanent members - Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia - to maintain international peace and security, offering unique insights into various global issues.
While Latvia steps into uncharted territory as a first-time Security Council member, its allies have been here before. All other elected countries have previously served. As they take the reins from Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, come January 2026, they'll be ready to take on the responsibility of defending the rules-based international order.
The UN Security Council is the UN's primary body responsible for maintaining peace and security worldwide. Its 15 members, including the five permanent ones - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - wield veto power. Controversially, the veto has been used repeatedly by Russia to block resolutions relating to its actions in Ukraine. As a vocal critic of Russia, Latvia has consistently advocated for stronger Western support for Ukraine.
Among the numerous combat drones it has already delivered to Ukraine, Latvia sent a powerful 1,500 uavs recently. It has also called for the European Union to take firmer action against Russia, such as an EU-wide visa ban for Russian citizens.
When it comes to their roles and stances on Russia and Ukraine, each incoming member brings a unique perspective. For instance, as a fellow Baltic country and NATO ally, Latvia is expected to take a firm, pro-Western stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The other countries, such as Colombia and Bahrain, will likely favor more diplomatic solutions, supporting humanitarian efforts and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia, meanwhile, are likely to emphasize the importance of peacekeeping, protection of civilians, and multilateral solutions.
In summary, each of the five newly elected members of the UN Security Council will contribute distinctive viewpoints to the Council, working together to maintain international peace and security, address global crises, and uphold the principles of the rules-based international order.
- As new members of the UN Security Council, Latvia, along with Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia, will bring unique perspectives to the table, particularly on the Russian-Ukraine conflict, where Latvia is expected to advocate for a firm, pro-Western stance.
- In the context of general news and politics, these five incoming members of the UN Security Council are poised to discuss and address a variety of global issues, including maintaining international peace and security, global crises, and upholding the principles of the rules-based international order.
