The UN Security Council (UNSC), tasked with maintaining international peace and security, is currently composed of five permanent members—namely the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia—and ten elected members. This structure, established in the aftermath of World War II, has come under scrutiny for its lack of representation, particularly for regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America. Notably, the permanent members wield veto power, which has led to a disproportionate influence over global affairs. The current composition means that the US, UK, and France represent less than 6% of the global population, while China and Russia account for over 19% [cb8423c5].
In contrast, India, which is recognized as the world's largest democracy and represents approximately 17.8% of the global population, remains without a permanent seat on the Security Council. This under-representation has sparked calls for a restructuring of the UNSC to enhance democratic representation and better reflect the current geopolitical landscape. Advocates argue that reform is essential for the Council to effectively address contemporary global challenges [cb8423c5].
The recent election of Pakistan, along with Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia, to the UNSC as non-permanent members has reignited discussions on the need for reform. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram, expressed optimism about the country's role in promoting international peace and security during its upcoming term starting January 1, 2024. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry also congratulated Pakistan on this achievement, highlighting the international community's confidence in Pakistan's contributions [9c7cdaee][145b361e].
The ongoing debate about the UNSC's structure emphasizes the necessity for a more democratic approach that includes broader representation from underrepresented regions. As the world evolves, the call for a revamped Security Council grows louder, reflecting the need for an institution that is more representative of the global population and capable of addressing the complexities of modern international relations [cb8423c5].