Australia to seek UN security council seat from 2029

Australia plans to nominate for a seat on the United Nations Security Council beginning in 2029, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday. This comes after launching a bid to secure one of the two available non-permanent seats for his nation's bloc. Albanese emphasized that Australia, which last held the council position from 2013 to 2015, could play a vital role in addressing global issues of significance to Australians if elected.

Speaking to reporters in New York during the UN General Assembly, Albanese expressed optimism about receiving strong backing from Pacific island nations and Southeast Asian countries. He further highlighted his existing strong relations with world leaders, which he believes would bolster Australia's bid. Nevertheless, a recent Newspoll conducted by The Australian newspaper, released on the same day, indicated that Albanese's approval rating at home had hit its lowest point since assuming office in 2022.

Albanese pointed out that pressing global challenges like rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the impacts of climate change would make it in Australia's best interest to participate in the UN Security Council. The UN Security Council comprises 10 non-permanent members, with five elected annually. Finland is currently the other contender vying for the 2029-30 seat from the Western European and Others Group. The Asia-Pacific, African, and Latin American and Caribbean blocs will also present their nominees.

The voting process for the selection of non-permanent members for the 2029-2030 term is anticipated to occur via a secret ballot in 2028. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom.