India, Brazil, and South Africa reiterated their commitment to expanding the UNSC membership to include developing countries during a meeting at the UN General Assembly. The ministers also discussed the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, underscored the importance of multilateralism, and pledged to strengthen efforts in combating poverty and hunger through the IBSA Fund.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India, Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, convened on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday. During their discussions, the IBSA ministers reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing an expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) membership to enhance representation for developing nations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This expansion pertains to both permanent and non-permanent memberships. In a statement shared on X, Minister Jaishankar remarked, “Attended a productive IBSA Foreign Minister’s meeting today alongside FM Mauro Vieira and FM @RonaldLamola. IBSA nations participate in and shape ongoing global discourses on development, SDGs, poverty eradication, multilateralism, and South-South cooperation. We share convergent views on reforms of UN system and of its Security Council. Our consultations should intensify as these debates acquire greater urgency.” The IBSA Forum uniquely comprises India, Brazil, and South Africa—three nations characterized by their developmental, pluralistic, multi-ethnic, and multicultural identities. The dialogue was formalized under the banner of the IBSA Dialogue Forum in 2003 when the foreign ministers convened in Brasilia. The joint statement released post-meeting emphasized the ministers’ renewed commitment towards expanding UNSC membership to reflect modern global realities, ensuring representation from developing countries. They proclaimed, “The Ministers renewed their commitment to work for the expansion of Security Council membership to include representation from developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, in both the permanent and non-permanent membership categories for achieving a reformed, representative, equitable, responsive and effective UN Security Council.” Additionally, these ministers expressed grave concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling for immediate escalation reduction and direct dialogue to foster peace. They evaluated mediation proposals aimed at resolving this conflict through diplomatic channels. The ministers also voiced deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Reflecting on the escalation of geopolitical tensions globally, they advocated for constructive dialogue and diplomacy as vital to conflict resolution and stressed the significance of reinforcing multilateralism and the principles set forth in the United Nations Charter. Moreover, a subsequent resolution included the commitment towards enhancing the IBSA Fund, which supports various international cooperation initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and hunger across 38 countries. The ministers reiterated an eagerness to combat global hunger and improve nutritional security collaboratively, observing that this constitutes a long-standing initiative of the IBSA grouping. In conclusion, the ministers voiced the urgent need for a revitalization of global governance mechanisms to address pressing global challenges more effectively and inclusively, endorsing the principles of accountability, transparency, and democracy in governance.
The meeting among the foreign ministers of India, Brazil, and South Africa, held at the UN General Assembly, serves as a pivotal moment for the IBSA Forum, aiming to discuss and reinforce their collective voice regarding global governance. This assembly occurs within the broader context of global reforms sought within core international bodies, specifically the United Nations Security Council, which remains a focal point for nations advocating for increased representation of developing countries. The dialogue reaffirms the commitment towards multilateralism, peace, and cooperation while responding to urgent regional conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The meeting among the IBSA ministers highlighted their unwavering commitment to expanding UNSC membership to foster representation from developing countries, addressing critical global issues such as regional conflicts and humanitarian needs. The pledge to enhance the IBSA Fund and strengthen multilateral cooperation exemplifies their dedication to collaborative efforts in tackling poverty and hunger, affirming their role in shaping a more represented and equitable global governance structure.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
