Australia officially launched its campaign to be elected as one of the non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2029-30 term. Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, and Penny Wong, the Foreign Minister, outlined the country's priorities ahead of the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly.
Australia's request externalization
Albanese announced Australia's request for one of the two available non-permanent seats in the Western European and Others Group for the 2029-30 term on Sunday in New York. He said, "Australia has never stood on the sidelines. We have always played our role in building a safer and more peaceful world. Today we are launching our campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029-30. We will listen respectfully, engage as equal partners, and defend what is most important."
Read more: U.S. casualties in the war with Iran exceed Pentagon figures
Australia's active role in international security
Penny Wong also stated that as an active middle power, Australia intends to contribute to international security and peace. She said, "Australia is seeking a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029-30 term. As an active and ambitious middle power, Australia has a practical contribution to international security and peace. We will listen respectfully, engage as equal partners, and defend civilians and uphold the United Nations Charter."
The United Nations Security Council consists of 10 non-permanent members, with five seats elected each year. Australia and Finland are candidates from the Western European and Others Group for the 2029-30 term. The Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America and Caribbean groups will also have candidates for the available seats.
The election of non-permanent members for the 2029-30 term is expected to be held in 2028 through a secret ballot. The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council include the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Australia's announcement comes after India officially launched its campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term in July.
Read more: Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed three Palestinians · Australia finished the series 3-0 against Zimbabwe with a last-minute victory
