Denmark launches its bid for seat on the UN Security Council, 2025-26

In her opening remarks, her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary stated:

“Advancing peace, human rights, international law and social progress through partnership, dialogue, and mutual respect – this is the spirit of cooperation that brought Denmark to the UN in 1945 and ever since. And this is the spirit of cooperation that Denmark endeavours to bring to the Security Council in 2025-26.”

Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeppe Kofod, states:

“I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. With today’s launch, we initiate a campaign to secure Denmark a seat in the most powerful organ of the world. International cooperation is characterized by numerous crises these days, yet a seat in the Security Council remains one of the most important foreign policy platforms for a small country such as Denmark. We are running for a seat on the Security Council with a desire to serve as a bridge builder and be a strong voice for the international rules-based order. We want to do our part to contribute to international peace and security. And we are convinced that we can make a difference and help to make the UN even stronger.”

Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, Flemming Møller Mortensen, states:

“The global challenges of our time call for more international solidarity and cooperation. Denmark is widely recognized as a credible, responsible partner in multilateral cooperation. We are at the forefront of providing green solutions and work globally to address climate changes that cause hunger and force people to flee. We take global responsibility and have – as one of very few countries in the world – for more than 40 years lived up to the UN target of providing 0,7% of GNI in development assistance. Our long-standing engagement in addressing the root-causes of conflict and promoting peacebuilding provide us with a solid foundation for seeking a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Our dedicated efforts to make a difference for the people, who suffer from wars and conflict and are driven from their home, provide a solid foundation for our Security Council campaign. A seat on the Security Council will enable us to push for initiatives that promote peace and security. This is essential to solve the historic crisis of forced displacement, which has forced more than 100 million peoples to flee their homes.”

Background

The United Nations Security Council has 15 members, five of which are permanent and hold the right to veto – France, China, Russia, United Kingdom, and USA. The other ten members are elected for periods of two years.

It is the United Nations General Assembly, consisting of 193 Member States, which elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council. Election requires two-thirds of the votes cast. Elections for the period 2025-2026 are held in June 2024.

If elected, it will be the fifth time Denmark serves on the United Nations Security Council. Last time was in 2005-2006.

Contact:

 Pressevagten@um.dk