Australia supports reform of UN Security Council

By Muhammet Nazim Tasci

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UN Security Council needs to be restructured to address current challenges, Australia's foreign minister said Wednesday.

At a G20 foreign ministers' meeting during this week’s UN General Assembly, Penny Wong said Australia supports a revitalized UN General Assembly and a stronger UN Peacebuilding Commission, also stressing the need to reform the UN Security Council to address contemporary challenges and enhance representation for Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Wong noted the growing global issues of displacement, hunger, and conflict risks, saying countries want a world governed by rules for peace and prosperity.

She called for the international system to evolve to better reflect the majority's realities.

Saying these reforms should not become a tool for "disruptors" to undermine the elements of the system that protect everyone, she stressed the importance of addressing the needs of all states, including small- and medium-sized countries, rather than just increasing the power of some nations.

Wong acknowledged calls for a stronger global financial architecture and stressed Australia’s efforts to support reforms that enhance sensitivity and transparency to global shocks, particularly for vulnerable countries.

She expressed concern over escalating conflicts and major power tensions, advocating open communication between the US and China and a renewed commitment to preventing conflicts and reducing the risks of crisis.

- ‘Lebanon should not become next Gaza’

While military forces are increasing worldwide, measures to limit military conflicts are not growing, said Wong.

"It is unacceptable for civilians to suffer in conflicts around the world. The world is demanding a cease-fire in Gaza. Aid must flow, hostages must be released, and Lebanon must not become the next Gaza," she added.

Emphasizing the need for collective action to maintain peace, Wong said: "Preventing conflicts that could lead to disaster is our shared responsibility."