Biden throws weight behind UN Security Council reform, expansion

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden used his last address to the UN General Assembly to urge member states to support the expansion of the oft-deadlocked Security Council, saying it needs "new voices."

Addressing fellow global leaders at the UN's New York headquarters, Biden said the council, "like the UN itself, needs to go back to the job of making peace, of brokering deals to end wars and suffering."

"I want to get things done together. In order to do that, we must build a stronger, more effective and more inclusive United Nations," said Biden. "The UN needs to adapt and bring new voices and new perspectives. That's why we support reforming and expanding the membership of the UN Security Council."

The problems have grown increasingly acute in recent years as the Council has been unable to reach a consensus to address the world's most pressing crises. Permanent members, including the US, China and Russia, often use their veto power to block action.

The US has repeatedly done so as the Council has sought to address the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged Gaza Strip where Israel's war has led to more than 41,000 deaths, widespread hunger and the reemergence of diseases not seen in decades.

Russia and China have separately prevented the Council from addressing matters related to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as the Kremlin's war on Ukraine.

Aside from the trio of nations, the UK and France also wield veto power. Many nations agree that the Council needs to be overhauled, but significant differences about how that is to be accomplished have led to a stalemate in the process.​​​​​​​