UN Security Council Adds Five New Members in 2025/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The UN General Assembly elected Bahrain, Colombia, Congo, Latvia, and Liberia to serve on the Security Council beginning January 2026. Latvia joins the council for the first time, while Liberia returns after more than six decades. The new members promise to tackle global conflicts, climate threats, and regional peace challenges.
UN Security Council 2025 Additions: Quick Looks
- Newly Elected Members: Bahrain, Colombia, Congo, Latvia, and Liberia will serve two-year terms starting January 2026.
- Latvia’s First Term: Latvia becomes a first-time member, representing the Baltic voice with a focus on Ukraine and global peace.
- Africa’s Voice Strengthened: Liberia and Congo vow to champion African priorities, from security to climate and resource-driven conflicts.
- Middle East Focus: Bahrain emphasizes a regional peace push, urging a ceasefire in Gaza and action toward a two-state solution.
- Global Peace Advocacy: Colombia calls for harmony with nature and unity through human rights, reflecting its peace-building values.
- Council Challenges: Persistent gridlock remains on Ukraine and Gaza due to vetoes by Russia and the U.S., frustrating reform advocates.
Deep Look: UN Security Council Welcomes Five New Members for 2025–2026 Term
The United Nations General Assembly has elected five new countries to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council, reaffirming its commitment to global representation amid ongoing calls for reform. Bahrain, Colombia, Congo, Latvia, and Liberia will begin their two-year terms in January 2026, taking over from Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia.
Latvia joins the Council for the first time, a milestone its Foreign Minister Baiba Braže called both a privilege and a duty. “Our historical experience puts us in the position to understand, empathize with, and forge partnerships across every region in the world,” she said, highlighting Latvia’s commitment to peace in Ukraine and other global hotspots.
Bahrain returns for its second term, with Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stressing the kingdom’s dedication to fostering peace in the Middle East. Citing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a regional keystone issue, he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, increased humanitarian aid, and steps toward a two-state solution.
Congo, set to begin its third term, emphasized Africa’s need for stronger representation on the world stage. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner said Congo will draw from decades of conflict management and insights into peacekeeping to help shape global security policy.
Liberia, which last served in 1961, marks a historic return to the Council. Deputy Foreign Minister Deweh Gray pledged to uphold Africa’s unified stance and promote action on conflict, climate change, and inequality. “Liberia’s vote is a vote for Africa,” she said.
Colombia’s Ambassador Leonor Zalabata also framed her country’s mission as one grounded in global cooperation. She emphasized a human rights approach and urged member states to pursue peace and environmental stewardship.
Despite the enthusiasm from the incoming members, the Security Council continues to face systemic gridlock. Veto powers exercised by the U.S. and Russia have paralyzed decision-making on major conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Efforts to reform the Council — particularly the absence of permanent representation for Africa and Latin America — have gained momentum but remain stalled.
Each year, five non-permanent seats rotate among U.N. regional blocs. While these members lack veto power, they hold influence in shaping Council debates and pushing for international action. With global crises escalating — from war to climate-driven displacement — the incoming members will face immense pressure to lead and cooperate.
Looking ahead, the Security Council’s new composition is expected to reflect a more diverse, reform-minded coalition, even as entrenched veto dynamics threaten its effectiveness. Whether these new members can shift the conversation remains to be seen, but their presence injects fresh energy and renewed urgency into the Council’s mission.
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