Tension marks debate on United Nations Security Council Reform

Divergences between the United States and Myanmar marked the second session of the UNSC, which discusses changes to the Council’s structure and the veto power of the permanent members.

Por Ana Beatriz Teixeira - The Washington Post

07/11/2025

At the second session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) committee, held on November 7th, which debated Topic 1.1 — “Reform of the UNSC: Permanent members, non-permanent members, and the veto power” — discussions were notably marked by clear disagreements between the delegations of the United States and Myanmar.

The session opened with a proposal presented by the delegate of Myanmar, suggesting the expansion of an existing mechanism: the Consultative Status within the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The measure would allow independent non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to participate as observers in committee sessions, enabling them to be consulted during the debates.

However, the proposal faced initial resistance from the United States delegation, as they understood that the NGOs would take an active part in the discussions. In this context, such presence could go beyond the role of observation and interfere with the decision-making nature of the Council — whose restricted format is precisely intended to ensure objectivity and promptness in deliberations, unlike what occurs in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Amid interpretative disputes and diplomatic tension, Myanmar’ representative challenged the delegate of the U.S. by asking, “Is the United States trying to hide something?” The delegation claimed that United States of America reluctance might stem from concerns about opening the door to new regional representations and from its intent to preserve the veto power of permanent members.

Despite the disagreements, the United States delegation indicated a willingness to review other delegates’ working papers and to work toward a consensus on the committee’s first agenda item. The outcome of these negotiations is expected to unfold in the upcoming committee sessions over the next few days.