Australia is making a concerted effort to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2029-30 term. Australia has been elected to the council five times since its creation in 1946. Most recently, the country served a term from 2013-2014. Along with the policy changes, the country played an important role in addressing major global challenges. One of those major issues was the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
The successful campaign for re-election was launched in 2015 by then-Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. Now it is for new Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to carry that baton. At a recent United Nations event, he formally launched Australia’s bid and emphasized the UNSC’s essential role as a forum for all the world’s nations, especially the most vulnerable—not just the mighty.
Historical Context
Australia’s last unmuzzled term on the UNSC was distinguished by exceptional leadership. The country led the international community in security efforts. It raised attention to the transition of power in Afghanistan and brought attention to ongoing human rights violations in North Korea.
“For example, Australia led the Council in managing the security transition in Afghanistan and worked tirelessly to bring the appalling human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the Council,” – The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Australia led the way in drafting and negotiating a path–breaking UN General Assembly resolution on small arms and light weapons. This resolution was the first such resolution ever. This accomplishment has been described as “an absolutely enormous diplomatic achievement” by Professor Donald Rothwell, highlighting Australia’s capability and influence in international affairs.
Challenges Ahead
As Australia sets out on this ambitious campaign, it will need to pursue a serious diplomatic effort to clarify and sharpen its message. As a first step, the nation needs to flesh out what, in concrete terms, it hopes to accomplish if it’s successful in getting a UNSC seat. The UNSC consists of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Each of these members have veto power over council actions.
As Professor Rothwell points out, Australia’s campaign will essentially function as an election platform. He states, “It’s effectively an election platform, saying that if they’re successful, they would seek to use that mandate to advance certain agendas.” This approach requires Australia to delineate its priorities and strategies for contributing to global peace and security.
Bipartisan Support
Australia’s bid to return to the UNSC has received wide support from political parties across the aisle in support of Australia’s UNSC bid. New Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash have said they will continue to put Australia’s national interests first. They stated, “The Coalition will always back Australia’s national interest and we stand ready to work with the government in any way we can to help support Australia’s bid for a seat at the table.”
For Albanese, the UNSC is meaningful in its potential as a forum for middle powers and smaller nations. They should have their opportunity to make their voices heard. He remarked, “The United Nations is much more than an arena for the great powers to veto each other’s ambitions. This should be a forum for middle powers and small states alike to express —and realize —our ambitions.”
Australia’s last unsuccessful campaign for a UNSC seat cost around $25 million. This just highlights the monumental financial investment that would be required to undertake such a Herculean effort. As the country prepares for its next advocacy round, it has to put diplomacy first. Smart, strategic messaging can be as important to increasing its likelihood of success as any other component.
