Arabic version: أستراليا تطلق حملتها لعضوية مجلس الأمن الدولي

According to ABC News, Australia has launched its campaign for a two-year non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029 and 2030. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is due to release a campaign video, brochure and kangaroo logo in New York as world leaders gather for this year’s UN General Assembly.

The campaign uses the banner, “We listen. We partner. We protect.” Mr Albanese said Australia played a pivotal role in the founding of the United Nations and understood the importance of small and mid-sized nations having their voices heard. He said Australia would seek to draw on its international reputation, online safety and technology regulation work, and climate-change leadership as this year’s COP31 president of negotiations.

Australia and Finland are the only nominees so far for two available non-permanent positions on the 15-member council. A secret ballot is scheduled for mid-2028. To win, a country must receive a two-thirds majority of UN General Assembly members, or at least 128 votes if all 193 members vote. Mr Albanese said Australia was in a “pretty strong position” and was well regarded internationally.

Australia last held a non-permanent Security Council seat in 2014, when it pushed for an international inquiry into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine. The council, responsible for maintaining international peace and security, has faced criticism over its handling of global crises, including because Russia and China hold veto rights alongside the other permanent members. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said a seat would allow Australia to advocate for a world governed by rules rather than force.