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By ACMC Communications
Australia has been elected to serve as a non-permanent member on the United Nations Security Council for 2013 and 2014. Other countries elected include Luxembourg, South Korea, Argentina and Rwanda.
Australian Civil-Military Centre Executive Director, Alan Ryan said the win would involve new opportunities and challenges for the ACMC, with the Centre playing a part in supporting the UN Mission in New York over the next two years.
“The Centre has played a role in supporting Australia’s Security Council bid and we recognise and celebrate this enormous achievement,” Dr Ryan said.
“Working for our domestic stakeholders, the Centre will have a direct hand in helping to shape Australia’s input in dealing with some of the world’s most pressing security challenges – we are up for the challenge.”
The UN Security Council is at the core of the UN – it has primary responsibility in the global system for the maintenance of international peace and security. It also has the power to make decisions that are binding on all UN Member States and to authorise coercive measures including sanctions and the use of force.
This will be Australia’s fifth term on the Security Council since joining the UN as a founding member in 1945. Australia held the first Presidency of the Security Council in 1946. It has been 27 years since Australia last served on the Council in 1985-86.
Australia’s re-election to the Council for the 2013-14 term reflects Australia’s positive standing in global affairs and the significant contribution Australia makes to international peace and security.
Australia is the 12th largest contributor to the UN regular and peacekeeping budgets and has deployed 65,000 personnel to over 50 UN and other peace and security operations since 1947, including in East Timor, Solomon Islands and Bougainville.